Art History Blog Posts
El Greco’s Cleansing of the Temple
El Greco’s Cleansing of the Temple (1600) is a cautionary work, admonishing the Church to remember that money, power, and politics can be corrupting influences,
Caravaggio’s The Seven Works of Mercy
Carravagio’s, The Seven Works of Mercy is an oil painting that was completed in 1607. The work shows a set of compassionate acts that humans
Gauguin’s Vision After the Sermon
Paul Gauguin’s painting, Vision After the Sermon, is a work about the struggle of temptation, the pain of love, and the conflict of the artist.
New Lecture Series on Jacques Louis David
I have a new online lecture series coming in October on Jacques Louis David. A complicated painter whose work and politics proved pivotal in the
Lent Devotional: Raphael’s Transfiguration
This Lent Devotional focuses on Raphael’s Transfiguration. Just follow the link to find an analysis of the painting and a contemplation on the spiritual implications of the
Lent Devotional: Assereto’s Christ Healing the Blind Man
This Lent Devotional focuses on Assereto’s Christ Healing the Blind Man. Just follow the link to find an analysis of the painting and a contemplation
Lent Devotional: Duccio’s, Temptation of Christ
This Lent Devotional features Duccio’s Temptation of Christ. When you follow the link (highlighted text), you will find both an analysis of the work, and
Lent Devotional: Rembrandt’s Storm On The Sea Of Galilee
This Lent Devotional is focused on the Storm on the Sea of Galilee, and can serve as a vehicle for many to experience an inspiring
Sandro Botticelli’s Mystic Nativity
Botticelli’s Mystic Nativity is as beautiful as it is mysterious. With this work we venture into the realm of speculation and conjecture. I hope you
Teaching Botticelli’s Venus and Mars
Looking for a fun way to incorporate art history into your February homeschool plan? Teaching Botticelli’s lighthearted painting of Venus and Mars is the perfect
Hidden Meanings in Robert Campin’s Merode Altarpiece
The Hidden Meanings of the Merode Altarpiece by Campin Robert Campin’s Annunciation triptych, the Merode Altarpiece, is full of hidden symbols meant to lead the
The Backstory of the Merode Altarpiece Robert Campin
The Merode Altarpiece,by Robert Campin, is an annunciation triptych full of symbolic meaning, that was intended to lead the faithful into deep contemplation of the
Italian Renaissance Art, An Overview
Renaissance Renaissance is a French term meaning ‘rebirth’ and is used to describe a period of extensive cultural achievements that spanned the 15th to 17th
Introducing Children to Art and Art History
Art and art history have been a part of our school life from the time my boys were toddlers, both producing art and enjoying works
Get Your Museum On…
Summer, beaches, baseball, museums…yes, museums. It is a great time to take the family to the museum. We have made two museum trips so far
Saint Jerome in His Study by Albrecht Dürer
Saint Jerome in His Study by Albrecht Durer is a spiritual reflection on a life well lived. Who is Durer Dürer is often referred to
The Conversation That Is Art: An Introduction to the Study of Art History
The study of art history starts with examining tools. Every discipline has its tools. Writer’s craft with words to stimulate the senses, rouse the emotions,
Video – The Conversation That Is Art
Check out the video below “Conversations in Art” and the full article here on the Blog: The Conversation That Is Art: An Introduction to the
Video – Nativity Panel by Nicola Pisano at the Pisa Baptistery
Originally I shared the story of the Nativity Panel of the Pisa Baptistery pulpit in a blog, you can read it here, but decided to
Video – The Horrors of War by Peter Paul Reubens
I’m converting several of my blog post into videos, and here is one of the first. Peter Paul Rubens’, The Consequences of War, or the
Raphael The Resurrection of Christ
Raphael’s work, The Resurrection, is Who was Raphael The Resurrection is the only work of Raphael in the Southern Hemisphere, currently held at the Sao
Video – Anastasis in the Chora Church
Holy Saturday, Silent Saturday, either way today is a day of expectant waiting, at least it is for us as we know that Easter is
Good Friday ‘Dead Jesus Day’ Meditation
My son, Levi, when he was little was confused by the term Good Friday and insisted we rename the day ‘Dead Jesus Day’. The concept
“Christ Washing the Disciples’ Feet” – Tintoretto
Christ Washing the Disciples’ Feet was a favorite theme of the artist Tintoretto. He painted at least 6 versions of this famous Bible scene and
Betrayal of Jesus by Giotto aka The Kiss of Judas
This painting by Giotto – Betrayal of Jesus is appropriate for Holy Wednesday, also known as Spy Wednesday (Good Wednesday and Holy and Great Wednesday).
Fra Angelico The Mocking of Christ
Fra Angelico the Mocking of Christ is a compelling vision of the suffering of Jesus. I’ve been anxiously waiting to get to this painting in
The Consequences of War -Peter Paul Rubens
The Consequences of War, (or sometimes The Horrors of War) is an impressive painting by Peter Paul Rubens. The work was painted in response to
Anthony Van Dyck – The Triumphal Entry
Welcome to the 2nd Video in the Lent Devotional. If you have tried to purchase the devotional series and have run into technical difficulties, I
Lent – Penitence and Preparation
Although many Christian traditions no longer observe Lent, I’ve found preparing for the celebration of Easter deepens the experience. Combining my research in art with
Frames and Pedestals, They Matter!
Our first impression of a piece of art is greatly influenced by how the work is displayed and by what surrounds it. Making the effort
Botticelli’s Venus and Mars Explained
Botticelli’s Venus and Mars is both beautiful and humorous. Mischievous satyrs, clear bright colors, hidden symbols, and missing legs all deserve a closer look so
Dürer’s Rhinoceros Print, Part 2
Albrecht Durer’s Rhinoceros print is a woodcut that is part scientifically accurate and part charming fantasy. We’ve examined how the description of a Rhinoceros came
Durer’s Rhinoceros Print, Meet Genda
Albrecht Durer’s Rhinoceros is one of the most famous prints to ever be made. The print is based on the real life rhinoceros, Genda. Here
Let a Child Lead You
Color in art is…complicated. While working on writing a clear, somewhat comprehensive article on the subject for my curriculum, I’ve struggled far more than seems
Color Crash Course – Part 1
Quick color crash course. Color is one of the foundations of art, and so we need a basic understanding of color theory. For thousands of
Entering The Conversation That Is Art
Every discipline has it’s tools. Writer’s craft with words to stimulate the senses, rouse the emotions, and spark our ideas. Construction workers use tools to
Bruegel Resists, A Painting With Many Stories to Tell.
Pieter Bruegel the Elder was a Flemish Northern Renaissance painter who lived from 1525 to 1569, dying when he was 44. Of his children, two
Prayer Nuts
A prayer nut is a Gothic, miniature sculpture contained inside of a sphere of boxwood. Prayer nuts were all the rage during the 1500’s, and
Murillo’s Adoration of the Shepherds
Bartolome Esteban Murillo’s work, Adoration of the Shepherds, brings to life the phrase, “the people who walk in darkness will see a great light.” Creating
Rembrandt’s Dream of Saint Joseph
Rembrandt’s Dream of Saint Joseph emphasizes Joseph’s connection to the Joseph of the Old Testament, and to his role as the Saint of Hidden Things.
Tintoretto’s Nativity
Tintoretto’s, Nativity provides the viewer with a unique portrayal of the familiar nativity story. Skillfully using light, and the distinctive architecture of a two story
Caravaggio’s Nativity with St. Francis and St. Lawrence
Caravaggio’s Nativity with St. Francis and St. Lawrence is famous, not just because it is a masterpiece but because it is on the FBI’s 10
Pieter Bruegel the Elder, The Census at Bethlehem
Pieter Bruegel the Elder’s, Census at Bethlehem, shifts the Biblical story into the political and physical world of 16th century Netherlands. One of the first snow
El Greco’s Annunciation
El Greco’s Annunciation was painted late in the artists career when his style had fully developed. Combining the exaggerated colors and figures of the Mannerists
The Annunciation by Titian
The Annunciation by Titian is one of the artist later works displaying his innovative loose brushstrokes and dramatic lighting. Containing more of the heavenly
Matthias Grunewald, The Annunciation from the Isenheim Altarpiece
Grunewald’s Annunciation Panel on the Isenheim Altarpiece was painted to give comfort in a hospital that could offer little hope. With his mystic, emotional style,
The Holy Family by Michelangelo
The Doni Tondo by Michelangelo portrays an intimate moment of the Holy Family done on a round panel and encased in an elaborate frame. The
Giorgione’s Adoration of the Shepherds
Giorgione’s Adoration of the Shepherds exemplifies the distinctives of this Venetian artist. In this work his penchant for enigmatic themes is fully expressed as he
Albrecht Dürer Nativity Woodcuts
Albrecht Dürer’s Nativity Woodcuts Albrecht Dürer’s Nativity Woodcuts communicate complexity with nothing but lines, and it is astounding. Realistically representing space, emotion, perspective, with nothing
The Portinari Altarpiece by Hugo Van Der Goes
Hugo Van Der Goes’ Portinari Altarpiece, was shocking when first revealed to the public. The unprecedented portrayal of the shepherd’s amazed viewers and emphasized Van
Filippo Lippi’s The Annunciation with Two Donors
Filippo Lippi’s Annunciation with Two Donors Filippo Lippi’s, Annunciation with Two Donors, is a beautiful Renaissance work that brings together the iconography of the nativity
Jan Van Eyck’s The Annunciation, The Hidden Meanings.
Jan Van Eyck’s Annunciation, is a work that shimmers with a luminous clarity, infusing spiritual meaning into every small detail. Van Eyck is true to
Rogier Van Der Weyden’s The Visitation
Rogier Van Der Weyden’s, The Visitation Roger Van Der Weyden’s, The Visitation, explores the story of Mary’s visit with her cousin Elizabeth. Today we will
Donatello’s The Annunciation
Donatello’s Annunciation Donatello’s Annunciation is the focus of today’s post. I’m excited that today we get to examine a work by one of the esteemed
Fra Angelico’s The Annunciation in the Cortona Altarpiece
Fra Angelico’s Annunciation Fra Angelico’s Annunciation in the Cortona Altarpiece is probably my favorite of the many Annunciation works. Beautiful, and filled with symbolism, the
The Limbourg Brother’s Book of Hours
The Limbourg Brother’s Book of Hours Today we journey into the Limbourg Brother’s Book of Hours, or the wonderful world of illuminated manuscripts. These manuscripts
Simone Martini’s The Annunciation
Simone Martini’s Annunciation Simone Martini’s Annunciation is a wonderful example of Gothic art. We’ve explored Duccio’s, ‘Maesta’, earlier in this series, Martini is one of
The Duccio Maesta Altarpiece Nativity
The Duccio Maesta Altarpiece Nativity is the subject of our tour of Nativity art. You can view this post in video form on my YouTube
Giotto Arena Chapel Nativity
The Giotto Arena Chapel Nativity is the subject for day 3 on our Advent in Art Series. Background of the Giotto Arena Chapel In a
Mosaic in the Chora Church
A mosaic in the Chora Church will be the focus of todays advent art. The mosaics and frescoes of the Chora Church are some of
Nicola Pisano Nativity Panel in the Baptistry in Pisa.
Background on the Pisano Nativity Panel The Piazza dei Miracoli The work we will be considering is the Nativity panel in the Baptistry in Pisa