Art History Blog Posts
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 the subject of Day 14 in our Advent series. “I, Sandro, painted this picture at the end of the year 1500
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
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
I also have the analysis of Albrecht Dürer‘s engraving, Saint Jerome in His Study, at the end of this post in a video format. If
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
The Resurrection of Christ by Raphael is part of a Lent Devotional Series available for download. The Background of the Resurrection Painting Rafaello Sanzio of Urbino:
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
Vision After the Sermon
This is Paul Gauguin’s painting called Vision After the Sermon. Gauguin was a post-impressionist French painter who painted this work in 1888. Heavily influenced by
Dürer’s Rhinoceros: Where Science and Imagination Meet
We’ve examined how the description of a Rhinoceros came to Dürer in this post, now we will move on to the actual print of Dürer’s Rhinoceros,
Meet Genda, The Rhinoceros Behind Durer’s Famous Print.
In 1515 an Indian rhinoceros was gifted by Sultan Muzafar II of Gujarat to the governor of Portuguese India. Genda, the rhino, had been living
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
Would a Prayer Nut Help You Keep Your New Year’s Resolution?
I’m fascinated by some of the ‘miniatures’ in art, like the incredible details in manuscripts, or the shading and realism of a woodcut. Another astounding
Bartolome Esteban Murillo’s Adoration of the Shepherds
Welcome to our 25th day of art on Nativity. This work is by Bartolome Esteban Murillo, a Spanish Baroque painter who spent his entire career
Rembrandt’s Dream of Saint Joseph
An angel of the Lord to Joseph in a dream and said, ‘Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and
Are an Ox, a Rooster, And a Peacock the Perfect Image of the Nativity?
Welcome to day 23. A man of many names Tintoretto started out as Jacopo Comin, or Jacopo Robusti but came to be known as Tintoretto
Caravaggio’s Nativity with St. Francis and St. Lawrence
Welcome to day 22. Today’s painting is famous, not just because it is by a master, but because it is on the FBI’s 10 Top
Pieter Bruegel the Elder The Census at Bethlehem
Welcome to Day 21 I love this painting. I’ve been running short on time, and hope to come back to this soon to add some
El Greco’s Annunciation
Welcome to day 20 and El Greco. The burning bush seen by Moses The prophet in the wilderness The fire inside it was aflame But
The Annunciation by Titian
Welcome to day 19. And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
Matthias Grunwald, The Annunciation from the Isenheim Altarpiece
Welcome to day 18. Matthias Grunewald was a contemporary of Albrecht Durer. Both men were important Northern Renaissance painters, both became embroiled in the turbulent
The Holy Family by Michelangelo
This painting was done by Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni, or Michelangelo. One of the greatest artist in history, he was a master sculptor, painter, and
Giorgione’s Adoration of the Shepherds
Welcome to day 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him,
Albrecht Durer and woodcuts of the Nativity
Welcome to day 15. Albrecht Durer is one of my favorite artists, I really love his woodcuts and engravings. Communicating complexity with nothing but lines,
The Portinari Altarpiece by Hugo Van Der Goes
Welcome to day 13. Hugo Van Der Goes is recognized as one of the most original and bold of the Netherlandish painters. Born in or
The Annunciation with Two Donors by Filippo Lippi
Welcome to Day 12 The Holy Spirit will come upon you, the power of the Highest hover over you; Therefore, the child you bring to
Jan Van Eyck’s The Annunciation, The Hidden Meanings.
Welcome to day 11. for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed
Roger Van Der Weyden’s The Visitation
Welcome to Day 10. We return to the North to look at the work of a student of Robert Campin (we covered Campin on Day 8).
Donatello’s The Annunciation
Welcome to day 9. I’m excited that today we get to examine a work by one of the esteemed Ninja Turtles… Donatello. Born Donato di
Fra Angelico’s The Annunciation in the Cortona Altarpiece
Today we meet Fra Angelico. An early Italian Renaissance painter who was also a Dominican friar. When he joined the order, he changed his name
The Limbourg Brother’s Book of Hours
And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear
Simone Martini’s The Annunciation
In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of
The Duccio Maesta Altarpiece Nativity
The Duccio Maesta Altarpiece Nativity is the subject of day 4 of our tour of Nativity art. For unto us a child is born, unto
Giotto Arena Chapel Nativity
The Giotto Arena Chapel Nativity is the subject for day 3 on our Advent in Art Series. And so it was, that, while they were
Mosaic in the Chora Church, Turkey
Welcome to day 2. If you wish to read other post in this series you can find the links here. As the posts go live
Nicola Pisano Nativity Panel in the Baptistry in Pisa.
The work we will be considering is the Nativity panel in the Baptistry in Pisa from a pulpit designed and sculpted by Nicola Pisano completed