Michelangelo’s Bacchus
Michelangelo’s Bacchus was executed early in the artist celebrated career (1496-1497). The Bacchus is a captivating and complex portrayal of the god of wine, fertility, and revelry. As one of the artist’s few large-scale works dedicated to a purely pagan subject, the work offers a crucial look at his emerging mastery of form and anatomy […]
Botticelli’s “Birth of Venus”
Sandro Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus” is more than just a beautiful painting; it’s a cultural icon, a symbol of beauty, love, and rebirth. Emerging from the sea on a giant scallop shell, Venus, the Roman goddess of love, is a vision of ethereal grace. However, beneath the surface of this seemingly simple image lies […]
Rubens’ Feast in the House of Simon the Pharisee
Rubens’ Feast in the House of Simon the Pharisee is credited to two artists, and is a compelling piece of Baroque art. This work tells the story of Christ joining the religious leaders of his day for a meal, when they are interrupted by a woman who comes in to wash and anoint Jesus feet. […]
Michelangelo’s Isaiah
Michelangelo’s Isaiah is one of the iconic prophets from the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Known during his lifetime as the Divine One, Michelangelo Buonarroti, was a High Renaissance Italian artist whose career spanned 70 years, The history of the Sistine Chapel is a long and complicated one that has resulted in a depository for […]
Michelangelo’s Sistine Ceiling: Uncovering Its Message
Michelangelo’s Sistine Ceiling astounds with its beauty and complex theological messaging. In this post we will be exploring the meanings behind the various elements of the ceiling and how they all come together to support a common theme of reconciliation. I’ve already written about the drama and challenges Michelangelo faced when he was forced […]
Michelangelo’s Sistine Ceiling, The Backstory
Michelangelo’s Sistine Ceiling is considered one of the greatest art cycles to ever be created. Ironically, the backstory to the Sistine ceiling reveals that the commission was meant to tarnish, if not ruin, Michelangelo’s reputation. His rivals did not foresee that Michelangelo’s genius and pride would push him to create a work that gained him […]
Teaching Botticelli’s Venus and Mars
Teaching Botticelli’s Venus and Mars, a lighthearted painting perfect Valentine’s Day study. It’s a fun way to incorporate art history into your February homeschool plan? This painting has fun details that are sure to delight a curious child, and in this post I’m going to give a quick lesson plan including a hands on exercise. […]
Tintoretto’s Christ Washing the Disciples Feet
Tintoretto’s “Christ Washing the Disciples’ Feet” is a captivating masterpiece that transports viewers into the heart of a biblical scene. A favorite theme of the prolific Venetian master Tintoretto returned to this powerful scene at least six times, each exploring different facets of the narrative. Among these varied interpretations, the version discussed here is the […]
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 let’s get started. Botticelli’s paintings of mythological stories are among his most famous. Botticelli’s Venus and Mars is telling the story of the illicit love affair between Venus and Mars. […]
Tintoretto’s The Adoration of the Shepherds
Tintoretto’s, The Adoration of the Shepherds provides the viewer with a unique portrayal of the familiar nativity story. Skillfully using light, and the distinctive architecture of a two story barn, Tintoretto connects the iconography of the Nativity with that of the Last Supper. Providing multiple examples of food, drink and nourishment, Tintoretto links our physical […]
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 realm than the earthly, Titian alters the traditional Renaissance envisioning of the story. Who was Titian The Venetian master, Titian was born Tiziano Vecelli. He was an Italian Renaissance painter […]
Michelangelo’s The Holy Family
Michelangelo’s The Holy Family portrays an intimate moment on a round panel, or tondo, encased in an elaborate, original frame. The work, often referred to as the Doni Tondo, was completed just before Michelangelo began the Sistine Chapel ceiling and gives hints of his movement toward Mannerism. The painting shows a progression of time—from […]
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 paints Christ as the Eucharist and Mary as the Altar. Surrounded by the evocative landscape we have the shepherd’s arriving to worship the baby Jesus and learn from Mary. As […]