Jean-Honoré Fragonard was born on April 4, 1732 in France. He was a painter and printmaker of the rococo era, and so not surprisingly his vibrant work throbbed with a whimsical, erotic tone. The Swing, perhaps Fragonard’s most well-known and beloved masterpiece, is considered one of … Continue readingThe Swing by Jean-Honoré Fragonard
Even if you don’t know anything about art history, chances are you’ve at least heard the name Renaissance. That’s because it’s one of the most pivotal times in all history, bringing forth some of the greatest artists (and other people of consequence) of all time. Today … Continue readingThe Ascension of Saint John the Evangelist
John La Farge was born on March 31, 1835 in New York City. He was a man of many talents, including painting, writing, and stained glass. La Farge had a special interest in Japanese art, which influenced his own style. He was a popular mural … Continue readingStudy of Afterglow from Nature by John La Farge
Vincent van Gogh was born on March 30, 1853 in the Netherlands. He was a Post-Impressionist painter, one of western art’s most famous and influential figures. His work shaped much of the modern art we now see. Van Gogh painted a variety of subjects, including … Continue readingStarry Night by Vincent van Gogh
Bartolomeo was born as Baccio della Porta on March 28, 1472. He is one of the High Renaissance’s most well known artists, specializing in religious subjects. He was from Italy, and he spent many years of his life as a Dominican friar. He was friends … Continue readingChrist with the Four Evangelists by Bartolomeo
Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld was born on March 26, 1794 in Leipzig. He was a painter of the Nazarene movement, which was led by Germanic Christian painters in the Romantic style seeking to bring their faith alive through their art. (This is different from the … Continue readingRuth in Boaz’s Field by Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld
William Morris was born on March 24, 1834 in Walthamstow, Essex, England. He possessed a wide range of skills, from textile designing, poetry, novel writing, translating, to even being a social activist. His writing had a big part to play in establishing what we now recognize … Continue readingThe Vision of the Holy Grail to Sir Galahad, Sir Bors, and Sir Perceval by William Morris
Anthony van Dyck was born on March 22, 1599 in Antwerp. He was an artist of the Baroque era. He was successful in Italy, Flanders, and England, and became one of the most prominent court painters in England. Thus most of his work is made … Continue readingDaedalus and Icarus by Anthony van Dyck
Today we’re off to Paris to visit the chapel of Sainte Chapelle! As my favorite art history professor once encouraged in her sage travel advice, “If you ever go to Paris and visit Sainte Chapelle, try and find an excuse to be in a wheelchair, … Continue readingSainte Chapelle
Edward Poynter was born on March 20, 1836 in Paris, but he was an English painter, draughtsman, and designer. His parents were in France for only a short while over the time he was born. Poynter held the positions of professor, principal, president, and director … Continue readingCorner of the Marketplace by Edward Poynter