Gerard van Honthorst was a Dutch artist born on November 4, 1592. He was known for paintings set in the darkness and lit with a brilliant light. This approach created a strong contrast in value within his paintings, making them dramatic and eye-catching. The technique … Continue readingMusical Group on a Balcony by Gerard van Honthorst
Annibale Carracci was one of the most influential painters in the Baroque era. His art was resonant with lively scenes and believable interactions between his characters–dramatic, but still relatable. He was less formal than other artists of his time and style. He was inspired by … Continue readingMadonna and Child with Saint John by Annibale Carracci
Emile Bayard was born on November 2, 1837 in France. He is best known for his illustration of Cosette for Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables, shown above. He started publishing cartoons when he was just fifteen, and he worked for magazines for many years before moving into illustrating … Continue readingCosette by Emile Bayard
Johannes Vermeer is the creator of what are perhaps some of the most recognized paintings today. He was born on October 31, 1632 in the Dutch Republic. His focus in painting was middle-class life, and his work is known for his use of light. As … Continue readingGirl with a Pearl Earring by Johannes Vermeer
Andrei Ryabushkin was a Russian painter born on October 29, 1861. He painted 17th century Russia, particularly focusing on the everyday lives of the people there. Unfortunately, because of this, his paintings weren’t widely accepted. The people wanted something more “beautiful,” more dramatic with more … Continue readingTea-Drinking by Andrei Ryabushkin
Eugène Fromentin was a French artist, although he is mostly known for being a writer. He was born on October 24, 1820. He wrote about art, particularly critiquing the Masters. His perspective was unique since he himself was an artist; his comments had a personal … Continue readingThe Simoun by Eugène Fromentin
Domenichino was born on October 21, 1581 in Bologna, Italy as Domenico Zampieri, but due to his stature (or lack thereof), he’s been known as Domenichino ever since. (It means “Little Domenico.”) In addition to his lack of height, he’s famous for being a Baroque painter. Domenichino … Continue readingThe Sacrifice of Isaac by Domenichino
Aelbert Cuyp was a Dutch painter of landscapes, born on October 20, 1620. His whole family was one of artists, Aelbert the most famous among them. He was particularly inspired by his father, Jacob. Cuyp’s landscapes were often set in the gentle light of early … Continue readingThe Maas at Dordrecht by Aelbert Cuyp
Luca Giordano was born on October 18, 1634 in Naples. He was a Baroque painter and printmaker sometimes jokingly called “Luca fa presto,” which means “Luca paints quickly.” He was known for the vibrant color in his work, and as is evidenced by the paintings featured … Continue readingDream of Solomon by Luca Giordano
Childe Hassam was an American impressionist painter born on October 17, 1859. He received little formal training, but he did extensive traveling nationally and abroad in order to study the masters. He lived in France for a time so that he could take lessons, but … Continue readingThe Avenue in the Rain by Childe Hassam