17th & 18th century
Artemisia Gentileschi was a pioneering Italian painter of the Baroque era, celebrated for her vivid portrayals of dramatic scenes and strong female figures drawn from mythology, allegory, and the Bible. Born in Rome in 1593, Gentileschi broke through the gender barriers of her time to become one of the first women to achieve fame as an artist. Her early exposure to painting came through her father, Orazio Gentileschi, a follower of Caravaggio, whose influence is evident in Artemisia's use of chiaroscuro and realistic, emotional expression.
Gentileschi's artistry is particularly noted for its naturalism and the dynamic use of color, which she employed to convey depth and drama. Among her most renowned works are "Susanna and the Elders" (1610), showcasing her skill in portraying the vulnerability and dignity of its subject, and "Judith Slaying Holofernes" (c. 1614–1620), a vivid depiction of strength and determination, housed in the Uffizi Gallery. These works, along with others like "Judith and Her Maidservant" (1625) in the Detroit Institute of Arts, highlight her unique ability to present female subjects not just as objects of beauty, but as agents of power and action.
The complexity of Gentileschi's life, including her survival of rape by Agostino Tassi and the subsequent trial, has often overshadowed her artistic achievements. However, modern scholarship and exhibitions, such as those at the National Gallery in London, have reevaluated her contributions, positioning her as a significant figure in art history for both her mastery of Baroque painting techniques and her role in challenging the era's gender norms.
For art collectors and experts, Gentileschi's works are emblematic of the Baroque spirit and a testament to the resilience and talent of women artists in a male-dominated field. Her paintings are not only valuable for their aesthetic and historical significance but also for their inspirational narrative of overcoming personal and societal challenges.
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Caelius Aurelianus was a Greco-Roman physician and theorist of medicine, representative of the Methodist school, and author of treatises on medicine.
He is best known for his translation from Greek into Latin of Soranus of Ephesus' lost treatise On Acute and Chronic Diseases. The bilingual and intercultural nature of the text makes it an invaluable contribution to the study of Greco-Roman medicine.
Louis Jérôme Raussin was a French physician and bibliophile who lived in Reims.
Maître François was a French illustrator who worked in Paris in the 1460s-1480s.
The identity of Maître François as an artist is first mentioned in a letter written by Robert Gauguin in 1473. Most of the prestigious commissions from the court and leading ecclesiastical figures of the time were carried out in François' studio. In Paris in the second half of the fifteenth century, one can trace the predominant style of illumination by the works of Master Jean Rolin, Maître François, and Master Jacques de Besançon. Bibliophiles close to the royal court encouraged the work of miniaturists through private commissions. In particular, Jacques d'Armagnac owned six manuscripts of Maitre Francois and his entourage.
Boccaccio's De casibus virorum illustrium was very popular in the 15th century, where the author retells the fates and downfalls of famous personalities from the Bible, antiquity and medieval history, ending with Boccaccio's own contemporaries in 14th-century Florence. For a long time this book was even more famous and successful than Boccaccio's Decameron. The text was translated into French in 1409 for Jean, Duke de Berry, by his secretary Laurent Premieffe. And the illustrations for the book were later created in the workshop of the then respected Maître François.
Aert van der Neer was a Dutch painter of the Gilded Age.
Van der Neer is considered a pioneer of the night landscape because of his successful solutions to lighting issues in his works. He painted many pictures of winter landscapes, including nighttime fires.
Paul-Élie Ranson, a French painter and writer, emerged as a prominent figure in the late 19th century art scene. Born in Limoges, he was raised by his grandparents and father after his mother's demise during childbirth. Ranson's early artistic inclinations were nurtured with drawing lessons from his grandfather. His educational journey in the arts began at the École des Beaux-Arts Appliqués à l'Industrie and later continued at the Académie Julian in Paris.
Ranson was a pivotal member of "Les Nabis," a group instrumental in transitioning from Impressionism to modern art. Along with notable contemporaries like Paul Sérusier, Pierre Bonnard, and Maurice Denis, he helped establish an art movement that blended elements of Symbolism, Art Nouveau, and Japanese prints. Ranson's role extended beyond painting; he was actively involved in the Symbolist performances at the Théâtre d'Art and directed a notable performance of "Ubu Roi" by Alfred Jarry.
Ranson's artistic oeuvre is marked by a fascination with Theosophy, magic, and occultism, themes that increasingly influenced his work. His paintings often delved into mythology, witchcraft, and anti-clerical subjects. Some of his notable works include "Christ and Buddha" (1880), "Witches Around the Fire" (1891), and "The Blue Room" (circa 1900). These works exemplify his unique blend of thematic and stylistic elements, setting him apart from his contemporaries.
Tragically, Ranson's life was cut short by typhoid fever in 1909. However, his legacy continued through the Académie Ranson, founded by his friends in Les Nabis. This institution, managed initially by Ranson and later by his wife Marie, remained active until 1955, perpetuating his influence on future generations of artists.
For art collectors and experts, Ranson's work offers a unique window into the transitionary period of late 19th-century art, showcasing the interplay of traditional and emerging styles. His contributions to the Symbolist and Nabi movements are particularly noteworthy.
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William Shakespeare was a British poet and playwright and writer.
William's father, John Shakespeare, was a merchant and official in Stratford. There are reports that he was a sailor for a time before joining a theater company in London. Beginning in the 1590s, Shakespeare began writing plays, and in 1593 he published a poem, Venus and Adonis, which became popular. He dedicated it to the Duke of Southampton, who was a philanthropist and patron of talent, and soon his business was booming.
From 1592 to 1600 Shakespeare wrote his dramas and romantic comedies "Richard III", "The Taming of the Shrew", "Romeo and Juliet", "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and "The Merchant of Venice", as well as the comedies "Much Ado About Nothing", "Twelfth Night" and the tragedy "Julius Caesar". The playwright's business was so successful that he even bought a large house in Stratford. In 1599, Shakespeare became one of the owners, playwright and actor of the new theater "Globe". In 1603 King James took Shakespeare's troupe under his direct patronage. In the mature period, the great playwright turned to tragedies, there were "Hamlet", "Othello", "King Lear", "Macbeth" and others.
Although in the 19th century researchers had some doubts about the authorship of many of these works, William Shakespeare is considered the greatest English playwright, one of the best playwrights in the world. His plays have been translated into all major languages and to this day form the basis of the world theatrical repertoire, most of them have been screened many times. According to the Guinness Book of Records, Shakespeare remains the world's best-selling playwright, and his plays and poems have sold more than 4 billion copies in the nearly 400 years since his death.
Johannes Kepler was a German mathematician and astronomer who discovered that the Earth and planets move around the Sun in elliptical orbits.
Kepler created the three fundamental laws of planetary motion. He also did seminal work in optics and geometry, calculated the most accurate astronomical tables, and made many inventions and discoveries in physics on which further scientific discoveries by advanced scientists were based.
Bartolomeo Cesi was an Italian painter and draftsman of the Bolognese School. He made easel paintings as well as frescoes. He is known mainly for his religious paintings but he also painted portraits and mythological scenes.
Michiel Jansz. van Mierevelt was a Dutch portrait painter of the Golden Age.
Michiel Jansz. van Mierevelt studied painting in Utrecht and soon became a recognized master of portraiture. He also painted on historical and mythological subjects.
Leonhard Euler was the greatest mathematician of the 18th century and history in general.
Euler brilliantly graduated from the University of Basel and entered the St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences, then began to work at the Berlin Academy, and later to lead it. In 1766, the scientist received an invitation from the Russian Empress Catherine II and again came to St. Petersburg to continue his scientific work.
Here he published about 470 works in a wide variety of fields. One of them is a large-scale work "Mechanics" - an in-depth study of this science, including celestial mechanics. Euler by that time was practically blind, but continued to be actively engaged in science, in the records he was helped by his son Johann Albrecht and stenographers. Leonhard Euler made many fundamental discoveries that brought great benefit to mankind.
His massive contribution to the development of mathematics, mechanics, physics and astronomy cannot be overestimated, and his knowledge in the most diverse branches of science is admirable. During his lifetime, he published more than 850 works that contain in-depth studies of botany, chemistry, medicine, ancient languages, and music. Euler held membership in many academies of science around the world.
Leonhard Euler was the greatest mathematician of the 18th century and history in general.
Euler brilliantly graduated from the University of Basel and entered the St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences, then began to work at the Berlin Academy, and later to lead it. In 1766, the scientist received an invitation from the Russian Empress Catherine II and again came to St. Petersburg to continue his scientific work.
Here he published about 470 works in a wide variety of fields. One of them is a large-scale work "Mechanics" - an in-depth study of this science, including celestial mechanics. Euler by that time was practically blind, but continued to be actively engaged in science, in the records he was helped by his son Johann Albrecht and stenographers. Leonhard Euler made many fundamental discoveries that brought great benefit to mankind.
His massive contribution to the development of mathematics, mechanics, physics and astronomy cannot be overestimated, and his knowledge in the most diverse branches of science is admirable. During his lifetime, he published more than 850 works that contain in-depth studies of botany, chemistry, medicine, ancient languages, and music. Euler held membership in many academies of science around the world.
John Donne was a British preacher and poet, a major exponent of English Baroque literature.
His father was a wealthy merchant, and he was educated at Oxford, Cambridge, and Lincoln's Inn. Then began to write satires, which were willingly passed from hand to hand. The first three of Donne's famous satires date from 1593, and the others were written at various times before 1601. In 1594 he began his travels in Europe, accompanied the Earl of Essex on the capture of Cadiz in 1596 and on the expedition of 1597, and was in Italy and Spain.
In 1601. John Donne wrote his remarkable poem "The Progress of the Soul", in 1610 published his prose work against Catholics "Pseudo-Martyr", and in 1611. - an even harsher polemical treatise, Ignatius in Conclave. John Donne was also the author of many sonnets, love poems, elegies, epigrams, and religious sermons.
In 1621 John Donne was appointed rector of St. Paul's Cathedral in London, and near the end of his life he became a popular eloquent preacher whose sermons were eagerly printed and published. 160 of his sermons have survived, including the most famous, Death's Duel, which he delivered in Whitehall before King Charles I on February 25, 1631, a few weeks before his own death.
François Girardon was a French sculptor of the Louis XIV style or French Baroque, best known for his statues and busts of Louis XIV and for his statuary in the gardens of the Palace of Versailles.
André-Charles Boulle, a French artist and cabinetmaker, was celebrated for his mastery in marquetry, a decorative technique involving inlaid veneers of wood, metal, and tortoiseshell. Born in Paris in 1642, Boulle's work defined luxury and sophistication in 17th and 18th-century French furniture, earning him the title of "Premier ébéniste du Roi" under Louis XIV. His contributions to art and culture extend beyond mere craftsmanship, embodying the opulence of the Louis XIV style and influencing European decorative arts profoundly.
Boulle's innovative techniques, particularly his unique use of marquetry, known as "Boulle work," involved intricate patterns of brass, pewter, and tortoiseshell, setting new standards for furniture design. This approach allowed him to create stunning visual effects, with his creations including clocks, cabinets, and tables that showcased both artistic flair and technical brilliance. His work, characterized by elaborate motifs and an exceptional blend of materials, is regarded as the epitome of Baroque artistry, blending sculpture, painting, and architecture into functional objects of beauty.
Several of Boulle's masterpieces are preserved in prestigious museums, such as the Louvre and the Palace of Versailles, where they continue to captivate visitors with their intricate details and historical significance. Notable works attributed to him, like the intricate coffers on stands and monumental cabinets housed in the J. Paul Getty Museum, reflect his role as a "painter in wood," celebrating French military victories and the grandeur of the Sun King's court. These pieces, never signed but attributed to him based on stylistic elements and historical records, highlight Boulle's innovative use of materials and his impact on the decorative arts.
For collectors and experts in art and antiques, André-Charles Boulle's work represents the zenith of French decorative arts. His legacy is not only in the beauty of his creations but also in the techniques he perfected, which continue to inspire contemporary designers and craftsmen. Those interested in the elegance and history of Boulle's work are encouraged to sign up for updates on new product sales and auction events related to this iconic artist. This subscription offers a unique opportunity to connect with the world of André-Charles Boulle, ensuring enthusiasts are informed of the latest discoveries and offerings that celebrate his enduring influence on culture, art, and design.
Anne Vallayer-Coster was a renowned French artist, celebrated for her exceptional still-life paintings that captivated 18th-century art enthusiasts, including the French Queen Marie Antoinette. Born into an artistic family in 1744, Vallayer-Coster's talent was evident early on, leading to her unanimous election into the prestigious Académie Royale at just 26 years old. Her works, characterized by their vibrant color, meticulous detail, and textural precision, often depicted bowls of fruit, game, shells, and flowers, showcasing the opulence of French aristocracy before the Revolution.
Vallayer-Coster's career was notable not only for her artistic achievements but also for her ability to navigate the male-dominated art world of her time. Despite the societal constraints on women artists, she gained the patronage of influential figures like Marie Antoinette and was one of the few women admitted to the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture. Her work received critical acclaim at the Salon, where she exhibited regularly from 1771 until 1817, and her still-lifes were praised for their sensuality, illusionistic perfection, and the rich, indulgent luxury they portrayed.
One of Vallayer-Coster's most ambitious works, Still Life with Flowers in an Alabaster Vase and Fruit (1783), exemplifies her unparalleled skill in capturing the soft textures of flowers and their harmonious arrangement. This masterpiece was hailed as such at the Salon of 1783 and is considered by Vallayer-Coster herself as her finest painting. Lost for nearly two centuries, it was recently rediscovered in an almost pristine state and is now part of the National Gallery of Art's collection, highlighting Vallayer-Coster's significant contributions to European art history.
Throughout her career, Vallayer-Coster produced more than 120 still lifes, always with a distinctive brilliance in color, earning her a place among the elite artists of her time. Despite facing challenges during the French Revolution due to her close association with the monarchy, she continued to exhibit her work and contribute to the art world until her death in 1818.
For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Anne Vallayer-Coster's legacy is a testament to her skill, resilience, and the impact of her work on the history of art. To stay updated on new product sales and auction events related to Anne Vallayer-Coster, sign up for updates that focus solely on this exceptional artist's contributions to the art world.
Publius Vergilius Maro, usually called Virgil or Vergil, was an ancient Roman poet of the Augustan period. He composed three of the most famous poems in Latin literature: the Eclogues (or Bucolics), the Georgics, and the epic Aeneid. A number of minor poems, collected in the Appendix Vergiliana, were attributed to him in ancient times, but modern scholars consider his authorship of these poems as dubious.
Virgil's work has had wide and deep influence on Western literature, most notably Dante's Divine Comedy, in which Virgil appears as the author's guide through Hell and Purgatory.
Virgil has been traditionally ranked as one of Rome's greatest poets. His Aeneid is also considered a national epic of ancient Rome, a title held since composition.
