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Agostino Ramelli was an Italian military engineer and mechanic who worked in the fields of fortification and practical mechanics.
Ramelli studied mathematics, mechanics, and engineering under Giacomo di Marignano, who is considered a disciple of Leonardo da Vinci. He first showed his talents as a mechanic during Louis XIII's military campaign by constructing a mine under a bastion.
Ramelli invented many mechanisms that impressed his contemporaries, including their special aesthetic appeal. His most popular creation is the so-called Ramelli Book Wheel, a rotating reading table. Agostino Ramelli positioned his invention as a sleek design that allowed access to several books without having to get up from his seat.
Ramelli wrote and illustrated a book of engineering projects, Le various et artificiose machine ("Various and Artificial Machines"). The book contains 195 designs, over 100 of which are water-lifting machines, such as water pumps or wells, as well as bridges, mills, and so on. This very interesting book for our contemporaries is still published and is still in demand.
Arthur Kampf was a German painter. He was associated with the Düsseldorf school of painting.
Kampf's work is most strongly associated with the genre of traditional history painting, though throughout his lifetime he explored styles influenced by Impressionism and Art Nouveau. He was also celebrated for large scale portrait work and in particular children's portraiture. Kampf also worked extensively as an illustrator, contributing drawings to volumes by Shakespeare (1925), R. Herzog, History of Prussia (1913) and J.W. Goethe, Faust (1925). Kampf's artwork post World War II largely focused on religious themes.
Lawrence Alma-Tadema was a Dutch-British artist renowned for his detailed and romanticized portrayals of ancient civilizations, particularly Rome and Egypt. His meticulous attention to historical accuracy and the lavish representation of marble and luxurious settings distinguished his work. Notably, his fascination with ancient cultures was sparked by his honeymoon visit to Italy and Pompeii, influencing his artistic focus for decades.
Lawrence Alma-Tadema's early work, such as "The Education of the Children of Clovis," showcased his interest in historical subjects and established his reputation. This painting, alongside others like "The Sad Father," demonstrates his commitment to historical detail and narrative depth.
After moving to England due to the Franco-Prussian War and personal reasons, Lawrence Alma-Tadema's career flourished. His works, characterized by their bright palette and refined details, resonated with Victorian audiences, earning him considerable fame and financial success. He was knighted in 1899 and continued to be a pivotal figure in Victorian art, influencing peers and future generations alike.
Lawrence Alma-Tadema's legacy experienced a decline posthumously but saw a resurgence in the 1970s. Today, he is celebrated for his contributions to the Neoclassical and Victorian art movements, with his works featured in prominent collections worldwide, including the Getty Museum and the Tate Gallery.
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Emil Nolde, a German-Danish artist, stands out as a pivotal figure in the Expressionist movement, celebrated for his vibrant use of color and dynamic brushwork. Born on August 7, 1867, Nolde was initially self-taught, developing a style that later became synonymous with expressive use of color and form. His early work included religious themes and landscapes, characterized by their emotional intensity and innovative color palette. Nolde's contributions to art were not limited to painting; he also excelled in printmaking, creating a significant body of work that includes etchings, woodcuts, and lithographs.
One of Nolde's most noteworthy periods was his time spent on the Baltic Sea island of Alsen from 1903 to 1916, where he produced seascapes that captured the natural world's dynamic essence. His painting "Meer Bei Alsen" (Sea Off Alsen) is a testament to this period, showcasing his ability to convey movement and emotion through color. Furthermore, Nolde's fascination with religious and mythological themes is evident in works like "Dance Around the Golden Calf," where he employs vivid colors and expressive figures to explore complex narratives.
Despite his artistic achievements, Nolde's life was not without controversy. During the Nazi regime, his work was labeled "degenerate," and he faced significant professional and personal challenges. Nonetheless, Nolde continued to create, producing a series of watercolors known as the "Unpainted Pictures" during this time. After World War II, Nolde's reputation was rehabilitated, and he was once again celebrated as a leading figure in modern art.
Nolde's legacy is preserved at the Nolde Foundation Seebüll, a museum dedicated to his life and work, established in the year of his death, 1956. His influence on the field of modern art, particularly within Expressionism, is undeniable, with his bold approach to color and form inspiring subsequent generations of artists.
For art collectors and experts, Nolde's work offers a compelling study in the evolution of modern art, reflecting the tumultuous times he lived through and his unyielding dedication to artistic expression. His ability to capture the essence of his subjects, from the natural beauty of the sea to the depths of human emotion, makes his work a valuable addition to any collection.
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