new leipzig school
Peter Paul Rubens was a distinguished Flemish Baroque painter, renowned for his dynamic, vibrant, and sensuous paintings. Born on June 28, 1577, in Siegen, Westphalia, Germany, Rubens' family moved back to Antwerp in the Spanish Netherlands (now Belgium) after his father's death. He was raised in his mother’s Roman Catholic faith and received a classical education. He began his artistic training in 1591 and later traveled to Italy, where he was profoundly influenced by Renaissance masters like Titian, Tintoretto, and Veronese. This experience significantly shaped his artistic style.
Rubens' art is celebrated for its emphasis on movement, color, and sensuality. He was particularly skilled in depicting religious and mythological scenes, portraits, and landscapes. Some of his notable works include "The Descent from the Cross" and "The Raising of the Cross," which are prime examples of Baroque religious art, showcasing his unique style that blended influences from Italian Renaissance and his own innovations.
Rubens was not just a painter but also a diplomat, serving at various European courts. He was knighted by both Philip IV of Spain and Charles I of England. His diplomatic missions often intertwined with his artistic endeavors, as seen during his travels to Spain and Italy. In addition to painting, he was involved in designing tapestries, prints, and book title-pages. He ran a large workshop in Antwerp, producing works that were popular with nobility and art collectors across Europe. His studio was in his home, the Rubenshuis, now a museum.
His influence extended to his students, notably Anthony van Dyck, and his collaborative works with other artists like Jan Brueghel the Elder. Rubens' work continued to be celebrated for its vitality and influence on the Baroque style, making him one of the most influential artists of his time.
For those interested in the work and life of Peter Paul Rubens, many of his works can be found in museums and galleries worldwide, including the National Gallery in London, which houses several of his paintings like "A View of Het Steen in the Early Morning" and "Minerva protects Pax from Mars ('Peace and War')".
To stay updated on new product sales, auction events, and more related to Peter Paul Rubens, sign up for our updates. We provide essential information tailored for collectors and experts in art and antiques, focusing on the magnificent work of Rubens and his enduring legacy in the world of art.
Henri Joseph Harpignies was a French landscape painter of the Barbizon school.
Giovanni di Ser Giovanni Guidi, more famously known as Scheggia, was an Italian painter whose contributions to the arts during the Renaissance period have carved him a distinct niche in art history. Born in Italy, Scheggia was a craftsman of narrative and decorative painting, specializing in altarpieces, cassone panels, and birth trays, which were popular in Florentine culture for their intricate storytelling and detailed artistry.
Scheggia is perhaps best known for his lively and detailed panels that graced the fronts of marriage chests, known as cassoni. These pieces were celebrated for their vivid depictions of allegorical and mythological scenes, showcasing Scheggia's skillful use of color and composition to bring tales to life. His work not only adorned the homes of the wealthy but also served as a testament to the rich cultural and artistic fervor of Renaissance Florence.
One of Scheggia's most notable works, the "Madonna of Humility with Angels," showcases his ability to blend divine and earthly realms in a harmonious composition that speaks volumes of his mastery over form and space. This, among other works by Scheggia, can be admired in museums across Italy, offering a glimpse into the vibrant Renaissance art scene.
For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Giovanni di Ser Giovanni Guidi represents an intriguing exploration into the less-trodden paths of Renaissance art. His paintings are a celebration of the era's innovative spirit, offering insights into the everyday lives, cultural practices, and artistic achievements of the time.
To delve deeper into the world of Renaissance art and uncover the gems of Giovanni di Ser Giovanni Guidi's legacy, signing up for updates is an essential step. This subscription ensures that enthusiasts and collectors are the first to know about new discoveries, exhibitions, and auction events related to Scheggia's work, providing exclusive opportunities to enrich their appreciation and collections of Renaissance art.
Emanuel Leutze was an American and German painter of the mid-nineteenth century. He is known as a painter who worked in the historical genre and is considered a representative of the Düsseldorf School of painting.
Emanuel Leutze was born in Germany and moved to America at the age of nine. He received his art education in Philadelphia, then, returning to Germany, at the Düsseldorf Academy of Fine Arts. His most famous painting, "Washington Crossing the Delaware," was painted in his native country, with views of the Delaware River taken from Rhenish landscapes. Returning to the United States in 1859, the artist decorated the Washington Capitol with his historical paintings. His work is highly regarded in America for its patriotic orientation.
In Germany, Leutze was one of the founders of the Association of Artists "Malkasten", the Association of German Artists, headed the Union of Mutual Aid of Düsseldorf artists.
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.
Quentin Matsys (Dutch: Quinten Matsijs), a Flemish painter born around 1466 in Leuven, is recognized as a pivotal figure in the Early Netherlandish tradition and a founder of the Antwerp school of painting. His initial training as an ironsmith in his father's workshop lent a unique craftsmanship to his artistic endeavors. Matsys' works, which often contained religious themes and satirical elements, were instrumental in the transition from medieval to Renaissance art in northern Europe.
Matsys' early works exhibit the influence of Hans Memling, and later, his exposure to Italian Renaissance artists, especially Leonardo da Vinci, is evident in his refined technique. This amalgamation of Northern European and Italian influences resulted in a distinctive style that earned him the reputation as the leading painter in Antwerp during the early 16th century.
Today, Matsys' masterpieces are housed in prestigious institutions like the National Gallery in London, serving as a testament to his enduring legacy. His contributions to the art world resonate with collectors and historians alike, who admire his innovative blend of technical skill and evocative expression.
