august witte
Kurt Hermann Eduard Karl Julius Schwitters was a German artist who was born in Hanover, Germany.
Schwitters worked in several genres and media, including dadaism, constructivism, surrealism, poetry, sound, painting, sculpture, graphic design, typography, and what came to be known as installation art. He is most famous for his collages, called Merz Pictures.
Caspar van Wittel, also known as Gaspare Vanvitelli in Italy, was a pioneering Dutch painter who significantly contributed to the art of topographical painting, known as "vedute," during his long career in Rome. Born in Amersfoort, the Dutch Republic, around 1652 or 1653, van Wittel moved to Italy, where he spent most of his life, becoming a key figure in transforming topography into a painterly specialization in Italian art.
Caspar van Wittel's work is distinguished by its meticulous depiction of urban landscapes, capturing the architectural beauty and atmospheric qualities of cities like Rome, Florence, Venice, and Naples with a remarkable level of detail and accuracy. He is credited with influencing the vedute genre in Italian art, predating and possibly inspiring the Venetian painter Canaletto, one of the most famous vedutisti.
His paintings, such as the grand canvas of Piazza Navona, Rome, showcase his innovative approach to cityscape painting, focusing on the modern city rather than the remnants of classical antiquity. This work highlights significant architectural projects and provides insight into the urban development of Rome during that period.
Caspar van Wittel's contributions to art were celebrated in the exhibition "MAESTRO VAN WITTEL - Dutch master of the Italian cityscape" at Kunsthal KAdE, showcasing a comprehensive collection of his paintings and drawings from various international collections.
For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Caspar van Wittel's vedute offer a unique window into the urban landscapes of 17th and 18th-century Italy, blending architectural precision with atmospheric beauty. His works remain highly sought after for their historical significance and artistic mastery.
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Lucas Cranach the Elder was a pivotal figure in German Renaissance art. As a leading painter of Saxony, his influence spanned across the 16th century, making significant contributions through his paintings, woodcuts, and engravings. His artistic journey began under the tutelage of his father, Hans Maler, and saw him becoming court painter to the Elector of Saxony, where he produced a vast array of works including altarpieces, court portraits, and notably, portraits of Protestant Reformers.
Cranach's artistry was not confined to any single genre. He was renowned for his portraits of the aristocracy, deeply symbolic religious paintings, and engaging mythological scenes. His ability to capture the essence of the Protestant Reformation, notably through his portraits of Martin Luther, showcases his close connection to the movement and his role as a key figure in conveying its ideals through art.
A significant part of Cranach's legacy is his workshop in Wittenberg, which was a hub of artistic production. This workshop produced numerous works that bore his distinctive winged serpent signature, a mark of quality and innovation in the art of the period. Cranach's workshop was known for its efficient operation, enabling the production of a large volume of works that catered to the high demand of his time.
For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Lucas Cranach the Elder's work represents an intriguing intersection of art, culture, and history. His contributions to Renaissance art and his unique portrayal of religious and mythological themes continue to captivate audiences, making his work highly sought after in the world of art collection.
To explore more about Lucas Cranach the Elder's fascinating contributions to art and to stay updated on new discoveries or auction events related to his works, consider signing up for specialized updates. This subscription is designed for enthusiasts keen on delving deeper into the rich tapestry of Renaissance art and history, ensuring they remain well-informed of relevant sales and scholarly insights.
August Seidel was a German landscape painter, brother of Franz Seidel.
He painted landscapes, often depicting the foothills of the Bavarian Alps. Influenced by John Constable and the Barbizon School.
Seidel's works are in the New Pinakothek in Munich, the Wroclaw Museum and others.
Joseph Vivien was a French painter from Lyon.
He left Lyon for Paris at the age of twenty and found employment in the large atelier of Charles Le Brun, the equivalent of an academy. He made his reputation with his portraits in pastels, to which he gave a sparkle and immediacy previously unreached in that medium.