collection of women&
The Master of the Ghent Graduel was a Flemish painter, miniaturist, and illuminator who worked in Ghent and Tournai in the second third of the fifteenth century.
This master comes from an older, Parisian tradition of manuscript illumination that was developed by the master Gilbert de Metz. He was active in the 1460s-1470s and was responsible for the illumination of the clockbooks now preserved in British libraries and also created the miniatures for the books of Valerius Maximus.
Susanna Rowson, née Haswell, was an American writer and poet, playwright, actress, and educator.
Susanna Haswell was the daughter of an officer in the Royal Navy. She published her first novel, Victoria, in 1786 and soon married businessman William Rowson. Susanna's greatest success was her first American bestseller, the novel Charlotte, A Tale of Truth (1791, in later editions under the title Charlotte Temple). This novel, a conventional sentimental story of seduction and remorse, was immensely popular and went through more than 200 editions.
In 1792 she became an actress and performed with her bankrupt husband in Scotland, as well as in Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Boston. In 1797, after retiring from the stage, Susanna opened the first "female academy" in Boston. Susanna Rowson also wrote many plays and musicals, and in doing so, helped to develop the performing arts in the United States. Later, she also edited the Boston Weekly Magazine, wrote geography and spelling textbooks, and moralizing manuals.
François Boucher, a French artist, is celebrated for his significant contributions to the Rococo style of painting. His works are renowned for their idyllic and voluptuous themes, which include classical subjects, decorative allegories, and pastoral scenes. Boucher's talent in creating intricate and charming paintings made him a favorite in the French court, especially with Madame de Pompadour.
François Boucher's skills were not confined to painting alone; he was also an adept draftsman and tapestry designer. His designs for the Beauvais tapestry workshops were highly successful, influencing decorative arts across Europe. Moreover, Boucher's influence extended to porcelain, with his designs being replicated on tableware and decorative pieces at the Vincennes and Sèvres factories.
Despite the later criticism of his style as overly frivolous and disconnected from the emerging Neoclassical trends, François Boucher's works continue to be admired for their aesthetic beauty and historical significance. His ability to blend various elements into a cohesive and appealing visual narrative demonstrates his mastery and enduring legacy in the art world.
For art collectors and enthusiasts, François Boucher's oeuvre offers a fascinating glimpse into 18th-century French art and culture, reflecting the opulence and delicate tastes of the Rococo period. His paintings and designs continue to be celebrated and studied for their artistic merit and historical context.
To stay updated on the latest exhibitions, sales, and events related to François Boucher's works, consider subscribing to updates from reliable art and antique sources. This way, you'll remain informed about opportunities to engage with the art of one of Rococo's most distinguished masters.
Paul César Helleu was a French oil painter, pastel artist, drypoint etcher, and designer, best known for his numerous portraits of beautiful society women of the Belle Époque. He also conceived the ceiling mural of night sky constellations for Grand Central Terminal in New York City. He was also the father of Jean Helleu and the grandfather of Jacques Helleu, both artistic directors for Parfums Chanel.
.jpg)
Richard Parkes Bonington was an English Romantic landscape painter, who moved to France at the age of 14 and can also be considered as a French artist, and an intermediary bringing aspects of English style to France. Becoming, after his early death, one of the most influential British artists of his time, the facility of his style was inspired by the old masters, yet was entirely modern in its application. His landscapes were mostly of coastal scenes, with a low horizon and large sky, showing a brilliant handling of light and atmosphere. He also painted small historical cabinet paintings in a freely-handled version of the troubadour style.
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.
