guichard
Pierre-Antoine Demachy was a French painter and master of architectural landscapes.
He studied architecture at the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture and specialized in drawing ruins, architectural structures and scenery. Due to his success in his art, he became a royal master of architectural decorations for entertaining events. Demachy also taught students of painting at the Louvre Palace.
David Hume, birth name David Home, was an 18th-century Scottish Enlightenment philosopher, historian, economist, librarian, and essayist.
He is best known for his philosophical empiricism and skepticism. Hume saw philosophy as an inductive, experimental science of human nature. Taking as his model the scientific method of the English physicist Isaac Newton and drawing on the epistemology of the English philosopher John Locke, Hume tried to describe how reason works in obtaining what is called knowledge. He concluded that no theory of reality is possible; there can be no knowledge of anything beyond experience. Despite the enduring influence of his theory of knowledge, Hume seems to have considered himself primarily a moralist.
Hume was one of the particularly significant figures of his century--as a writer, historian, economist, and philosopher he made great strides forward and his achievements are still highly valued in human culture today.
Bernard Buffet was a French artist renowned for his distinctive style of painting, printmaking, and sculpture. His work, characterized by expressive, angular lines and somber themes, has captivated collectors and art enthusiasts worldwide. Buffet's art, deeply influenced by the post-war period in France, reflects themes of despair, loneliness, and the human condition, often portrayed through his iconic clowns and desolate landscapes. His approach to art, marked by stark compositions and a vivid portrayal of existential angst, positioned him as a leading figure in the modern expressionist movement.
Buffet's career was meteoric from its onset; by his early twenties, he was celebrated alongside cultural icons of the time, earning him a spot among the "Fabulous Five" of post-war France. Despite his early acclaim, Buffet's later years were marked by controversy and a decline in popularity, as shifts in artistic trends and criticism over his lifestyle choices overshadowed his contributions. Nevertheless, his work remained prolific, with more than 8,000 paintings to his name, illustrating an unwavering commitment to his art until his tragic death in 1999.
Today, Bernard Buffet's legacy is undergoing a renaissance, with a renewed appreciation for his artistic achievements. Exhibitions and retrospectives across the globe, particularly in Japan and Europe, have reignited interest in his oeuvre, showcasing the enduring relevance of his work. Notably, the Bernard Buffet Museum in Japan, founded during his lifetime, stands as a testament to his impact and the global admiration for his art.
For collectors and experts in the field of art and antiques, Buffet's work offers a unique insight into the complexities of the human psyche and the existential dilemmas of the 20th century. His ability to evoke profound emotional responses through his distinctive visual language makes his work highly sought after in the art market today.
To stay informed about new product sales and auction events related to Bernard Buffet, we encourage you to sign up for updates. This subscription service is tailored specifically for enthusiasts keen on exploring the profound legacy of Bernard Buffet, ensuring you remain at the forefront of notable developments in the art world.
Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn, a Dutch Baroque painter and printmaker, was born on July 15, 1606, in Leiden, Netherlands, and died on October 4, 1669, in Amsterdam. He is celebrated as one of the greatest storytellers in art history, acclaimed for his adept portrayal of human emotions and dramatic narratives. Rembrandt's extensive oeuvre includes portraits, self-portraits, landscapes, genre scenes, allegorical, historical, and biblical themes, as well as animal studies. His artistry shined during the Dutch Golden Age, a period marked by cultural and scientific achievements in the Netherlands.
Rembrandt's education in art began around the age of 10 when he left the Latin School in Leiden to train as an artist. He apprenticed with artists like Jacob van Swanenburg and Pieter Lastman, mastering various aspects of painting. He opened his own studio in Leiden around 1624 or 1625, sharing it with his colleague Jan Lievens. By 1631, he had moved to Amsterdam, where he achieved significant success and trained many important Dutch painters.
Among Rembrandt's notable works are "The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp" (1632), "The Night Watch" (1642), and "The Syndics of the Amsterdam Drapers’ Guild" (1662). He was also renowned for his self-portraits, creating around 80 over his lifetime, more than any other artist until the 20th century. These self-portraits were not just artistic endeavors but also experiments with facial expressions and lighting effects. Additionally, Rembrandt was a master etcher, transforming etching from a reproductive technique into an art form.
Rembrandt's painting style is characterized by its dramatic use of light and shadow, known as chiaroscuro. His ability to depict materials realistically was unparalleled; his portrayal of metals and fabrics was so lifelike that they appeared to glow and be tangible. He was also known for his impasto technique, applying paint thickly to the canvas, adding a three-dimensional quality to his works.
Despite his artistic prowess, Rembrandt faced financial difficulties and personal tragedies throughout his life. He declared bankruptcy in 1656, a downfall attributed partly to his extensive collection of art objects and curiosities. His masterpieces, however, continued to garner appreciation and influence generations of artists that followed.
For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Rembrandt's works represent a pinnacle of artistic achievement in the Dutch Golden Age. His mastery in portraying the human condition and his innovative techniques in painting and etching make his works highly prized and influential in the art world.
To stay updated on new product sales and auction events related to Rembrandt van Rijn, sign up for our updates. This subscription service is dedicated exclusively to news and events concerning works related to this unparalleled master of the Dutch Golden Age.
Albrecht Dürer, born on May 21, 1471 in Nuremberg, Germany, is widely regarded as the greatest German Renaissance painter. His contribution to painting and engraving is quite significant and has left a notable mark on the art world. Dürer's early life was spent in Nuremberg, a city that played a crucial role in his development as an artist and was also the site of his death on April 6, 1528. He was the son of the goldsmith Albrecht Dürer the Elder, from whom he initially learned the basics of drawing and metalworking.
Dürer's work is characterized by a combination of Gothic elements with the emerging Renaissance style, which is evident in his woodcuts and engravings. His oeuvre encompasses many themes, including religious works, altarpieces, portraits, and self-portraits. His outstanding prints, such as The Knight, Death and the Devil (1513), St. Jerome in his Study (1514) and Melencolia I (1514), are known for their intricate detail and artistic skill. Dürer was also one of the earliest European landscape painters, as evidenced by his watercolor paintings.
Equally significant are his theoretical writings on mathematics, perspective, and ideal proportions in art. Dürer was not only an artist but also a keen intellectual, his interests encompassing various aspects of culture and science. He served as court painter to Holy Roman Emperors Maximilian I and Charles V, completing several significant art projects for them. Dürer's keen mind and versatile interests brought him into contact with the most prominent figures of his time, including theologians and scientists of the Reformation era.
Dürer's self-portraits are particularly famous, demonstrating not only his artistic skill but also his self-awareness and personal style. These portraits attest to his growing success and confidence as an artist. Dürer's legacy is immense; he influenced not only the art of his time, but also left an indelible mark on the history of European art.
For those interested in the work and legacy of Albrecht Dürer, we recommend subscribing to our updates. Our subscription service is designed to provide information about new sales and auction events related to this remarkable artist. Join us to keep up to date on the latest art and antiques related to Albrecht Dürer.
Charles-Joseph Natoire was a prominent Rococo painter, known for his significant contributions to French art during his lifetime. Trained under François Lemoyne, Natoire excelled in various artistic endeavors, earning royal commissions and contributing to significant artistic projects in Versailles and Fontainebleau. His works included tapestry cartoons for the Manufacture de Beauvais and Gobelins, and he was known for his series on the History of Psyche and Don Quixote.
In 1751, Charles-Joseph Natoire became the director of the French Academy in Rome, a role he held until 1775. During this period, he mentored notable students like Hubert Robert and Jean-Honoré Fragonard. Although his active painting career dwindled during his directorship, his influence on the students and the artistic community was significant.
Charles-Joseph Natoire's works can be found in various prestigious institutions, including The Metropolitan Museum of Art and The Louvre. His painting "The Rebuke of Adam and Eve" is one such piece that showcases his mastery and attention to detail.
For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Charles-Joseph Natoire's works offer a glimpse into the Rococo style's elegance and the rich artistic heritage of 18th-century France. His contributions to tapestry and painting continue to be celebrated and studied for their historical and artistic value.
To stay updated on news and events related to Charles-Joseph Natoire and his works, consider subscribing for updates. This subscription will keep you informed about new product sales and auction events featuring Natoire's art, ensuring you don't miss out on opportunities to engage with the legacy of this influential painter.
Jean-Baptiste Oudry was a French Rococo painter, engraver, and tapestry designer. He is particularly well known for his naturalistic pictures of animals and his hunt pieces depicting game. His son, Jacques-Charles Oudry, was also a painter.