ian wallace
Jean-Claude Chambellan Duplessis was a goldsmith, sculptor and ceramics modeller, bronze-founder and decorative designer working in the Rococo manner. He served as artistic director of the Vincennes porcelain manufactory and its successor at Sèvres from 1748 to his death in 1774 and as royal goldsmith (orfèvre du Roi) from 1758 to 1774.
Charles Robert Darwin was an English naturalist, geologist, and biologist, widely known for contributing to the understanding of evolutionary biology. His proposition that all species of life have descended from a common ancestor is now generally accepted and considered a fundamental concept in science. In a joint publication with Alfred Russel Wallace, he introduced his scientific theory that this branching pattern of evolution resulted from a process that he called natural selection, in which the struggle for existence has a similar effect to the artificial selection involved in selective breeding. Darwin has been described as one of the most influential figures in human history, and he was honoured by burial in Westminster Abbey.
Henry Walter Bates was a British naturalist, biologist and traveler.
As a young man, Henry worked in a factory and attended the local mechanical institute, where he excelled in Greek, Latin, French, drawing and composition, later learning German and Portuguese. He also practiced classical music and was an avid entomologist.
In 1844, Bates met entomologist Alfred Russel Wallace, who a few years later invited him to go to the tropical jungle on a scientific expedition. In May 1848, they arrived in Para, Brazil, near the mouth of the Amazon River. Wallace returned to England four years later, but Bates remained there for a total of 11 years, exploring the entire Amazon Valley, where he collected some 14,712 species, mostly insects, of which 8,000 were previously unknown.
On his return to England in 1859, Bates began working on his vast collections and preparing a famous paper published in 1862 entitled Contributions to an Insect Fauna of the Amazon Valley. In 1864 Bates was appointed assistant secretary of the Royal Geographical Society (London), a position he held until his death. He wrote The Naturalist on the Amazon River (1863), as well as many works on entomology.
Bates's work in demonstrating the action of natural selection in animal mimicry (imitation of other living organisms or inanimate objects) provided strong support for Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. Much of Bates's insect collections are in the British Museum.
Charles Robert Darwin was an English naturalist, geologist, and biologist, widely known for contributing to the understanding of evolutionary biology. His proposition that all species of life have descended from a common ancestor is now generally accepted and considered a fundamental concept in science. In a joint publication with Alfred Russel Wallace, he introduced his scientific theory that this branching pattern of evolution resulted from a process that he called natural selection, in which the struggle for existence has a similar effect to the artificial selection involved in selective breeding. Darwin has been described as one of the most influential figures in human history, and he was honoured by burial in Westminster Abbey.
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.
Charles Robert Darwin was an English naturalist, geologist, and biologist, widely known for contributing to the understanding of evolutionary biology. His proposition that all species of life have descended from a common ancestor is now generally accepted and considered a fundamental concept in science. In a joint publication with Alfred Russel Wallace, he introduced his scientific theory that this branching pattern of evolution resulted from a process that he called natural selection, in which the struggle for existence has a similar effect to the artificial selection involved in selective breeding. Darwin has been described as one of the most influential figures in human history, and he was honoured by burial in Westminster Abbey.
Bernardo Bellotto was an Italian painter, celebrated for his urban landscapes and detailed vedute, particularly of European cities like Dresden, Vienna, and Warsaw. He was born in Venice in 1722 and exhibited prodigious talent from a young age. Under the tutelage of his uncle, the renowned Canaletto, Bellotto honed his skills in capturing the essence of cityscapes with a unique style characterized by a cooler palette and a distinct use of impasto, especially in depicting skies and horizon lines.
In 1747, Bernardo Bellotto's career took him to Dresden, where he served as Court Painter to Augustus III of Poland and Elector of Saxony. His stay in Dresden was marked by the creation of panoramic views, highlighting his knack for architectural detail and the interplay of light and shadow. Following his tenure in Dresden, Bellotto spent the last 16 years of his life in Warsaw, where his works played a significant role in the city's post-World War II reconstruction.
Bernardo Bellotto's works are lauded for their precision and the manner in which they blend his Venetian roots with influences from Dutch landscape painting. His later works in Warsaw, characterized by their vibrant color palette and historical themes, underscore his evolution as an artist. Today, Bellotto's paintings are celebrated for their historical value and artistic merit, housed in prestigious collections in cities like Dresden and Warsaw.
For those interested in exploring the fascinating world of Bellotto's art and its impact on European cultural heritage, signing up for updates on new product sales and auction events related to Bernardo Bellotto is an excellent way to stay informed.
Naum Gabo, a pivotal figure in the evolution of twentieth-century sculpture, was a Russian-American artist renowned for his innovative approach to constructivism and kinetic art. Gabo's artistry transcended mere form to delve into the philosophical and spatial dynamics of sculpture, marking him as a pioneer in his field. He significantly influenced the avant-garde movements across Europe, particularly with his manifesto that challenged the concepts of Cubism and Futurism, advocating for art that embraced abstract reality and spiritual experience. His tenure at VKhUTEMAS, alongside notable contemporaries like Kandinsky and Rodchenko, was a testament to his influential role in post-Revolution Russian art.
Gabo's use of materials such as metal and glass was not just a stylistic choice but a profound exploration of volume and space without the reliance on mass, embodying the Constructivist ideology of functional art. His works, like "Column," showcased his interest in creating sculptures that resonated with intellectual and emotional appeal rather than just physical senses. This innovative approach to sculpture continued throughout his career, evident in his contributions to both the art and architectural domains, including his experimental architectural designs like the proposal for the Palace of the Soviets.
Throughout his life, Gabo's artistic journey was marked by a constant exploration of the interplay between space and time, evident in pieces such as "Spiral Theme" and his involvement in kinetic sculpture. His move across countries, from Russia to the United States, was reflective of his quest for new artistic contexts and his escape from political turmoil. Gabo's legacy is preserved in significant collections and museums worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, where his works continue to inspire and captivate audiences.
For those intrigued by Naum Gabo's profound impact on modern sculpture and constructivism, signing up for updates can enrich your knowledge and keep you informed about upcoming sales and auction events featuring his work. This is an opportunity to explore the depths of Gabo's contributions to art and architecture, ensuring enthusiasts and collectors stay connected to his enduring legacy.
