joshua reynolds (1723 - 1792)
Sir Joshua Reynolds was an English painter, specialising in portraits. John Russell said he was one of the major European painters of the 18th century. He promoted the "Grand Style" in painting which depended on idealization of the imperfect. He was a founder and first president of the Royal Academy of Arts, and was knighted by George III in 1769.

Sir Joshua Reynolds was an English painter, specialising in portraits. John Russell said he was one of the major European painters of the 18th century. He promoted the "Grand Style" in painting which depended on idealization of the imperfect. He was a founder and first president of the Royal Academy of Arts, and was knighted by George III in 1769.

Sir Joshua Reynolds was an English painter, specialising in portraits. John Russell said he was one of the major European painters of the 18th century. He promoted the "Grand Style" in painting which depended on idealization of the imperfect. He was a founder and first president of the Royal Academy of Arts, and was knighted by George III in 1769.

Sir Joshua Reynolds was an English painter, specialising in portraits. John Russell said he was one of the major European painters of the 18th century. He promoted the "Grand Style" in painting which depended on idealization of the imperfect. He was a founder and first president of the Royal Academy of Arts, and was knighted by George III in 1769.

Sir Joshua Reynolds was an English painter, specialising in portraits. John Russell said he was one of the major European painters of the 18th century. He promoted the "Grand Style" in painting which depended on idealization of the imperfect. He was a founder and first president of the Royal Academy of Arts, and was knighted by George III in 1769.

Sir Joshua Reynolds was an English painter, specialising in portraits. John Russell said he was one of the major European painters of the 18th century. He promoted the "Grand Style" in painting which depended on idealization of the imperfect. He was a founder and first president of the Royal Academy of Arts, and was knighted by George III in 1769.

Sir Joshua Reynolds was an English painter, specialising in portraits. John Russell said he was one of the major European painters of the 18th century. He promoted the "Grand Style" in painting which depended on idealization of the imperfect. He was a founder and first president of the Royal Academy of Arts, and was knighted by George III in 1769.

Sir Joshua Reynolds was an English painter, specialising in portraits. John Russell said he was one of the major European painters of the 18th century. He promoted the "Grand Style" in painting which depended on idealization of the imperfect. He was a founder and first president of the Royal Academy of Arts, and was knighted by George III in 1769.

Sir Joshua Reynolds was an English painter, specialising in portraits. John Russell said he was one of the major European painters of the 18th century. He promoted the "Grand Style" in painting which depended on idealization of the imperfect. He was a founder and first president of the Royal Academy of Arts, and was knighted by George III in 1769.

Sir Joshua Reynolds was an English painter, specialising in portraits. John Russell said he was one of the major European painters of the 18th century. He promoted the "Grand Style" in painting which depended on idealization of the imperfect. He was a founder and first president of the Royal Academy of Arts, and was knighted by George III in 1769.

Sir Joshua Reynolds was an English painter, specialising in portraits. John Russell said he was one of the major European painters of the 18th century. He promoted the "Grand Style" in painting which depended on idealization of the imperfect. He was a founder and first president of the Royal Academy of Arts, and was knighted by George III in 1769.




Giorgio Ghisi was an Italian engraver from Mantova who also worked in Antwerp and France. He made both engravings and damascened metalwork, although only two surviving examples of the latter are known.


Parmigianino, an Italian Mannerist painter born Girolamo Francesco Maria Mazzola, was a pivotal figure in the development of the Mannerist style, known for his sophisticated and elegant approach to painting. He was a leading figure in Parma's art scene following Correggio and had a significant influence on the artistic developments during the post-High Renaissance period through his expressive and stylish works.
Parmigianino's journey as an artist took him from Parma to Rome and then to Bologna, with his last years spent in Parma. His works, including the renowned "Madonna with the Long Neck," display a unique blend of grace and elegance, coupled with an idiosyncratic use of elongation and distortion, typical of Mannerist aesthetics. This painting, in particular, is noted for its unusual composition and the elongation of figures, embodying the Mannerist style's departure from the proportional norms established during the Renaissance.
He was also an early Italian etcher, utilizing this technique to express the spontaneity of an artist's hand. His etchings and drawings had a considerable influence on printmaking and the visual arts in Italy and Europe. In addition to his paintings, Parmigianino's contributions to the arts include his work in the church of the Steccata in Parma and his innovative approach to integrating painting with architectural elements.
For art collectors and experts, Parmigianino's work represents a critical link between the High Renaissance and the emergence of Baroque and Rococo styles, offering a unique insight into the evolution of European art. His works continue to be celebrated for their originality and mastery, making him a subject of enduring interest in the study of art history.
For those interested in exploring Parmigianino's contributions to art further, subscribing to updates from art institutions or platforms specializing in Renaissance and Mannerist art could provide valuable insights into his life, works, and ongoing exhibitions or sales of his artworks.


Carlo Maratta, an Italian painter, was a prominent figure in the Roman school of art during the late 17th century. Known for his classical approach to Baroque painting, Carlo Maratta's works were deeply influenced by the styles of Raphael and Andrea Sacchi, blending classical grandeur with Baroque expressivity. His training under Sacchi and subsequent exposure to Pietro da Cortona's coloristic style significantly shaped his artistic development.
Carlo Maratta's career flourished with a series of public and official commissions, making him a leading painter in Rome, especially after Bernini's death in 1682. His portfolio includes religious paintings, altarpieces, portraits, and fresco cycles, with a notable emphasis on paintings of the Madonna and Child, which reinterpreted High Renaissance motifs. His work was highly esteemed across Europe, influencing not only Italian art but also attracting the attention of English visitors on the Grand Tour.
One of Carlo Maratta's significant contributions to the art world was his involvement in painting restoration towards the end of his career, including works by Raphael and Carracci. This phase underscored his deep connection to the classical art tradition. Maratta passed away in Rome in 1713, leaving behind a legacy that continued to be celebrated in art history.
For art enthusiasts, collectors, and experts, Carlo Maratta's work offers a window into the transition between the Baroque and the emerging Rococo style, embodying a blend of dynamism and classical restraint. His paintings, many of which remain in situ in Roman churches, offer a testament to his enduring influence on Baroque classicism.
To stay updated on exhibitions and insights into Carlo Maratta's works, art aficionados are encouraged to subscribe for updates, ensuring access to the latest research and opportunities to view his celebrated works in museums and galleries around the world.
