thomas russell
Sir Thomas Malory was a British politician, writer, poet and author of The Book of King Arthur.
Malory was born to a noble family in the county of Warwickshire in the early 15th century. As a knight he took part in the War of the Scarlet and White Rose on the side of the Earl of Warwick, in 1444 or 1445 represented his county in the English Parliament. He was convicted several times, spent the last 20 years of his life in prison, where he created his novels.
Malory wrote his book, consisting of eight volumes, while in prison for various crimes, completing it in 1469 AD, and he was released the following year. He called his work "The Whole Book of King Arthur and his Noble Knights of the Round Table," but when published in 1485 the book was titled "The Death of Arthur," which stuck. The only surviving manuscript is in the British Library in London.
The identity of the author of the King Arthur saga is still disputed by researchers. It is possible that another person hides under the name of Malory, but the influence of this medieval work on history and literature is undeniable.
James Russell Lowell was an American poet, educator, and diplomat.
From 1845 to 1850, he wrote about 50 articles against slavery for periodicals. Two of Lowell's other two most important works were also published in 1848: the poem "Sir Launfal's Vision," praising the brotherhood of man, and "A Fable for Critics," a witty appraisal of contemporary American authors. These books, together with the publication in the same year of a second series of his poems, made Lowell the most popular new figure in 19th-century American literature.
Carl Andre is an American minimalist artist known for his sculptural works made of industrial materials such as metal plates, bricks, and concrete blocks. He was a key figure in the Minimalist art movement of the 1960s and 1970s, which emphasized the use of simplified forms and materials.
In the 1960s, Andre began creating his signature floor sculptures, which consisted of standardized units of metal, wood, or other materials arranged in simple geometric patterns directly on the ground. His work was often controversial, as many critics saw it as overly simplistic or even nihilistic. However, Andre's sculptures were also celebrated for their understated beauty and their ability to challenge traditional notions of art and sculpture.
Throughout his career, Andre has exhibited his work in major museums and galleries around the world. Andre continues to live and work in New York City, where he remains an influential figure in the art world.
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Antonio Canova was an Italian sculptor of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He is known as a bright representative of neoclassicism in European fine art. Canova was a follower of traditions of artists of antiquity and Renaissance. Among admirers of his creativity there were many representatives of ruling dynasties of Europe.
Antonio Canova himself created more than 50 statues, and together with his assistants - about 180 works. He gained influential patrons and had a reputation as the most important European sculptor of his time. Among his customers was Napoleon Bonaparte, whose statue Canova carved from marble, depicting the emperor as Mars.
Most of Canova's works today decorate the expositions of the world's leading museums, such as the halls of the Louvre and the Hermitage.
Lucian Michael Freud was a British painter and draughtsman, specialising in figurative art, and is known as one of the foremost 20th-century English portraitists. He was born in Berlin, the son of Jewish architect Ernst L. Freud and the grandson of Sigmund Freud. Freud got his first name "Lucian" from his mother in memory of the ancient writer Lucian of Samosata. His family moved to England in 1933 to escape the rise of Nazism. From 1942 to 1943 he attended Goldsmiths College, London. He served at sea with the British Merchant Navy during the Second World War.
Pablo Ruiz Picasso, a Spanish artist renowned for his revolutionary contributions to the 20th-century art scene, is a figure that resonates profoundly with collectors and art experts. His unique blend of talents in painting, sculpture, printmaking, and ceramic art, infused with his time in France, positioned him as a pivotal character in modern art history.
Picasso's artistic journey was marked by distinct periods, each showcasing his evolving style and genius. His early years were characterized by the Blue Period (1901-1904), followed by the Rose Period (1904-1906), and then the African-influenced Period (1907-1909). Picasso's name is synonymous with Cubism, a movement he co-founded, which significantly altered artistic perspectives and methods. Works like "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon" (1907) and "Guernica" (1937) are emblematic of his cubist legacy, the latter being a poignant anti-war statement that remains influential.
His later years saw a return to more traditional styles, with neoclassical and surrealist influences becoming evident. Works from these phases reflect a deep engagement with mythological themes, as seen in "Faun with Stars" (1955), symbolizing his late-life romance with Jacqueline Roque, his second wife.
Picasso's prolific output and innovative spirit made him a legend in his own time, a status that only grew after his death. His works, housed in major museums and private collections worldwide, continue to captivate and inspire.
As a collector or expert in art and antiques, staying informed about Picasso's works, their auction events, and sales is essential. To stay updated on the latest developments and opportunities related to Pablo Picasso, sign up for our specialized updates. Rest assured, this subscription will focus solely on new product sales and auction events pertaining to Picasso's art, ensuring that you receive only the most relevant and valuable information.
Joseph Mallord William Turner, a seminal figure in British painting, was born in 1775 and left an indelible mark on the Romantic movement. Known for his expressive coloration, imaginative landscapes, and turbulent marine paintings, Turner's work transcends the traditional boundaries of art to capture the sublime force of nature. His career was distinguished by early talent, evidenced by his acceptance into the Royal Academy at the young age of 14, and a prolific output that included over 2,000 paintings and 19,000 drawings and sketches.
William Turner's unique approach to landscape painting, characterized by dramatic skies and atmospheric effects, set a new standard for capturing mood and emotion on canvas. His innovative use of light and color influenced countless artists, elevating landscape painting to rival the status of history painting. Turner's legacy is also marked by his eccentricity and reclusiveness, traits that only added to the mystique surrounding his artistic genius.
Among his most famous works are "The Fighting Temeraire," symbolizing the passing of the old world, and "Rain, Steam and Speed," capturing the Industrial Revolution's impact. These paintings not only showcase William Turner's technical skill but also his philosophical engagement with the changing world around him.
For collectors and experts in art and antiques, William Turner's works represent the pinnacle of Romantic art, offering insight into the 19th-century aesthetic and philosophical landscape. His influence on subsequent generations of artists underscores his position as a pivotal figure in the history of Western art.
To stay informed about Joseph Mallord William Turner's works and related events, signing up for updates from reputable art institutions can provide valuable insights into new discoveries and auction events related to this master of the British landscape.
Pompeo Girolamo Battoni was an Italian painter who displayed a solid technical knowledge in his portrait work and in his numerous allegorical and mythological pictures. The high number of foreign visitors travelling throughout Italy and reaching Rome during their "Grand Tour" led the artist to specialize in portraits.
Batoni won international fame largely thanks to his customers, mostly British of noble origin, whom he portrayed, often with famous Italian landscapes in the background. Such Grand Tour portraits by Batoni were in British private collections, thus ensuring the genre's popularity in Great Britain. One generation later, Sir Joshua Reynolds would take up this tradition and become the leading English portrait painter. Although Batoni was considered the best Italian painter of his time, contemporary chronicles mention his rivalry with Anton Raphael Mengs.
Richard Lindner was a German-American artist.
