Religious genre Symbolism
William Blake was an English poet, painter, and printmaker. Largely unrecognised during his life, Blake is now considered a seminal figure in the history of the poetry and visual art of the Romantic Age. What he called his "prophetic works" were said by 20th-century critic Northrop Frye to form "what is in proportion to its merits the least read body of poetry in the English language". His visual artistry led 21st-century critic Jonathan Jones to proclaim him "far and away the greatest artist Britain has ever produced". In 2002, Blake was placed at number 38 in the BBC's poll of the 100 Greatest Britons. While he lived in London his entire life, except for three years spent in Felpham, he produced a diverse and symbolically rich collection of works, which embraced the imagination as "the body of God" or "human existence itself".
Detlev Conrad Blunck was a German-Danish painter of the first half of the 19th century. He is known as a painter and graphic artist.
Detlev Blunck at the beginning of his career specialized mainly in historical painting, then he moved to the domestic genre and joined the ranks of the masters of domestic realism. Later Blunck devoted his work to religious motifs and developed his own style of painting, which strongly reflected the influence of the Nazarene movement, the German Romantic painters.
Felice Casorati was an Italian painter. The future painter originally studied piano, then graduated from the Faculty of Law at the University of Padua. At the same time he took painting lessons, first in Pavia, and from 1908 in Naples. In 1907 and 1909 held exhibitions of his paintings in Venice.
Felice Cazorati's work is strongly influenced by Symbolism and the Art Nouveau style (especially Gustav Klimt). In the early 1920s, the artist embraces the metaphysical realism of Giorgio de Chirico and uses his principles of spatial construction on the canvas. Later in the 1920s, he studied Renaissance art (in particular the works of Piero della Francesca). He painted still-lifes, genre and religious paintings, women's portraits and nudes, and also worked as a theatrical artist.
At the end of the 1920s, Felice Cazorati opened his own art school in Turin, and also taught at the Turin Academy of Art.
Marc Chagall (Russian: Марк Заха́рович Шага́л), born Moishe Shagal in 1887 near Vitebsk, Belarus (then part of the Russian Empire), was a Belarusian and French artist celebrated for his pivotal role in the avant-garde movement and his unique integration of Eastern European Jewish culture into modern art. His contributions spanned several artistic formats including painting, stained glass, stage sets, ceramics, tapestries, and fine art prints. Chagall's early modernist tendencies were enriched by his experiences across Saint Petersburg, Paris, and Berlin before World War I, leading to a distinctive style that melded Cubism, Symbolism, and Fauvism with his Jewish heritage.
Chagall's work is recognized for its emotional depth, often exploring themes of love, memory, and Jewish folklore through vibrant colors and dreamlike imagery. Notably, art critic Robert Hughes described him as "the quintessential Jewish artist of the twentieth century," a sentiment echoed by art historian Michael J. Lewis who regarded Chagall as a significant figure within European modernism and as the world's preeminent Jewish artist of his time.
Among Chagall's famed contributions are his stained-glass windows for the cathedrals of Reims and Metz, the UN, and the Jerusalem Windows in Israel. His monumental paintings include parts of the ceiling of the Paris Opéra and works that explore biblical themes, a hallmark of his oeuvre that underscores his enduring engagement with spiritual and religious motifs.
For art collectors and antiques experts, Chagall's works are notable not only for their artistic innovation but also for their rich cultural and historical significance. His art is housed in many prestigious museums worldwide, including the Marc Chagall National Museum in Nice, France, which focuses on his works inspired by religion and houses the series of paintings illustrating the biblical message.
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Henry Jules Charles Corneille de Groux was a Belgian Symbolist painter, sculptor and lithographer. His 1889 painting Christ attacked by a mob made when he was only 22 years old established his reputation as an innovative Symbolist painter and ensured his admission to the progressive artistic circles in Brussels. He spent most of his active career in Paris. He produced many works depicting the horrors of the First World War in the latter part of his career.
Pieter Cornelis de Moor, a Dutch artist, stands out as a versatile and innovative figure in the art world. His education at the Academy of Visual Arts in Rotterdam and the Drawing Academy in Antwerp laid the foundation for a career marked by diversity and creativity. De Moor's achievements, including a silver medal in the Prix de Rome in 1887, underline his early recognition and the promise of his artistic journey.
De Moor's artistry was not confined to a single medium; he was adept in drawing, etching, painting, watercolor, producing lithographs, and working as an illustrator. His artworks, ranging from "Dancing Women" to "Poultry on a Yard" and "An Elegant Lady Feeding Peacocks," showcase his broad thematic interests and technical skills. Notably, his works are held in prestigious collections, including the Rijksmuseum and the Dordrechts Museum.
The artist's life was rich with experiences, having worked across Europe and eventually settling in the United States. His legacy, punctuated by exhibitions in museums such as Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen and the Drents Museum, continues to captivate art enthusiasts and collectors.
For collectors and art experts, delving into the works of Pieter Cornelis de Moor offers a unique glimpse into the evolution of Dutch art. His contributions, particularly in the realm of Symbolism, highlight an era of artistic exploration and innovation.
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Karl Wilhelm Diefenbach was a German artist of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He is known as a painter, graphic artist, representative of Symbolism and Art Nouveau style, as well as a public figure, the creator of the commune Himmelhof.
Diefenbach gained fame as an artist while he was still a young man. He made a successful living by creating illustrations for children's books and watercolor copies. In 1882, he announced the creation of his own doctrine, which included ideas about living in harmony with nature, rejecting monogamy and religion, practicing naturism and vegatarianism. The artist then also created the famous 68-meter frieze work "Per aspera ad astra". Diefenbach became a major artist on the island of Capri, while in his homeland his work was neglected.
Gustave Doré, full name Paul Gustave Louis Christophe Doré, was a French painter, sculptor, graphic artist, illustrator, and cartoonist.
Doré was very industrious and prolific: he created more than 10,000 illustrations for art books as well as the Bible. He decorated the works of Rabelais, Balzac, Cervantes, Dante and Milton with his lively drawings, making Doré's name famous. He had a special gift for illustrating nature and fairy tales.
Henry Fuseli (German: Johann Heinrich Füssli) was a Swiss painter, draughtsman and writer on art who spent much of his life in Britain. Many of his works, such as The Nightmare, deal with supernatural subject matter. He painted works for John Boydell's Shakespeare Gallery, and created his own "Milton Gallery". He held the posts of Professor of Painting and Keeper at the Royal Academy. His style had a considerable influence on many younger British artists, including William Blake.
Nikolai Nikolaevich Ge (Russian: Николай Николаевич Ге) was a distinguished Russian painter, whose contributions to the world of art are celebrated for their emotional depth and philosophical introspection. Born in 1831, Ge's work spans a variety of themes, including religious, historical, and psychological subjects, making him a versatile artist in the realm of 19th-century Russian culture. His paintings are known not just for their aesthetic appeal but also for their ability to provoke thought and evoke deep emotions.
Ge's art is marked by its intense exploration of moral and spiritual questions, distinguishing him from his contemporaries. One of his most famous works, "The Last Supper" (1863), showcases his ability to infuse traditional religious scenes with a new level of emotional intensity and humanism. This painting, along with others like "Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane" (1868), reflects Ge's deep engagement with the themes of suffering, redemption, and the human condition. His approach to these universal subjects has earned him a special place in the canon of Russian art, making his works highly sought after by collectors and experts in art and antiques.
Ge's contributions to art extend beyond his individual works. His commitment to portraying the human experience with honesty and depth has influenced generations of artists. His paintings can be found in prestigious galleries and museums, serving as a testament to his enduring legacy. For collectors and art aficionados, Ge's work represents not only an investment in Russian culture and history but also an ongoing exploration of the depths of human emotion and spirituality.
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William Holman Hunt was an English painter and one of the founders of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. His paintings were notable for their great attention to detail, vivid colour, and elaborate symbolism. These features were influenced by the writings of John Ruskin and Thomas Carlyle, according to whom the world itself should be read as a system of visual signs. For Hunt it was the duty of the artist to reveal the correspondence between sign and fact. Of all the members of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, Hunt remained most true to their ideals throughout his career. He was always keen to maximise the popular appeal and public visibility of his works.
Gabriel Cornelius Ritter von Max was a Prague-born Austrian painter.
Gabriel von Max was a significant artist to emerge from the Piloty School, because he abandoned the themes of the Grunderzeitliche (genre and history), in order to develop an allegorical-mystical pictorial language, which became typical of Secessionist Art.
Mikhail Vasilyevich Nesterov (Russian: Михаи́л Васи́льевич Не́стеров), a distinguished Russian artist, was renowned for his unique contributions to the realms of painting and art, epitomizing the spiritual and cultural ethos of his era. Born into the vibrant milieu of pre-revolutionary Russia, Nesterov carved a niche for himself with his profound spiritual themes and innovative artistic techniques. His work, deeply rooted in Russian Orthodox traditions, reflects a meticulous blend of realism and symbolism, capturing the essence of Russian culture and spirituality.
Nesterov's artistry is celebrated for its ethereal quality, marked by a distinctive use of color and light to evoke a sense of divine presence. Among his most acclaimed works is the series on St. Sergius of Radonezh, a revered Russian saint, which not only showcases his technical prowess but also his ability to weave spiritual narratives into visual art. These pieces, housed in prestigious museums and galleries, continue to captivate art enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.
His legacy extends beyond his paintings, influencing generations of artists and imbuing Russian culture and art with a profound spiritual dimension. Nesterov's ability to transcend the mundane through his art renders his work timeless, making it a subject of study and admiration among experts in art and antiques.
For collectors and connoisseurs keen on exploring the rich tapestry of Russian art, Nesterov's oeuvre offers a window into the soul of Russia. We invite you to sign up for updates on new product sales and auction events related to Mikhail Vasilyevich Nesterov, ensuring you stay informed about opportunities to own a piece of this legendary artist's legacy. This subscription is your gateway to the world of art and culture, tailored specifically for those who appreciate the profound beauty and spiritual depth of Nesterov's work.
Charles-Clos Olsommer was a Swiss painter and draftsman of French descent. His favorite subjects were women's portraits and landscapes. He was a mystical and symbolic painter, and Olsommer's art echoed the Italian Early Renaissance, icon painting, and Art Nouveau aesthetics.
Kuzma Sergeyevich Petrov-Vodkin (Russian: Кузьма Сергеевич Петров-Водкин), a Russian painter, synthesized various traditions of global art, crafting a unique and deeply personal visual language. Born in 1878 in Khvalynsk, Saratov oblast, Russian Empire, Petrov-Vodkin is celebrated for his innovative approach to perspective, color, and composition, which positioned him as a pivotal figure in the art world of his time. He passed away in 1939 in Leningrad, now known as St. Petersburg, Russia.
Petrov-Vodkin's education in the arts took him from the Baron Stieglits School in Saint Petersburg to the Moscow School of Painting, Sculpture, and Architecture, where he was mentored by notable artists such as Valentin Serov. His studies abroad, including in Munich under Anton Ažbe, further enriched his artistic development. Notably, his marriage to Maria Jovanovic in Paris in 1906 marked a significant personal chapter, providing him with a lifelong companion and collaborator.
His work is distinguished by the use of "spherical perspective," a technique that distorts the drawing to emphasize the globe's curvature, making the viewer feel simultaneously distant and intimately close to the subject. This method, influenced by Byzantine iconography's inverted perspective, is evident in works like "Death of a Commissar" and "In the Line of Fire." Petrov-Vodkin's palette darkened over time, and his subjects diversified to include still life and portraiture, reflecting a broader exploration of theme and form. Despite facing health challenges, including pulmonary tuberculosis which limited his painting in later years, he remained prolific in other creative avenues, including literature, where his semi-autobiographical works are held in high regard.
His legacy is enshrined in the Russian Museum in St. Petersburg, which houses the largest collection of his works and dedicates a room to his art in their permanent exhibition. Additionally, a memorial museum in his hometown of Khvalynsk pays tribute to his contributions to Russian and Soviet art.
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Edward John Poynter was a prominent British painter, known for his historical and mythological artworks that resonate with art collectors and experts. Born in Paris and educated in Britain, Poynter's career flourished with his detailed and evocative paintings, like "Israel in Egypt" and "The Visit of the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon," which reflect his profound historical knowledge and artistic skill. These works are celebrated for their intricate detail and vibrant storytelling, captivating viewers and holding significant positions in galleries and Masonic lodges globally.
Edward John Poynter's dedication to art education was evident through his roles as the Slade Professor at University College London and the principal of the National Art Training School. His contribution extended to administrative roles, notably as the Director of the National Gallery, where he played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Tate Gallery. His legacy in the art world is also marked by his presidency at the Royal Academy, demonstrating his influence and standing in the British art scene.
For those intrigued by Edward John Poynter's mastery and the historical depth of his work, his contributions to art literature, such as "Ten Lectures on Art," offer further insight into his artistic philosophy and approach. These works underscore his commitment to integrating art and archaeology, providing a richer understanding of his creative process and the era he depicted.
For art collectors and enthusiasts interested in Poynter's work and related auction events, staying updated through a subscription service can be invaluable. This ensures you receive timely information on sales and exhibitions featuring Edward John Poynter's art, allowing you to engage deeply with his historical and artistic legacy.
Charles de Sousy Ricketts was a British artist, illustrator, author and printer, known for his work as a book designer and typographer and for his costume and scenery designs for plays and operas.
Ricketts was born in Geneva to an English father and a French mother and brought up mainly in France. In 1882 he began studying wood engraving in London, where he met a fellow student, Charles Shannon, who became his lifelong companion and artistic collaborator. Ricketts first made his mark in book production, first as an illustrator, and then as the founder and driving force of the Vale Press (1896–1904), one of the leading private presses of the day, for which he designed the type and illustrations. A disastrous fire at the printers led to the closure of the press, and Ricketts turned increasingly to painting and sculpture over the following two decades.
Nikolai Konstantinovich Roerich (Russian: Никола́й Константи́нович Ре́рих) was a distinguished Russian artist, writer, archaeologist, and philosopher, renowned for his profound contributions to culture and art. His multifaceted career spanned various disciplines, but it was his exceptional talent in painting that immortalized his name among the greats. Roerich's art is celebrated for its mystical and symbolic themes, often drawing inspiration from Russian folklore, religion, and his own spiritual quests. His dedication to cultural preservation and peace through art led to the establishment of the Roerich Pact, a treaty advocating for the protection of cultural heritage.
Roerich's paintings are characterized by vibrant colors and intricate details, capturing the ethereal beauty of landscapes and mythical scenes. His works, such as "Madonna Laboris" and the series "Sancta," are revered for their spiritual depth and artistic excellence. These masterpieces can be found in prestigious museums and galleries worldwide, serving as testaments to Roerich's enduring legacy in the art world. His commitment to integrating spiritual and cultural dimensions in his art has made him a seminal figure for collectors and experts in art and antiques.
Roerich's influence extends beyond his paintings; his philosophical writings and cultural initiatives have also left a significant mark on the fields of art and heritage preservation. As enthusiasts of art and antiquities continue to explore Roerich's rich legacy, there is a growing appreciation for his vision of unity and harmony through cultural expression. For those captivated by Roerich's remarkable life and works, signing up for updates is an invaluable opportunity to stay informed about new product sales and auction events dedicated to his art. This subscription is a gateway to exclusive insights and offerings that celebrate the legacy of Nikolai Konstantinovich Roerich, ensuring enthusiasts remain connected to the evolving exploration of his profound contributions.
Scipione, birth name Gino Bonichi, is an Italian painter known for his contribution to the Italian Scuola Romana art movement. He was one of the pioneers of this movement, which sought to combine elements of avant-garde styles with traditional Italian art.
Schipione's artistic style can be characterised as expressive and emotional. His paintings often carry a sense of raw intensity and psychological depth, reflecting the internal struggles and complexities of the human experience. Using bold strokes, vivid colours and distorted figures, he created visually appealing and emotionally intense works of art.
Joseph Edward Southall was a British painter and leader of the Birmingham Group of Craftsmen Artists.
At the age of 21, while traveling in France and Italy, Southall was fascinated by Italian Renaissance painters. He later created many large tempera paintings, mostly of mythological and religious subjects, which were exhibited throughout Europe as well as in the United States. The artist also painted landscapes and many portraits in watercolor and oil.
With the outbreak of World War I, Southall became more involved in the anti-war struggle, writing pamphlets and drawing cartoons for books and magazines. Along with other members of the Birmingham Group, Southall also practiced various crafts including murals, furniture decoration, lace, book illustration and prints.
Henry John Stock was a British Pre-Raphaelite painter and representative of the English Romantic tradition.
Henry was nearly blind as a child, but gained his sight when he went to live at Beaulieu in the New Forest. Fully recovered, he attended St. Martin's School of Art and the Royal Academy schools. And apparently the trials of his childhood played a role in the artist's outlook. Stock enjoyed success as a secular portraitist, but his main area of interest has always been fantasy, religious and mythological subjects.
Henry Ossawa Tanner was a late 19th- and early 20th-century American artist who spent most of his career in France. He is known as a realist painter and as the first Negro artist to achieve international recognition.
Henry Tanner painted landscapes, religious subjects, and genre paintings depicting everyday scenes of African American life. Many of his works dealt with the plight of African Americans. Tanner's creative style was characterized by a variety of approaches: in some cases, he was careful to elaborate details, in other - he wrote free expressive strokes. He often experimented with light in his works, which sometimes added symbolic meaning to religious subjects.
Hans Thoma was a German painter.
In spite of his studies under various masters, his art has little in common with modern ideas, and is formed partly by his early impressions of the simple idyllic life of his native district, partly by his sympathy with the early German masters, particularly with Albrecht Altdorfer and Lucas Cranach the Elder. In his love of the details of nature, in his precise drawing of outline, and in his predilection for local coloring, he has distinct affinities with the Pre-Raphaelites.
Paul Thumann was a German painter of the second half of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. He is known as a portrait painter and book illustrator.
Paul Thumann created drawings that decorated the works of famous authors such as Goethe, Tennyson, Chamisso, Gamerling and Heine. According to critics, his illustrations were characterized by elegance and subtlety of lines, expressiveness of human and poetic images. Stylistically, the master's works approached Art Nouveau, popular at the turn of the XIX-XX centuries. Thumann also created paintings on historical, religious and mythological themes.
Victor Mikhailovich Vasnetsov (Russian: Виктор Михайлович Васнецов) was a seminal Russian artist, whose contributions to the world of art have left an indelible mark on cultural history. Born into a priest's family in 1848, Vasnetsov's journey into the realms of painting and sculpture was not just a pursuit of aesthetic beauty, but a mission to delve deep into the soul of Russian folklore and history. His works, characterized by their vivid storytelling and intricate detail, bridge the gap between the ethereal world of legends and the tangible reality of Russian cultural identity.
Vasnetsov's oeuvre is a testament to his versatility as an artist, spanning across genres from historical to mythological subjects. Among his most celebrated works are "The Bogatyrs" and "The Knight at the Crossroads," which not only showcase his mastery in painting but also reflect his deep engagement with the themes of heroism and destiny, central to Russian folklore. These masterpieces, housed in prestigious museums like the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow, continue to captivate audiences with their compelling narratives and exquisite execution.
What sets Vasnetsov apart is not just his artistic skill, but his ability to encapsulate the essence of Russian culture and mythology in his work, making it an invaluable part of Russia's cultural heritage. His paintings are more than just visual spectacles; they are windows into the soul of a nation, narrating stories that have shaped the collective consciousness of the Russian people. For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Vasnetsov's works represent a confluence of historical significance and unparalleled artistic merit.
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Ludwig von Löfftz was a German artist of the last third of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. He is known as a painter and graphic artist, genre painter and landscape painter.
Ludwig von Löfftz created his works in a style close to the works of German and Dutch painters of the XVI-XVII centuries. His works were distinguished by clear drawing, skillful play of light and shadow, as well as deep empathy with the events depicted on the canvas. Among his famous works are "Cardinal, playing the organ", "Greed and Love", "Erasmus and his school", "Old Woman", "Eurydice", "Changers".
Carl von Marr was an American-born German painter of the late nineteenth and first third of the twentieth centuries. He is known as a painter and teacher, a professor at the Munich Academy of Fine Arts.
Carl von Marr worked in religious, mythological, and domestic genres, and also painted portraits. He received gold medals in Germany and the United States, where his works were exhibited. The master was a member of the board of directors of the German Artists Association.
Jules Wengel (full name Julius Wihelm Ludwig Wengel) was a French painter and illustrator of German origin. He painted in various genres, including portraits, landscapes, and religious works. Many of his paintings were done in watercolor, and the illustrations had elements of symbolism and mysticism.