Varnish Day
Barrie Sheppard continues his illuminating discussion of J M W Turner’s artistic practice. Barrie writes: Varnish day at London’s Royal Academy during the nineteenth century would be more aptly named …
Womba(r)t
Of all our native animals, the one I feel the greatest affinity with is the ‘wombat’. This animal captured the attention of the early settlers and explorers through first contact …
And I would that my tongue could utter …
Barrie Sheppard continues his exploration of the life and times of Turner. Barrie writes: In December 1807 JMW Turner, Royal Academician since 1802, was elected Professor of Perspective. He was …
Caput
Having just watched an interview with the lawyer representing Jacob Chansley (AKA Jake Angeli) – the self-professed QAnon Shaman, who was dressed in furs, horns, body paint and carrying a …
Constable in love
Barrie Sheppard continues his exploration of the life and times of John Constable. Barrie writes: In 1816, English landscape painter John Constable married Maria Bicknell. He was 40, she 28. …
The Golden Dagger of Ahasuerus
In today’s post, Howard Wallace examines the significance of the golden dagger in the biblical story of Esther. Howard writes: Arent De Gelder (1645-1727), a one-time student of Rembrandt, has …
Temeraire
Boxing Day is a day for relaxation after the festivities of Christmas Day. Australian artist Deborah Walker’s lithograph in the collection of the National Gallery of Victoria suggests one possible …
The Star of Bethlehem
Shortly after sunset tonight (21 December) if the sky is clear enough, it will be possible to view the conjunction of the planets Jupiter and Saturn. The fusion of two …
Painting the Inside of the Church
As we once again have the opportunity to attend religious services during the festive season, Howard Wallace muses on: ‘What drives an artist to paint the interior of a church?’. …
Seeing Red
Another fascinating insight into the lives of English artists – John Constable and JMW Turner by Barrie Sheppard. Barrie writes: John Constable was elected an Associate Member of the Royal …