Still relevant
How long do we look at a work of art in a gallery? Numerous studies have shown that it is usually under 30 seconds – with the average being under …
You can’t ‘A Ford’ to offend
Barrie Sheppard continues to take us into the world of 18th century British artists – this time Thomas Gainsborough. Barrie writes: Just as in our world a property developer builds …
Scientists and Art
Continuing my exploration of the National Gallery of Victoria for ‘National Science Week’, I decided to try the search term ‘scientist’. This proved less fruitful than I expected, with only …
“Be careful what you wish for”
Barrie Sheppard continues his insights into the ‘life and times of Sir Joshua Reynolds’. Barrie writes: When Allan Ramsay, Principle Painter in Ordinary to King George III, died on August …
Cat-A-Tonic
Wendy Hughes Chuck’s recent article on ‘Dogs in Art’ has opened my eyes to a new aspect of myself. We often hear that the world is divided into dog …
Man’s Best Friend – Dogs in Art
‘Every dog has its day’ and today Wendy Hughes Chuck is letting dogs in art off the leash. Wendy writes: “Man’s Best Friend” has been portrayed in art and written …
Head Hunting
Yesterday’s article on Judith and Holofernes by Susanne Pearce generated considerable interest in my inbox. Most readers agreed with Susanne that Artemisia Gentileschi’s ‘active portrayals’ of Judith dealing with the …
Judith and Holofernes
Susanne Pearce has been thinking about the depictions of the story ‘Judith and Holofernes’. Susanne writes: ‘Her sandal ravished his eyes, her beauty captivated his mind, and the sword severed …
Who was Sir Joshua Reynolds’ editor?
Barrie Sheppard continues to delve into the life of the artist Sir Joshua Reynolds. Barrie writes: ‘Joshua Reynolds and lexicographer, novelist, essayist and literary critic Samuel Johnson were close friends …
By George – it’s Svengali!
Busson is not an aristocratic surname. So, it is not surprising that the Parisian tradesman and speculator, who left France in 1789 to avoid charges of fraud, decided to add …