Vale: Kate Daw
It is probably a year since I saw Kate Daw, but it feels like it was much more recent. Kate was one of those people who was always around – …
The Rivals – Gainsborough vs Reynolds
Barrie Sheppard continues his exploration of the lives of two great English artists. Barrie writes: Thomas Gainsborough (born 1727) was married. His wife, Mary, was the illegitimate daughter of the …
Miss Kitty Fisher
In another delve into the world of Georgian society, Barrie Sheppard introduces us to Miss Kitty Fisher. Barrie writes: The NGV has its Cleopatra about to drop her pearl of …
Picturing Paul
In the article ‘Richard Lewer: You Wouldn’t Make This Stuff Up’, issue 9 of Vault magazine 2015, Rebecca Gallo describes how New Zealand-born Lewer uses art to ‘delve deep into …
A Stare Case
Our regular contributor, Barrie Sheppard, provides another titillating insight into the ‘Georgian art world’. Barrie writes: Before occupying its present quarters (Burlington House on Piccadilly) in 1869, the Royal Academy …
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 …
A memento of 19th century Australian fashion
While an evening out is currently not possible, Sylvia Walsh reminds us that we should aspire to more than ‘tracky dacks’ during the COVID curfew. Sylvia writes: Portrait of my …
“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 …
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 …