Category Archives: Baroque

The Death of Jacob Jordaens

Jacob #Jordaens, exceptionally talented Flemish #Baroque painter, died on this day 18th October, 1678. Here is his depiction of the Madonna with Child and Flowers. Simply beautiful.

Nicolas de Largillière

Nicolas de Largillière, French Baroque painter famous for his portraits, was born on this day the 10th of October, 1656, in Paris, France. Largillière painted many important figures of his day, including famous wit and philosopher Voltaire, and diamond merchant, Jean-Baptiste Tavernier. Here is a lovely video with images by Largillière and music by Marin Marais:

Remembering Rembrandt

Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn, better known simply by his forename, Rembrandt, died on this day the 4th of October, 1669. During his life, the Dutch Republic, aka the United Provinces, was in its Golden Age (gouden Eeuw) and this region prospered not only economically, but culturally – with some of the most beautiful works of Baroque art being… Read on

Caravaggio – Still Life with Flowers

Gerbrand van den Eeckhout

Gerbrand van den Eeckhout, Dutch Golden Age painter, died on this day September 29th, 1674.

“The Exchange of Princesses” – Rubens

This beautiful, and lesser-known work of Baroque artist Peter Paul Rubens, represents the marriage of Anne of Austria to Louis XIII of France and also the marriage of Phillip IV of Spain. Surrounded by deities and gods from classical mythology, one princess is being guided towards France, the other towards Spain, and thus do we have the exchange. Note… Read on

“The Wild, The Beautiful, & The Damned” Exhibition

Historic Royal Palaces have put on a brilliant exhibition at Hampton Court Palace of the decadence of the late Stuart court. I had a good chat with curator Brett Dolman about the exhibition and we both agreed that the Late Stuart period has been overlooked by many. He and his team did an excellent job of bringing the… Read on

“Judith Slaying Holofernes” – Artemisia Gentileschi

This powerful, violent, bloody painting by Artemisia Gentileschi is an excellent example of Baroque art. It is currently located in il Museo Nazionale di Capodimonte, Napoli, Italy. If you’d like to learn more about Artemisia, click here: http://www.artemisia-gentileschi.com/index.shtml

“St. Matthew and the Angel” – Caravaggio

Bernini’s Apollo & Daphne

Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1598-1680) was a major, highly influential sculptor of the Baroque. His most famous work was involved with the Vatican as his patrons were rich and powerful members of the Roman Catholic Church. The passionate sculpture above tells the tale of Apollo and Daphne of Greek mythology. Daphne was a nymph who did not return Apollo’s… Read on