The Bather of Valpincon by Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres.
Ingres’ skill at portraying drapery and textiles was the best of the 19th Century French Classical artists. He was inspired by the Italian Renaissance painter Raphael whose clear straightforward yet lush style made his influence third after the Renaissance giants Michelangelo and Leonardo.
Japanese Rabbit Netsuke, Late 18th early 19th century.
The most popular pronunciation is “net-ski”, while the actual Japanese is closer to “netskeh,” they were used weigh down the end of the sash or obi of a kimono. In the 19th and 20th centuries they became highly collectable and remain so today.
Acacias, c.1880 by Albert Moore.
Moore was influenced by the Elgin Marbles (Parthenon statuary which had recently arrived in London at the British Museum – where they remain and are the source of much controversy).
Watson and the Shark, 1777 by John Singleton Copley.
Copley’s historical painting tells a story about Brook Watson who would survive the attack and go on to become Lord Mayor of London.
Return of the Sun, 1986 by Odd Nerdrum.
Nerdrum is an artist whose influence lies in classic artists like Rembrandt, who prefers to mix his own paints and stretch his own canvases. He draws upon a knowledge of art history to create his work – he has done his homework and reveres those that have come before him, paying them homage and respecting history.
Venus, c.1984 by Andy Warhol, various collections.
Warhol was one of the most successful artists to come out of the Pop movement in America. His use of everyday images gave people something to relate to.
A Bar at the Folies Bergere, 1881-82 by Edouard Manet.
Manet’s last major painting. At first glance you see the bored looking barmaid staring off into the distance. Upon closer inspection we can see all the activity of the bar going on in the mirror. Including a patron whose presence is not doing anything to improve her mood – perhaps he caused the mood? Those tangerines just jump out at you, don’t they?
Waiting (L’Attente) by Edgar Degas.
Degas’ paintings of the life that goes on behind the scenes at the ballet are among his most beloved because they are real and show what went on, not just the finished product on the stage. We see the dancers trying to stay limber, the chaperones trying to stay awake, caught by an artist who managed to blend into the woodwork to bring us their world.
Jesus Loves Me by Varnette Honeywood.
Honeywood’s flat one dimensional style and strong colors give her work a unique look. She has done a lot of book illustrations, for which her technique is very well suited. Honeywood’s work captures the varied experiences of African Americans and celebrates the relationships and traditions that bond the people and communities.
La Joconde (Mona Lisa), 1749-1828 by Leonardo da Vinci, The Louvre.
That mysterious smile, many words have been written about it and its meaning, could it be a matter of
Your Daily Art 