Carpaccio’s cycle of stories of St Ursula

Saturday November 11th, 2023 , Artists and Works

Arrivo degli ambasciatori inglesi presso il re di Bretagna (dettaglio)

One of the great cycles of works to be seen in Venice is the cycle of the Stories of St Ursula. These are nine canvases by Carpaccio made between 1490 and 1495 for the Scuola di Sant’Orsola in Venice and have been in the Gallerie dell’Accademia in Venice since 1812.

Vittore Carpaccio created the cycle with the stories of St Ursula based on the story contained in the Golden Legend by Jacopo da Varazze.
The story tells of the martyrdom of the princess, later to become Saint Ursula, which took place in Cologne in the 4th century AD at the hands of Attila’s Huns. Here’s what you need to know.

Vittore Carpaccio’s cycle of stories of St Ursula

Dorothea Lange’s photographs: portraits of America in black and white

Saturday November 4th, 2023 , Artists and Works

Have you ever looked at an image that so deeply captures the essence of humanity that you feel part of that moment? Well, Dorothea Lange’s photographs provide you with just that feeling. An iconic photographer, born in 1895 and passed away in 1965, Dorothea Lange had the incredible ability to do just that.
Co-founder of ‘Aperture’ in 1952, a magazine that redefined photography as we know it, she was the first woman photographer to be celebrated with a retrospective at MoMa in 1965.

Dorothea Lange left an indelible mark on the history of photography. In this post I tell you who the woman behind the lens really was and what stories she so passionately sought to tell.

Dorothea Lange’s photographs: portraits of America in black and white

Caravaggio’s The Taking of Christ: analysis and curiosities

Saturday November 4th, 2023 , Artists and Works

Have you ever wondered what secrets lie behind Caravaggio’s The Taking of Christ, one of the most intense and emotionally charged works of Baroque art?
Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, who was born in Milan in 1571 and died in Porto Ercole in 1610, is known for his ability to capture humanity and spirituality in his paintings.
His “Taking of Christ,” part of the Mattei collection, is an extraordinary example of his talent and style. This work marks a profound turning point in Caravaggio’s artistic expression, in contrast to his earlier works that were predominantly focused on mythological and genre themes.

Caravaggio’s The Taking of Christ: analysis and curiosities

Anish Kapoor’s works: significance and whereabouts

Saturday October 28th, 2023 , Artists and Works

Have you ever been so fascinated by a work of art that you lose yourself completely in its mystery and fascination? If the answer is yes, then you will love the works of Anish Kapoor.
Kapoor’s creations not only enchant visually, but also stimulate deep reflection on many sensory levels. The artist captivates through the use of ambiguity, prompting anyone who comes across them to use all their senses to probe hidden meanings.
Here are the most important works you need to know.

Anish Kapoor’s works: significance and whereabouts

Life and works of Henri Matisse: the painter who revolutionised modern art

Monday October 23rd, 2023 , Artists and Works

Have you ever been fascinated by the works of Henri Matisse, an artist who challenged pre-existing ideals and revolutionised the art world in the 20th century?
In this post, I take you on a journey to discover the life and work of Henri Matisse. You will discover how a painter turned his passion into a bold artistic expression that left an indelible mark.