Today is the anniversary of the birth, in 1571, of Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio.
I made up my mind to only post one sample of his work and finally settled on what I think is my favorite, The Taking of Christ (1602). No doubt Mrs. P can say something erudite and scholarly on the subject, but I just love the use of light and shadow in this work and perhaps more importantly, the movement: Christ is caught almost literally in a torrent that flows from right to left. I’ve always loved that.
Oh, what the heck! Here’s another favorite of mine:
The Incredulity of Saint Thomas (1602)
Powerful. Powerful.
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September 29, 2008 at 5:23 pm
Monica
I’ll be watching to see your lauditory posting on Artemesia Gentileschi’s birthday (it’s not until June 8). Just jokin’, but do you like any women artists? This is the only thing I feel ever-so-slightly defensive of from a gender POV. Women artists have sorta had the short end of the stick, but I do not wish to dwell on it, since it is simply a reflection of the times in which they lived. I do wish more people knew about them, though!!
Topic: By creating a “National Museum for Women in the Arts” (have you been there? It’s in the old Masonic Temple), women artists have been/not been served well because their art has been “segregated.” Discuss.
September 29, 2008 at 6:16 pm
Robbo
I confess that I could not even name a woman artist other than Mary Cassatt or Georgia O’Keefe. Damn this patriarchy that keeps me in ignorance!
September 29, 2008 at 9:13 pm
Monica
Indeedy, those are the only 2 just about anyone can name. Look into Elizabeth Vigee-LeBrun, Gentileschi (you’ll love her “Susanna and the Elders”, Suzanne Valadon, Rachael Ruysch, Berthe Morisot, and one of my favorites, Lilla Cabot Perry. I probably spelled most of them wrong!!
September 29, 2008 at 9:20 pm
Robbo
Actually, I do recollect reading about Gentileschi within the past year and having seen her suitably gruesome treatment of Judith and Holfernes. I believe there was an exhibit in Dee Cee? Something along those lines.