Here are five great paintings I saw today in Viennas Kunsthistorisches Museum, all considered masterpieces. First up, Raphaels Madonna of the Meadow, admired for its sense of balance and harmony. Spot the hidden equilateral triangle, and yet the sense of movement achieved by the glances shared by the figures. Raphaels tombstone inscription says it all: Here lies that famous Raphael by whom Nature feared to be conquered while he lived, and when he was dying, feared herself to die. Second, Rembrandts charming picture of his son, Titus, reading. I went for this over the great self portraits because it is light and fun. It is about the pleasure of reading - I can relate to that from an early age. Third, Vermeers The Art of Painting, considered a type of self portrait, but he would turn his back to us, wouldnt he? Considered by many to be his greatest painting, the only Vermeer they have in the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, but it is a great one. We have his sensual use of colour, the detail of the map, the curtain, and the use of the tiled floor to create perspective (a common enough device by that time, in fairness). Still, we have the trademark light through that window. And we recognise the interior setting from so many other paintings. Fourth, Pieter Bruegel the Elders The Tower of Babel for its incredible detail. What a great story to depict too, very popular in his day amongst painters, but this is considered the greatest version. It is a truly monumental composition. Look at the small city on the left hand side, so small beside the giant tower - and the tiny boats bringing materials for its construction on the right. Fifth, Parmigianinos Self-Portrait in a Convex Mirror. Considered a major technical feat in its day, the 21 year old artist painted himself into his picture by use of mirrors - see how the frame itself enters the picture. How very post-modern, aware of the frame itself. It is hard not to look at this picture and think of the poem it inspired American poet, John Ashbery to write, Self-Portrait in a Convex Mirror. The painting itself is strikingly small. Apparently, the Habsburg Emperor was particularly keen to get his hands on this one.
Posted on: Sat, 19 Apr 2014 22:21:27 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015