Blossoming Almond Branch in a Glass (1888)

Blossoming Almond Branch in a Glass (1888)
One of my favorite still life subjects of Van Gogh, the cut branch in a glass, I ran across this one with the book behind creating a complicated compositional element. Note also the use of complementary colors, red and green, creating a vibration in the painting.

Friday, December 9, 2011

Johann Winckelmann


Happy Birthday Johann Winckelmann!! This artist, born in 1717 was a German art theorist who originally intended to become a physician. He was born into poverty, his father a cobbler and his mother the daughter of a weaver. After attending medical courses, he decided on a radical change and turned to archeology. Winckelmann was the first to make the distinction between Greek, Greco-Roman and Roman art and in fact a founder of scientific archeology. His contributions to art history as we know it today are unmeasurable. He wrote several books detailing Greek history and distinguishing features of Greek art when compared to Roman copies. I am including a portrait of Winckelmann painted by a close friend, Raphael Mengs.


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