I spend far too much time sifting through on-line art galleries and images. We have unprecedented access to these things as never before in history. I recommend, for your sanity, take a little time to use these resources and exit from the world of sensational news and other half-cocked garbage spewed out by the electronic … Continue reading Interior with Fisherwives
Tag: painting
Interior of a Mechanic’s Workshop
I have stared at this painting for quite some time. There is a lot to unpack from this one if you have any interest in hand tools. This image is of a very organized workshop of a master craftsman plying his trade in the early 19th century. I feel he is consulting with a client … Continue reading Interior of a Mechanic’s Workshop
Wandering Minstral
Here is a painting by the Scottish artist John Burr (1831-1893) of an itinerant fiddler playing for a family in a Scottish lane probably trying to make enough money to eat or maybe even receive some food for his entertainment. I can't help but think the father looking out has a skeptical look; possibly wondering … Continue reading Wandering Minstral
The Musician – 1887
By Léon François Comerre, French Academic School. I think this familiar looking instrument comes from Africa via the Arabic world and is generally called a tanbūr. A sort of distant uncle to the modern banjo, America's African instrument. The only thing missing is the drone string.
Study of a Banjo Player
William Sydney Mount, another pointless art excursion
My strange tendency, as an art-admirer, is to sometimes over-analyze a painting, not only as the Art itself, but also as a documentation of time and place. In historical paintings, it's fun to look for the details and pick up some lost history along the way. There may be interesting clues in what the artist … Continue reading William Sydney Mount, another pointless art excursion
The Blind Fiddler
"An itinerant fiddler is playing for a humble country family. David Wilkie focuses on the listeners’ different expressions. Only two people seem to respond to the music: the baby and the boy on the right, who is imitating the fiddler by playing the bellows.When this picture was exhibited at the Royal Academy some critics thought … Continue reading The Blind Fiddler
Comrades
Comrades, the 42nd Highlanders (copy of a lost earlier painting by the artist) 1894, by Robert Gibb. This image is extremely moving and poignant. The scene is of the 42nd Regiment of Foot (later called the Black Watch), during the Crimean War winter campaign of 1854-1855. The dying man on the ground is whispering his … Continue reading Comrades
The Meeting
Bonjour, Monsieur Courbet, 1854. Self portrait by Gustave Courbet (right). The Realist style here is a bit stiff for my taste but this is a fine image for 19th century clothing. Nice walking staff too.
A Spot of Art
I like everything about this painting. Eduard Charlemont is an easy one to spot. Generally, his subjects are flamboyantly dressed, generally holding a drink, and often have a musical instrument; even if it's just a drum. I think I'm ready to be this guy. And note the excellent little tusk-tenon bench.
A Need for Solitude
“I came to a point where I needed solitude and just stop the machine of thinking and enjoying what they call living, I just wanted to lie in the grass and look at the clouds.” — Jack Kerouac, Lonesome Traveler
Traveler’s Life
Getting back to our theme of traveler's, caravans, and other wanderers of the world... a few images from Pascal Dagnan-Bouveret a French Naturalist Painter of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. I believe I would enjoy siting around this campfire. Once a common scene, now virtually lost in an era of loud, fume-belching machinery. … Continue reading Traveler’s Life
Music is Magic
Archery in Art; David Teniers the Younger
Painted when the common man still met at the butts for an afternoon of shooting and relaxation. Then hopefully, off to the pub for a pint. I love to scan old images for the details. Some nice redware jugs, probably for beer, a great little bench, and clothing details for the historical-minded. Most interesting to … Continue reading Archery in Art; David Teniers the Younger
The Tinker
Gypsy Music School
Janos Valentiny Hungarian artist (1842—1902) Oil, canvas; 1896
Tavern Interior by John S.C. Schaak 1762
John S.C. Schaak active 1760-1770
Video walkthrough:
Detail: tavern, chair, table, basket, food, sideboard, meat, pie, plate, knife, fork, fire, hearth, fireplace crane, cucumber, lemon sausage, meat hook, beef, bird, bird cage, bottle, glass, bread, mortar and pestle, chocolate pot, spit turner, soldier, cooking pot, tongs, serving boy, raised cooking surface, fry pan, jug, game birds, rabbit
Preindustrial Craftsmanship 