Art historian with an interest in visual messages
Artemisia Gentileschi, a pioneering female artist, has gained recognition after centuries of male dominance in art history. Her work, currently exhibited in London's National Gallery, focuses on themes of female empowerment and personal struggle, particularly in her portrayal of Judith beheading Holofernes, challenging the male gaze. Gentileschi's artistry reflects resilience against sexual exploitation and societal norms.
Gill Whitlock’s article highlights the significance of wills as historical documents that provide insights into personal relationships and societal norms. She discusses Shakespeare’s will, suggesting deep connections to his family and possibly his works. The piece emphasizes the value of examining wills for understanding historical context and the evolution of probate law.
I was intrigued by Gill Whitlock's story, "What Fools!" that I posted last month, and knowing that she has taught drama at a comprehensive school for thirty years I wondered just how she managed to engage some of those teenagers, most of whom would probably never go to a performance of a Shakespeare play. The… Continue reading Macbeth and The Mafia
For those of you who have visited Westminster Abbey's gallery displaying various treasures of our ancient abbey, you may have well have failed to notice an illuminated manuscript known as The Cramp Ring manuscript. In 2006 when I was researching my Master’s dissertation I was allowed to photograph the whole manuscript and the images of the… Continue reading The Good Friday Ceremony of the blessing of cramp rings and the curing of the King’s Evil
In simple terms, the who is easy – Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) and George Braques (1882-1963) are credited with ‘inventing’ this style of art. When? 1907 is the first year a work in this style is exhibited. The why and what is cubism are questions that are not so easy to answer. The 19th century saw rapid… Continue reading What is Cubism, who invented it, when did they do it and why?
Melanie V Taylor 