The Annunciation by Fra Angelico

The-Annuniciation-by-Fra-Angelico

The Annunciation portrays a critical event for Christianity. Keeping that in
mind, painter Fra Angelico uses a golden laser beam to direct viewers’ eyes. He wants us to see this scene in a super specific way. Angelico also uses rich colors, details, and lots of glorious gold.

Paris Street; Rainy Day by Gustave Caillebotte

Paris Street Rainy Day Gustave Caillebotte

The painting Paris Street; Rainy Day snapshots a beautiful moment on a typical, even dull, day. French painter, Gustave Caillebotte titled this Rue de Paris Wet Weather – a simple name. Its plainness points to the piece’s subject. He gives us a slice of life.

Hunters in the Snow by Pieter Bruegel

HUNTERS IN THE SNOW BY PIETER BRUEGEL

Clarity and purpose shine through Hunters in the Snow by Pieter Bruegel. Its sharp cold bite make this more than a landscape. But on the most basic level it’s one of the best landscapes ever. More than technique, Bruegel creates suspense and drama.

Unconscious Rivals by Lawrence Alma Tadema

Unconscious Rivals - Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema

Cupid’s off to the side in Alma Tadema’s painting Unconscious Rivals. That’s because love plays a mere supporting role in this portrait. But pay no attention to the title, it’s not about rivalry either. This painting celebrates friendship.

Snap the Whip by Winslow Homer

Winslow Homer-Snap the Whip - Oil Painting 1872 - USA

Winslow Homer’s Snap the Whip delights in joyful nostalgia. No matter the life we’ve led, at some point we all had a moment like this. These scampering bare feet sing to us of freedom. After all, nothing feels like liberty as much as grass between the toes.

Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli

Italian Masterpiece Sandro Botticelli Birth of Venus

Birth of Venus serves up instant recognition. We’re all familiar with Sandro Botticelli’s masterpiece. Still, have we really looked at it? It’s a birth. That’s messy, baby-centric, business. But this portrait shows neither mess nor baby – only beauty.