What’s the story with Renoir’s Acrobats at the Cirque Fernando?

• Truth about his real acrobat models
• What oranges represent
• Darkness lurking nearby

What’s the story behind this Count’s smug mug?

• Son of a revolutionary lady
• The challenge of Amédée David the Comte de Pastoret
• Bad reputation and Legion of Honor
• Symbols vs. substance

Table of Contents for art blog on Madame de Pastoret and Her Son:

• Aristocrats vs. revolutionaries
• Symbols in Madame de Pastoret and Her Son
• Working mothers of the French Revolution
• Prison, exile, and a missing needle

In this art blog post about American Gothic by Grant Wood, I discuss:

• The surprising history behind America’s most recognizable painting.
• The character of, and characters in, American Gothic.
• Burning Frequently Asked Questions, like “How much is American Gothic worth?”

Guido Reni’s famous for 17th century Italian frescos of 17th century. But here’s his masterpiece – Salome with the Head of St. John the Baptist. It captures a Bible story with a singular image.

Paris Street; Rainy Day gives us a slice of life. It’s an unromantic, realistic painting during peak Impressionism. At the same time it captures 19th century Paris with a fresh allure.

Nature versus Man whips like wind through the painting Approaching Storm. Eugène Boudin often painted the moneyed and middle class. Their fancy finery struck a wry contrast with Mother Nature.