The Garden of Earthly Delights – Hieronymus Bosch
What’s the meaning behind Hieronymus Bosch’s triptych The Garden of Earthly Delights?
– Christianity, the Middle Ages, and terror
– Proud cherries
– God’s glorious shutter
Bible story
Virgin Annunciate (Palermo) by Antonello Da Messina
What’s so special about Antonello Da Messina’s Virgin Annunciate (Palermo)?
– Who and where is the Annunciate angel?
– Oil paint’s glorious glow
– Mary transitions from human to saint
Judith With the Head of Holofernes – Cristofano Allori
What is happening in Cristofano Allori’s painting Judith With the Head of Holofernes?
– The Power of Women topos
– Heroism and subversion
– Two shiny droplets – jewels on a golden robe
Calling of St. Matthew by Caravaggio
In this analysis for the painting Calling of St. Matthew by Caravaggio I include:
• Caravaggio’s everyday perspective.
• The biblical story behind Calling of St. Matthew.
• Which guy in Calling of St. Matthew is the future saint?
• A selection of Frequently Asked Questions including, “Why did Caravaggio paint Calling of St. Matthew?”
Salome with the Head of St. John the Baptist
Salome with the Head of St. John the Baptist didn’t make Guido Reni famous. His 17th century Italian frescos made him the artistic darling of Bologne. This painting captures a Bible story with a singular image. Salome’s story revolves around beauty, obligation, and cold loathing.
The Annunciation 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.