An exhibition of just two paintings and a letter, The Last Caravaggio illuminates interesting biographical and artistic details from the master of light and shade. The Last Caravaggio Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio died as he lived. Chaotically, brashly and a little unpleasantly. He’s the poster boy (well, among others…) for the debate over whether we […]
Two small, free exhibitions at the National Gallery explore artists in depth. Which will your favourite be between Pesellino and his sumptuous colours and Liotard’s portraits observed in soft pastels? The National Gallery’s Latest in Mini-Exhibitions It’s been a while since I’ve been to see the National Gallery‘s small exhibitions. As well as their bigger, […]
A large-scale exhibition of the work of Frans Hals at the National Gallery is an opportunity to get to know the full range of this talented Dutch painter. Frans Hals At The National Gallery I was at first a little surprised to read that this exhibition at the National Gallery was the first of Hals’ […]
This simple exhibition at the National Gallery tells the story of its simple subject, Saint Francis of Assisi, through art. It paints a picture of the saint as a source of inspiration throughout the centuries, and his continued relevance today. Saint Francis of Assisi I really wanted to catch this small exhibition before it closed, […]
A large-scale exhibition on modern art at the National Gallery, After Impressionism has some lovely works to offer, but slotted into a narrative that plays it rather safe. And where are the women? A Popular Subject, A Popular Exhibition This is perhaps my own fault: I went on a Saturday afternoon. Please somebody stop me […]
A small exhibition at the National Gallery on beauty and satire, The Ugly Duchess raised more questions for me than it answered, but did at least get me thinking. The Ugly Duchess: Beauty And Satire In The Renaissance I do love a one room exhibition at the National Gallery, but haven’t been for a while. […]
A review of Lucian Freud: New Perspectives at the National Gallery. This is an exceptionally good opportunity to get up close to Freud’s works and see the development of his artistic style. Just don’t expect it to be a comfortable experience. Lucian Freud Like so many 20th Century artists (and the point of this previous […]
A review of Raphael at the National Gallery. A blockbuster exhibition highlighting the range of this Renaissance master. Raphael What did I know of Raphael before seeing this exhibition at the National Gallery? Reasonably little. I knew him as a real Renaissance man, had seen his frescoes in the Vatican. I had an idea that […]
Another double bill of small National Gallery exhibitions, this time featuring Gainsborough’s serene Blue Boy against Ali Cherri’s exploration of artworks which have been defaced while on display here. Another National Gallery Double Bill I really enjoy doing posts about small exhibitions at the National Gallery. Firstly, they do a lot of one-room exhibitions, which […]
A review of virtual reality experience Virtual Veronese at the National Gallery. A high-tech way to recontextualise what is otherwise one of many fine paintings in the Gallery’s collection. Art Experienced Virtually In the last couple of years I have noticed an upswing in the number of virtual reality experiences on offer. Perhaps it’s just […]
