English self-taught painter Edward Ladell (1821-1886)

 

Artist Edward Ladell's Paintings

Colchester is where Artist Edward Ladell was born. After working in Colchester for many years, he relocated to the West of the country, finally settling in Exeter. Despite being a self-taught painter, he established his own style of still life, undoubtedly influenced by the Dutch heritage. Because I nearly always utilised a wine glass, fruits, flowers, and occasionally a bird's nest, caskets, or a carved burdock, things on a marble ledge wrapped with an oriental rug, it is always clearly recognised. Edward Ladell's work was later appreciated. 

ARTIST JULIEN DUPRE (1811- 1889)

ARTIST JULIEN DUPRE

On April 5, 1811, Jules Dupre, a French artist, one of the largest representatives of the Barbizon school, was born in Nantes. It is considered the founder of the modern French landscape.
Jules was born into the family of a manufacturer, a manufacturer of porcelain.

He made his debut in 1831 at the Paris Salon with five works. He painted mainly the French landscape (except for some works of 1835-1839 created in England).

In 1867, 12 paintings by Dupre were exhibited at the World Exhibition. After that, the artist did not exhibit his works for a long time - until the National Exhibition of 1883, where eight of his new works could be seen. Most of the paintings, as a rule, passed to buyers and customers directly from his workshop. Now these works are found in public and private collections. For example, in the Kushelev Gallery of the Imperial Academy of Arts there are two landscapes of Dupree.

Jules Dupre was awarded the rank of officer of the Legion of Honor.
Dupree is a recognized master of the so-called "intimate landscape", reflecting not so much the beauty of the depicted nature, but rather the correspondence to her mood and experiences of the artist, served through paint, line and light.

The painter died on October 6, 1889 in L'Ile Adan, near Paris.

27 paintings By Artist Haynes King ( 1831 - 1904 ) | ArtLiveAndBeauty

Certain names stand out as beacons of brilliance and invention in the broad realm of art. Haynes King, a prominent artist known for his outstanding proficiency in the domain of portraiture, is among these luminaries. His life and work are testaments to the human face's everlasting vitality as a topic of artistic inquiries. In this essay, we will look into Haynes King's life, career, and distinctive contributions to the art world. King's painting themes were genre scenes and landscapes, which he executed in oils and watercolors.

Mastering the Art of Portraiture: The Timeless Legacy of Haynes King

Haynes King was Born in the charming West Indian town of Barbados in 1931 . King's outstanding talent for art was cultivated by his supportive family from an early age. His early exposure to the brilliant colors and various faces of Barbados influenced his creative perspective. the artist moved to London in 1854, Haynes King's creative abilities were developed further when he relocated to London at the age of 23. He enrolled in the Royal Academy of Arts, where he was exposed to the masters' techniques and approaches. His studies at the school were crucial in honing his talents and establishing his own style of portraiture. After seven years of presenting his work at the Academy of Arts, King was elected to the Royal Society of British Artists in 1864. In 1855, he moved to Kentish, where he shared a residence with the artist Thomas Feid (1826-1900), who influenced his style and technique greatly. Later, he shared a home with John King (1855-1924), who was simply a nameake. King moved seven times in London before settling in 1896 at 103 Finchley Road. His genre scenes are often figures in house interiors. Between 1860 and 1904, King exhibited over thirty pieces at the Royal Academy. King's works may be found at the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Bethnal Green Museum, and the art galleries of Leeds and Derby.

Jean Baptiste Claude Robie 🇧🇪 ( 1821 - 1910 ) | Belgian Still Life Painter | ArtLiveAndBeauty

 

Jean-Baptiste Claude Robie's Paintings & Biography

The future artist's youth was terrible. In Brussels, a farmer's great-grandson, a tinsmith's grandson, and a blacksmith's son were born. His parents, Jean-Baptiste Claude Robie and Maria-Catarina Mommar, had eleven children in all, six boys and five girls. Little Jean-Baptiste spent his boyhood in his father's gloomy forge, which was located opposite St. Peter's Hospital in Brussels. Jean-Baptiste Robie remembers his first drawing competition, which was arranged by someone from St. Peter's Hospital for the youngsters on his neighbourhood. The youngsters were permitted to paint on a corner of the building's wall near the hospital's entrance. Children were thrilled to create the most spectacular drawings on the wall, equipped with coal, chalk, and shards from flower pots.

 

34 Paintings By Artist Franz Xaver Kosler ( 1864 - 1905 ) | 19th Century Austrian Orientalist | ArtLiveAndBeauty

 

Franz Xaver Kosler's Paintings

Austrian Orientalist painter Franz Xaver Kosler was  born August 16, 1864, in Vienna. He started his creative career in 1881 after being accepted into the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts. He trained under renowned Orientalist Leopold Carl Müller (1834–1892) from 1884 to 1885; Franz Xaver Kosler's genre settings and portraits show Müller's influence.

39 Paintings By Artist Władysław Czachórski 🇵🇱 ( 1850 - 1911 ) | ArtLiveAndBeauty

Władysław Czachórski's Paintings

Wadysaw Czachórski, whose name is woven into the rich fabric of Polish art, was a key player in the 19th-century realism movement. His outstanding contributions to the field of art have left an everlasting imprint on Poland's cultural landscape. Czachórski transported spectators to a bygone period by his magnificent and precisely made paintings, evoking the soul of Polish aristocracy and the grandeur of the country's surroundings. This essay will look at the life, work, and lasting legacy of this extraordinary Polish artist. Wadysaw Czachórski was born in 1850 in Lublin, Poland, Wadysaw's love of painting was encouraged in this artistic environment. His parents saw his talent and encouraged him to pursue his passion for painting from an early age.

Sophie Geangambre Anderson: A Self-Taught Visionary of Victorian Elegance

Sophie Geangambre Anderson's Paintings

Sophie Geangambre Anderson, born in Paris in 1823, transcended her roots to become an English artist of French origin, leaving an indelible mark on the Victorian art scene. Specializing in portraits of women and children set against idyllic rural backdrops, Sophie's work is imbued with the influence of Pre-Raphaelitism, a movement that sought to defy Victorian conventions and celebrate meticulous attention to detail.

Early Life and Artistic Genesis

Born into the family of Parisian architect Charles Jeanjambre, Sophie's artistic journey began with a solid home education. In the wake of the French Revolution, the Jeanjambre family sought refuge in the United States, where Sophie's artistic destiny intertwined with that of English artist Walter Anderson, whom she later married.

American Sojourn and the Marriage to Walter Anderson

In the USA, Sophie embarked on her artistic career, focusing on portraits and contributing to color lithographs for Louis Prang & Co. Despite societal restrictions on married women working during the Victorian era, being wed to an artist, Walter Anderson, provided Sophie with the opportunity to continue her artistic pursuits.

London Calling and Recognition

The Andersons made a significant move to London in 1854, where Sophie's artistic prowess came to the forefront. Exhibiting at renowned institutions such as the Royal Academy of Arts and the Society of British Artists, Sophie gained widespread recognition. Her intricate depictions of women and children resonated with the Victorian audience, earning her acclaim for her attention to detail, botanical accuracy, and mastery of the Pre-Raphaelite style.

A Self-Taught Artisan

Sophie's artistic journey took a distinctive path as she eschewed formal classical education. Although she briefly took lessons from Charles Steuben in her youth, her identity as a self-taught artist became a defining feature. This unique approach did not hinder the recognition of her talent; on the contrary, it added an element of individuality to her oeuvre.

Influences of Pre-Raphaelitism

The influence of the Pre-Raphaelites, particularly artists like Pietro Perugino, Fra Beato Angelico, and Giovanni Bellini, is evident in Sophie Anderson's works. The movement's dedication to accurate representation and a celebration of feminine beauty is mirrored in her meticulously crafted paintings.

Return to the USA and Legacy

Returning to the USA in 1859 and later residing on the island of Capri due to health reasons, Sophie continued to send her works to London for exhibitions. Despite her declining health, she exhibited at the Royal Academy of Arts almost until the end of her days. Sophie Jeanjambre Anderson passed away in 1903, merely a month after the death of her husband.

Sophie's legacy endures through her timeless paintings, with "No Walk Today" standing out as one of her most iconic works. Though many of her paintings reside in private collections, prints of her acclaimed pieces like "The Time Of The Lilacs," "Young Girl Fixing Her Hair," and "The Turtle Dove Small" continue to captivate art enthusiasts worldwide.

Sophie Jeanjambre Anderson's art, a fusion of individuality, Victorian elegance, and Pre-Raphaelite influences, remains a testament to her innate talent and the enduring allure of her unique perspective on the world.

No Walk Today

Artist Wilhelm August Lebrecht Amberg ( 1822 - 1899 ) : A Master of Emotion and Realism in Art

Wilhelm August Lebrecht Amberg (1822-1899)

Wilhelm August Lebrecht Amberg (1822-1899) was a German painter known for his exceptional mastery of emotion and realism in art. Throughout his illustrious career, Amberg produced a diverse body of work that captured the hearts of many with its evocative portrayals of human emotions and scenes from everyday life. From tender domestic scenes to hauntingly emotive portraits, Amberg's art remains a testament to his ability to evoke a deep emotional response from viewers. This article will delve into the life, influences, and artistic contributions of this remarkable artist.

Born on March 6, 1822, in Dessau, Germany, Wilhelm Amberg displayed an early fascination with art. He received his initial art education at the Dessau Drawing School, and later, he continued his studies under the tutelage of the renowned German painter Wilhelm von Schadow at the Düsseldorf Art Academy. Under Schadow's guidance, Amberg honed his skills and developed a keen eye for detail and emotion, which would become hallmarks of his artistic style.

Artist Fritz Zuber Buhler ( 1822 - 1896 ) - The Master of Elegance and Romance

 Artist Fritz Zuber-Buhler's Paintings

Fritz Zuber-Buhler was a prominent 19th-century Swiss artist whose paintings captured the essence of elegance, beauty, and romance. Born on the 21st of June, 1822, in Le Locle, Switzerland, Zuber-Buhler's artistic talent blossomed at a young age. He received his early education at the Gymnase cantonal in Neuchâtel and then pursued his artistic studies in Paris, under the tutelage of renowned French painter François-Édouard Picot.

Zuber-Buhler's artistic style was deeply influenced by the prevailing Romanticism movement of his time. He excelled in portraying idyllic and sentimental scenes, often depicting beautiful women in luxurious surroundings. His works focused on capturing the delicate play of light, intricate details, and a keen sense of aesthetics, which brought his subjects to life with an enchanting allure.

Throughout his career, Zuber-Buhler gained recognition for his exceptional skills in rendering female figures. His portrayals of women were marked by their grace, refinement, and impeccable fashion. Often depicted in elegant gowns and surrounded by flowers or pastoral landscapes, these women exuded an air of sophistication and timeless beauty.

One of Zuber-Buhler's notable strengths was his ability to convey emotions through the subtle expressions and body language of his subjects. Whether it was the wistful look of a daydreaming lady or the joyous laughter of a playful child, Zuber-Buhler captured these fleeting moments with sensitivity and skill.

Zuber-Buhler's choice of themes ranged from historical and mythological scenes to portraits and genre paintings. His works often incorporated elements of fantasy, further adding to the romantic and dreamlike quality of his art. He skillfully infused his compositions with a sense of narrative, allowing viewers to imagine stories and emotions beyond the canvas.

In addition to his talent as a painter, Zuber-Buhler was also a skilled draftsman and printmaker. His etchings and engravings revealed the same level of attention to detail and artistic finesse seen in his paintings. These prints allowed a broader audience to appreciate his artistry, and many became highly sought after by collectors.

During his lifetime, Fritz Zuber-Buhler received numerous accolades and exhibited his works in prestigious art salons and galleries across Europe. His paintings were well-received, and he gained a considerable following among art enthusiasts and patrons.

Today, Zuber-Buhler's works are treasured as valuable representations of the Romantic era. They continue to inspire artists and art enthusiasts alike, serving as a reminder of the enduring appeal of beauty, emotion, and the power of artistic expression. His legacy as a master of elegance and romance lives on through the admiration of art connoisseurs and the continued influence of his paintings on contemporary artists.

In conclusion, Fritz Zuber-Buhler remains an artist whose impact transcends time. His ability to capture the subtleties of emotion and create mesmerizing compositions ensures his place in art history as a master of Romanticism. Through his depictions of beautiful women and enchanting scenes, he invites us to immerse ourselves in a world of grace and splendor, leaving a lasting impression on all who behold his art.

26 paintings By Artist Elizabeth Jane Gardner Bouguereau (1837-1922) | ArtLiveAndBeauty

Elizabeth Jane Gardner Bouguereau (1837-1922) 

A Pioneer Among Female Artists, Born in Exeter, New Hampshire, Elizabeth Jane Gardner Bouguereau was a pioneering artist who defied societal norms and left an indelible mark on the art world. Her journey began modestly when she graduated from the women's boarding school, Lasell, in 1856, receiving the limited education that was deemed appropriate for a young lady at the time. However, it was at this school that she cultivated her passion for art, honing her skills in composition, sketching, and watercolor.

123 Paintings By Artist Friedrich von Amerling ( 1803 - 1887 ) | Austrian 19th Century Painter | ArtLiveAndBeauty

 

Artist Friedrich von Amerling 

Friedrich von Amerling's work is recognized by its use of a wide range of colors, beauty of pattern, and exotic design. The majority of the artist's work is in the portrait genre. Friedrich von Amerling, along with Ferdinand Georg Waldmüller, was a well-known portrait painter of the nineteenth century.

Friedrich von Amerling was born in Vienna on April 14, 1803. I learned a great deal about the craft. Amerling moved to Vienna in 1828. During the Viennese Biedermeier, he became a popular portrait painter, receiving contracts from the imperial family, the highest aristocracy, burghers, and great industrialists. The artist's popularity peaked between 1828 and the 1850s.

Friedrich von Amerling died in Vienna on January 14, 1887. Amerling made over a thousand pieces, the majority of which are in Austrian museums and private collections.

Artist Knut Alfred Ekwall (1843 - 1912) And Artist Emma Ekwall (1838 - 1925) 🇸🇪

 

Artists Knut Alfred Ekwall And Emma Ekwall

 ∎ Artist Knut Alfred Ekwall (1843 - 1912)

Knut Alfred Ekwall was a Swedish painter and book illustrator who lived from 1843 to 1912. Emma Ekwall's brother.

Knut Ekwall was born to bailiff Nils Fredrik Ekwall and his wife Emilia in Sabie, Trans municipality. Knut was the sixth of sixteen very gifted children. Hugo and Gustav, the brothers, graduated with honors from engraving schools, while Emma, the eldest sister, became the first Swedish female painter to obtain the Royal Medal. Knut, to his mother's delight, also found his skills at a young age.

Knut Ekwall started school in Jönköping in 1854 and graduated in 1959. Artist Markus Larsson happened to see some of Knut's sketches and thought the adolescent was highly promising. As a result, Knut Ekwall briefly became his pupil. Unfortunately, all educational works were destroyed by fire in 1859.

Later, Knut Alfred Ekwall traveled for Stockholm, where he was accepted quickly into the Academy of Arts, where he studied until 1867. Due to financial constraints, he was obliged to discontinue his studies several times. He received medals in 1860 and 1861. Knut Ekwall sent home letters of appreciation and letters of thanks for parents in succeeding years of education.

Knut met his future wife Theresia Berkowitz in 1869, the attractive and musically brilliant adopted daughter of a Berlin watchmaker. Knut and Theresia agreed to marry, but the Ekwall family was opposed to marrying a poor girl. Teresia then convinced her beloved to flee to Berlin, where the wedding was held, with only one bag and a palette.

This was a nice marriage. Their son Harold was born in 1973, and Anna was born in 1875. They, like their mother, pursued careers as musicians. So, by coincidence, by fate, Knut Ekwall ended himself in Germany, making an everlasting impression on the country's culture.

Knut Ekwall returned to Sweden in 1885, at the age of 42. His house was set on fire on March 13, 1912. The fire entirely damaged the workshop, which had lovely paintings underneath it. Knut was on the second floor, having been bedridden for a long time owing to a bad illness. He was rescued and sent to the neighboring Romana sanatorium in Trans. The neighborhood newspaper "Kalmar" on March 16, 1912 carried an article: "On Wednesday night, the house of the painter Knut Ekwall burnt down. All personal belongings and artistic treasures were destroyed."

Knut Ekwall died a few weeks later, on April 4, 1912, still reeling from the shock.

Pushkin's fashion In Art. gown sleeve with a strange name "BERET"

Pushkin's fashion. Ball gown sleeve with a strange name "BERET"

 In the late 1820s, an interesting sleeve came into fashion, which was called the "beret". If you look at it closely, everything becomes clear. This puffy, flattened sleeve really looks like a beret worn by ladies on their heads.

 How and why did such a sleeve appear?

 In the mid-1820s, the waists of women's dresses returned to their natural place. At first, skirts were not wide, and the sleeves of ballroom and open evening dresses were “lanterns”.

 And then the sleeves and skirts began to expand.

 It seems that the sleeves even outstripped the skirts in their growth.

 And fashion designers invented the beret sleeve, which replaced the flashlight.

 “The “beret” sleeve for evening dresses (1829-1835) was cut as a full circle with a slit on one side for the passage of the arm; the other side gathered in the armhole, but remained flat under the armpit. It could require a stiff lining and was often topped with a frill or "winglet". (Joanne Nunn. Costume Story)

 That is, the beret sleeve pattern was a large circle with a hole in the middle. By 1834, the sleeves and skirts of ball gowns had become quite puffy. Hats, by the way, too.

 The sleeve "takes" already sags under its own weight. And it becomes very wide.

 In the portrait of Grand Duchess Elena Pavlovna of 1836, we see huge sleeves covered with the same huge “wings”.

 This is the “swan song” of the sleeve “takes”.

 Biedermeier fashion has reached some absurdity. Soon it will change, and a new fashionable era will begin.

 1. Charles Boulanger de Boisfremont. Portrait of Countess Emilie Sommarive Seyer, 1833

 2. Luis de la Cruz. Maria Christina de Bourbon of Sicily, 1831

 3. Joseph Karl Stieler. Portrait of Baroness Amalia Krüdener, 1828.

 4. Franz Xavier Winterhalter Portrait of a woman, early 1830s.

 5. Grand Duchess Elena Pavlovna Portrait from the original by Timothy Neff, 1836.

Portrait of Augusta Strobl by Artist Joseph Karl Stieler (1781-1858)

 

 Portrait of Augusta Strobl

Augusta Strobl was to married Hilber (1807-1871). The portrait was painted in 1827 by Artist Joseph Karl Stieler (1781-1858). 

 Josef Karl Stieler was a German portrait painter.

 Stieler was born into the family of August Friedrich Stieler (1736-1789), a seal-carver at the Electoral Mint in Mainz. The Stieler family was known as a family of artists, among whom were painters of coats of arms and seals, engravers and painters.

 Stieler made his first steps in art under the guidance of his father, who died in 1789. In the following years, Stieler successfully educated himself in pastel and miniature. At the age of 17, Stieler undertook a trip to Würzburg. There, for almost two years, he was a student of the court painter Christoph Fesel, who in turn studied with Anton Raphael Mengs. Fesel Stieler studied oil painting. Then Stieler went to study at the Vienna Academy of Arts under Heinrich Friedrich Füger and made his debut as a portrait painter.

 In 1805-1806, Shtiler spent at the courts of Budapest and Warsaw, where he was simply inundated with orders. In 1807 he accepted an offer to move to Paris and work with François Gérard. In 1808 he returned to Germany and settled as an independent artist in Frankfurt am Main.

 King Maximilian I invited Stieler to his court in Munich, which became home for Stieler. He was appointed by the king to the court painters.

 For King Ludwig I, Stieler painted the famous Gallery of Beauties in Nymphenburg Palace.

 In 1824, Stieler co-founded the Munich Art Association. In 1833 he married the poet Josephine von Miller. They had three children

 Stieler spent the last years of his life in Tegernsee, where on the Leeberghang hill he built himself a summer house on a land donated in 1829 by the king.

 The king saw Augusta at the city ball. She, the daughter of the chief royal accountant, looked like a fairy in her puffy-sleeved muslin dress, with a pink-and-red scarf around her thin waist, and a bow of the same color in her brown hair.

 During the dance, King Ludwig said to the girl: “Dear Augusta, you just have to wish, and I will fulfill your every desire ...” The beauty answered without hesitation: “Your Majesty, promote the assistant forester Hilber. He is my fiancé."

 In any other country, under another king, this assistant forester would have been appointed the next day to guard the farthest corner in the farthest forest of the kingdom. But the king of Bavaria appointed the groom chief forester in Ergoldsbach. To this day, this is a nature protection zone, in a wonderful forest region in the Danube watershed.

 

"Portrait of Augusta Strobl" , by Artist Joseph Karl Stieler (1781-1858)

 

"Orpheus in Hell" by Pierre Amédé Marcel-Beronneau

 1897 Oil on canvas. 200 x 163 cm Museum of Fine Arts, Marseille, France

 In the late 19th century, through the efforts of Joseph Peladin, Catholic symbolism became extremely popular in France. At that time, many artists were deeply immersed in their fantasies. They turned to the legends of antiquity, and the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus, depicted in an enthusiastic combination of gold and blue and telling about the hero's attempts to save his beloved from death, became the icon of their movement.

 Prominent in this series is the painting by Pierre Amédée Marseille-Beronneau, Orpheus in Hell. It was presented at the last of six Salons de la Rose + Croix organized by Péladan, which took place in 1897. The painting, painted under the strong influence of Gustave Moreau, demonstrates how French symbolism freezes in the depths of death, sleep and the subconscious.

 The Salon Rose + Cross took place from 1892 to 1897 in various galleries throughout the French capital. Artists had to obey strict regulations: no still lifes or landscapes, only art in the service of the Divine.

Ophelia By Artist Paul Albert Steck

 Ophelia is a fictional character in William Shakespeare's play Hamlet, Prince of Denmark. She is a young noblewoman, daughter of Polonius, sister of Laertes, and lover of Hamlet.

 Ophelia first appears in the play when she says goodbye to her brother Laertes, who is leaving for France. Laertes instructs her about Hamlet's courtship. He warns that Hamlet, being the likely heir to the crown, is not free to marry Ophelia and therefore his advances must be rejected. After Laertes' departure, Polonius also warns Ophelia against Hamlet, as he does not believe in the sincerity of the prince's feelings and intentions. At the end of the lecture, Polonius forbids her to meet with Hamlet.

 Ophelia, having learned about the murder of Polonius (Hamlet accidentally pierces her father through the curtain, thinking that he is Claudius), goes crazy. She speaks in riddles and hums outwardly meaningless songs, not wanting to listen to the queen's objections. In act 4, scene 7, Gertrude enters and announces the death of Ophelia to the king and Laertes.

 Since it is impossible to understand from the text of the tragedy whether Ophelia's death was the result of an accident or suicide, her death has been the subject of endless disputes for four centuries.

 A possible historical prototype of Ophelia is called Katharina Hamlet, a girl who fell into the Avon River and died in December 1579. Although it was determined that she lost her balance and fell while carrying heavy buckets, there were rumors that the cause of death was an unhappy love that led her to suicide. Perhaps Shakespeare, who was 16 at the time of her death, recalled this incident when creating the image of Ophelia.

 The image of Ophelia has always attracted artists. The author of the painting presented today, the French artist Paul Albert Steck, was a student of Jean-Leon Gerome.

Ophelia, Paul Albert Steck, 1894, Oil on canvas. Petit Palais (Small Palace), Paris

" Queen Isabel I de Castilla " by Artist Luis de Madrazo (1825–1897)

 

"Portrait of Queen Isabella of Castile" by Luis Madrazo

 1848 Oil on canvas. Prado Museum. 

In world history, the first queen of Spain, Isabella of Castile, left her mark as an influential, far-sighted and tough ruler. She ruled the country in tandem with her husband Ferdinand of Aragon, so this era was called the reign of kings. This time is marked by a number of reforms and innovations of global significance.

First of all, the couple united Spain by making a dynastic marriage. Being a zealous Catholic, Isabella strengthened the Spanish Inquisition in order to strengthen the purity of the Catholic faith, expelling thousands of Gentiles from the country. The ambitious queen blessed Christopher Columbus to circumnavigate the world, and his discovery of the American continent was the beginning of the colonization of new lands and the transformation of Spain into a powerful empire until the middle of the 16th century.

In 1468, when Isabella was 17 years old, her brother proclaimed her heir to the throne of Castile, elevating her to the title of Princess of Asturias. Guardianship of the elder brother of the future queen also meant that she must coordinate her marriage with him. Isabella disobeyed and, rejecting the candidates proposed by Enrique, secretly married Prince Ferdinand of Aragon.


The secret marriage took place on October 19, 1469. Ferdinand's retinue had to travel incognito, disguised as merchants, while Isabella left the palace on the pretext of visiting her sick mother.
Isabella was known for her intelligence, energy, inflexible character, she was distinguished by perseverance, God-fearing and arrogance. She spent her time on campaigns, where, sitting on a horse, she herself often commanded detachments, then in the office, where, together with her secretaries, she read and compiled state papers.
In the appearance of the queen, the greenish-blue eyes, characteristic of the Trastamara dynasty, stood out. The complexion was delicate, the hair was golden, the stature was short, and the physique was not particularly graceful. Nevertheless, it was noted that in her appearance there was an innate nobility and dignity.

Since she spent her childhood away from the court and was not considered as an heiress, her education was rather weak. She was taught to read, write and have good manners. Embroidery remained her favorite pastime and a rest from public affairs. She subsequently had to make up for many gaps in her education herself.


Isabella was even taller than her husband. Ferdinand, being a year younger than his wife, was her complete opposite: jet-black hair, swarthy skin, brown eyes. A recognized handsome man, even before marriage, he acquired 2 illegitimate children, he had 2 more bastards in marriage with Isabella.


In an official union, Ferdinand and Isabella had 10 children. Of these, only 4 daughters and 1 son survived - Juan of Asturias, who also did not live to see the throne and died at the age of 19.


The daughters of Isabella of Castile left their mark on history. All four became queens. Isabella of Asturias and Mary of Aragon were married to the Portuguese king Manuel I (wedowed, he married his wife's younger sister). The younger Catherine of Aragon became the wife of the legendary English King Henry VIII Tudor. And, finally, Juana the Mad, who passed the Castilian throne, was the wife of the Spanish king Philip the Handsome.

Isabella ascended the throne and declared herself Queen of Castile and León on December 14, 1474, after the death of her brother Enrique. The king, before his death, forgave his sister's disobedience and recognized her marriage to Ferdinand. In fact, this union, having united Castile and Aragon, created the Spanish kingdom (complete political unification occurred with the annexation of Navarre in 1512).


Under Isabella, Saint Ermandada appeared - armed detachments for the protection of order, this greatly limited the arbitrariness of the Spanish grandees and Cortes. Royal power, on the contrary, rose more and more, gaining absolute authority.


Over the almost 30-year history of the reign of Queen Isabella, at least 3 major events occurred that influenced the course of world history. The first is the end of the Reconquista, the holy war declared by Christians against the Arab invasion and the planting of the Muslim religion throughout the occupied Iberian Peninsula. Until 1492, only Granada remained under Arab rule. The capture of this city by the troops of Isabella and Ferdinand meant the end of almost 7 centuries of confrontation.


Isabella also ordered the expulsion of all Arabs and Jews from Spain in order to fight for the purity of the Catholic faith. Gentiles should either leave the country or accept Catholicism. Those who, having acquired a new faith, secretly observed the old rites, were burned at the stake by the Inquisition. Subsequently, the unfortunate began to settle in separate quarters, called ghettos.


And, finally, the third initiative of Isabella, which went down in history, is the equipment for the sea expedition of Christopher Columbus, the result of which was the discovery of the New World for European countries in the period from 1492 to 1504.
Over the years, the queen's health has weakened: numerous births and protracted religious fasts have taken their toll. By the age of 50, she had become a gloomy recluse who yearned for her daughters who had been married off to other kingdoms.


The last blow for Isabella was the terrible truth: the woman found out that her beloved daughter Juana - the most beautiful and cheerful - suffers from a mental disorder, like her grandmother.
Nevertheless, the queen made her favorite the heir to the Spanish throne, but indicated in her will that in the event of her daughter's insanity, her father Ferdinand was appointed regent. In November 1504, Isabella died in Medina del Campo due to a long illness. The tomb of the monarch is located in the Royal Chapel in Granada.


In 1515, her husband Ferdinand was buried next to the queen. He survived his wife for 11 years, during which he actually ruled the state and left the crown to his grandson Charles of Habsburg - the son of Juana the Mad and Philip the Handsome.


The biography of such a great woman has attracted writers, directors and artists at all times. The personality of Isabella of Castile was sung by writers. Lawrence Schoonover's novels The Queen's Cross, C. W. Gortner's The Queen's Oath, Victoria Holt's The Queen of Castile and Spain for Kings are dedicated to her biography.


Many famous actresses embodied the image of Queen Isabella in the cinema: Sigourney Weaver in the film "1492: The Conquest of Paradise" (1992), Faye Dunaway in the series "Christopher Columbus" (1985), Rachel Ward in the film "Christopher Columbus: The Conquest of America" ​​(1992) , Florence Eldridge in Christopher Columbus (1949).



Isabella of Castile even appears in the popular Turkish TV series The Magnificent Age. The scriptwriters came up with a storyline according to which the young infanta is kidnapped by corsairs, and the future queen becomes a prisoner of Sultan Suleiman. However, the events described in the series have nothing to do with historical truth.

"Queen Isabel I de Castilla" by Artist Luis de Madrazo  (1825–1897)

Artist Edwin Long "Esther", 1878

 Artist Edwin Long. "Esther", 1878
 National Gallery of Victoria

A steely gaze stops you halfway. Dark, squinted, under an emerald green gem, the eyes pierce. She is full of determination.

 Behind this look and tightly clenched hands lies the story of an adopted Jewish woman from Susa.

 As the second wife of a Persian king, Esther (Esther) hid her identity in order to survive.

 But having learned about the planned decree on the murder of all Jews, she risked her life by sneaking into the chambers of the king and persuading him to cancel the decree.

 The story of Esther is immortalized in the Jewish holiday of Purim.

Julien Stappers (1875–1960) | Belgian Still Life Painter | ArtLiveAndBeauty

 

Julien Stappers's Paintings 

Belgian painter Julien Stappers (1875–1960) is renowned for his stylish, colourful, and enduring flower still lifes. Such magnificent and brilliant colours can be found in his paintings! The artist's creativity gained him or her renown and honour. Outstanding still life painters from the late 19th and early 20th centuries include Julien Stappers.

Between 1894 and 1899, Julien Stappers attended both the Higher Institute of Fine Arts and the Antwerp Royal Academy of Fine Arts (1899-1901). Initial exhibition in 1903.

He painted a great deal of exquisite still lifes featuring luscious fruits and luxuriant flower hues. In his works, flowers are typically blended, with certain blossoms enhancing the beauty of others. The sense of a miraculous combination of appropriate hues is given by a faint haze, which gives the appearance that lush colours are drawn to with depth of execution and are taken for granted when, in his opinion, they should have been.

Artist Joseph-Desire Court (1797-1865) | ArtLiveAndbeauty

 

Joseph-Desire Court's Paintings

Joseph-Desire Court was a French portrait painter and historical painter, director of the Museum of Art in Rouen. Joseph-Desire Court belongs to the romantic direction of painting in the form of sentimentalism, popular in Russia, Germany and England. In France, alas!, such romanticism was not in honor. Since French romanticism is violent colors and historical plots of Géricault and Delacroix. Joseph-Desire Court was born in Rouen. Even as a child, by copying the portrait of his mother by the artist Hyacinthe Rigaud, Joseph showed everyone his talent and interest in painting. Therefore, the boy was sent to the municipal drawing school of Jean-Baptiste-Marc-Antoine Descamps, where his first steps in creativity and the study of the basics took place under the guidance of Descamps' son, professor and curator of the Rouen Museum. Joseph has won first place in school competitions more than once. While still studying in Paris,