Two beautiful oil sketches by Rubens. The first (above) looks strikingly contemporary. You could almost believe it was done with PH Martin's dyes.
The second (above) is a terrific example of how a forceful, dynamic composition can still contain amazingly subtle and graceful detail. And what are those red/oranges? Is that vermilion or did he figure out a way to make ordinary burnt orange and red look luminous?
Yeah he's incredible! I got a book of his stuff at school, and I was blown away!
ReplyDeleteStunning pictures, these put me back in my place. It would be nice to be that good, wouldn't it? But I spose he had a lot more assistants than the likes of us.
ReplyDeleteEddie, Beautiful! Especially the second one. I keep wondering what the subject of that one is. The sword of the warrior on the left looks Roman (short and broad) and the spear-wielding attackers on the right seem to be wearing animal skins. Who are these interesting-looking people?
ReplyDeleteSomething about my sketchocentricism always involves me in Ruben's rougher designs- where he shortcuts is amazing. It makes him imperceptible. He conciously paints more than what he's painting or something.
ReplyDeleteThese give further reason why Rubens is my favorite artist. Really, who in their right mind could resist the Rubenesque? Beautiful. I am always amazed that I can't find and books on Rubens in the book stores, yet they have books ad nauseam about a certain artist who painted some "code" in a certain painting. Yes I really like that artists work, but I don't need to see 2+ shelves dedicated to books about him.
ReplyDeleteYou're right Eddie these are great! I love the chaos being captured- in a still moment in time- which makes it tranquil by making it so beautiful, strange!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely beautiful. I've never seen anything like this.
ReplyDeleteLester: I don't know the story behind the pictures. The pictures are from a book called "Rubens in Vienna" but I don't have it at hand now.
ReplyDeletethis may be totally offsides, but Eddie this video is great and you should check it out.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Er9NrY1czV4
Look at that! They're actually having fun!
wow! just only yesterday i visited Antwerps' museum of fine art again, and i forgot (!!) they had such fine rubens pieces there. stupid me.
ReplyDeleteim always swept away by rubens use of
red. the purest of red , right there in the shadow parts. amazing!