PERUGINO’S THE VIRGIN ADORING THE CHILD, THE ARCHANGEL RAPHAEL WITH TOBIAS, AND THE ARCHANGEL MICHAEL
September 25th 2021
These three panels formed the lower tier of a polyptych showing the three Archangels, Sts Gabriel, Michael and Raphael. Perugino painted these panels for the Carthusian monastery, known as Certosa or charter house, which is outside Pavia. The Archangel
CARAVAGGIO’S ST MATTHEW AND THE ANGEL
September 18th 2021
In 1602 Caravaggio was commissioned to paint the altarpiece for the Contarelli Chapel in the Church of San Luigi dei Francesi. It was to show St Matthew writing his gospel. Caravaggio had already completed the call of St Matthew
TINTORETTO’S CRUCIFIXION AT SAN CASSIANO
September 11th 2021
Christ is crucified on waste ground, where only weeds and brambles grow. It seems to be on high ground, beyond which stand Roman soldiers. With them we look up towards Christ on the cross. Their spears are like a fence,
Murillo’s Birth of the Virgin
September 4th 2021
Although the Virgin was conceived without sin, her birth would have been as natural as any other. This is what Murillo’s painting conveys. Yes, there are angels in attendance and the child has a halo, but these elements don’t detract
