The Restoration is immortalised as a period of decadence and debauchery - when Charles was restored to the throne in 1660, a new libertine age commenced following the Puritan years under Oliver Cromwell.
Charles II, the Restoration Court and an Abundance of Mistresses
How to Reimagine Botticelli
Botticelli is an artist whose reputation has been in flux ever since his work became eclipsed by High Renaissance masters, with this exhibition, the biggest of Botticelli in Britain since 1930, aiming to show how his work has permeated popular culture.
Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and their Seaside Retreat
Osborne House, situated on the Isle of Wight, was the family retreat from the city for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.
Why Kenneth Branagh’s Romeo and Juliet will take your breath away…
I tried not to read too much about the Kenneth Branagh Theatre Company's new Romeo and Juliet at the Garrick before seeing it. Having booked the tickets over a year in advance, fuelled by a love of the play but also a love of the pairing of Lily James and Richard Madden in the titular…
Continue reading ➞ Why Kenneth Branagh’s Romeo and Juliet will take your breath away…
An Afternoon in “the Sistine Chapel of Impessionism”
Few places come close to the romance of Paris, and Monet's beautiful Nymphéas, or Water Lilies, in the Musée de l’Orangerie are a must visit to see the his genius.
An Allegory of Love and Time? Bronzino, Venus and Cupid
So as it is nearly Valentine’s Day, and I haven’t posted anything in a while, I thought I’d post something about a painting I really love – which just so happens to be about love itself. It is also in my favourite place of all time, the National Gallery, which possibly contributes to why I…
Continue reading ➞ An Allegory of Love and Time? Bronzino, Venus and Cupid
Titian and the Painted Poetry for Philip II
The Museo del Prado has some beautiful Renaissance paintings, but for me, the jewel in their crown are the beautiful paintings by Titian for his Poesie series for Philip II of Spain.
Caravaggio and the God of Wine
Where does Caravaggio - the original cultural figure who was mad, bad and dangerous to know - fit into the Baroque?
The Piazza Navona and the Four Corners of the World
The best place to go for Bernini in Rome is the Piazza Navona, where you'll find his beautiful Fountain of the Four Rivers, a sculpture of travertine and marble commissioned by Pope Innocent X.
“You are made for Rome and Rome is made for you” – The Genius of Gianlorenzo Bernini
Bernini is often associated with the magnificence of Baroque Rome - and so he should be. Pope Urban VIII is said to have told him "You are made for Rome and Rome is made for you".
