In celebration of Jane Austen's birthday, I thought I'd write about the joys, wit and importance of her work.
Tag: Culture
Love on the Grand Tour
Long-lasting love stories weren't common on the Grand Tour, but this is one which took place between Nostell Priory and Vevey, Switzerland.
How to celebrate a Royal Wedding, Stuart style…
It isn't just in the modern era that royal weddings are so celebrated - when Princess Elizabeth Stuart married Frederick, Elector Palatine, on Valentine's Day in 1613, it was a landmark occasion.
Charles II, the Restoration Court and an Abundance of Mistresses
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.
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.
