The world of art is a majestic one that attempts to uplift both the famous and uncommon artists alike. But, often due to overpowering art movements or in a wave of new artists, the art world may let you forget some of the beauties from the yesteryears.
The eclectic art of contemporary and modern artists has made us forget the previous, glorious era of art like the Gilded Age in which the art industry saw a huge boom. Even though the artistic techniques from the era haven’t been forgotten, the rabble needs a reminder.
Moving forward doesn’t always mean leaving the past behind because it has many valuable lessons in store for us. So, let’s get transported into history and reminisce these six paintings that are unjustly forgotten by the modern world.
Campagne De France by Ernest Meissonier
Ernest Meissonier was a famous Classicist painter known for an emphasis on Napoleon in his varied artwork. The seventeenth century was inclined towards Flemish and Dutch-style artworks due to which he demonstrated a very crisp and polished aesthetic.
This painting, even though small, looks wider due to the elaborated plain over which the riders seem to be rushing. It looks like seeing something from a distance but some minute details like Napoleon’s beard, veins of horses, etc are incredibly sketched out. While it looks like a plain old fight sequence but a lot of research went on before putting it on canvas like figuring out the color of the Emperor’s coat through eye witness, etc.
Portrait of the Franklin Sisters by John Hoppner
The English Portraitist, John Hoppner was rampantly known for his royal portraits. Many British house owners loved to be surrounded by portraits from the previous centuries at the time when John Hoppner was functioning which made him famous.
From the looks of it, John looks like a classic romantic as he has beautifully planted a natural background, made with string and confident brushstrokes. The playful toying with the element of white light makes the background look ethereal. The sisters featured here look incredibly realistic with feather-soft skin and vintage dresses.
The Execution of Lady Jane Grey by Paul Delaroche
The French artist, Paul is wildly known for his dramatic painting, the Execution of Lady Jane Grey which now resided in London’s National Gallery. But, sadly, this wondrous work of art was lost to the public for most of the 19th and 20th centuries in an illusion that it was lost.
There is a historic aspect associated with this painting as Lady Jane Grey was the granddaughter of Henry VII of England. After the king’s death, the Lady was crowned king but she was soon charged with high treason due to which she was given the death penalty. The angst of the Lady is meticulously captured by the French artist which stands out in the whole artwork.
Girl in a Field by Ludwig Knaus
The much-lauded German painter, Ludwig Knaus churned out multifarious works where rosy-cheeked children were seen lumbering around in nature, making him look like a Romantic. His abundant artworks now adorn the walls of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
This masterpiece depicts Ludwig’s brilliant play of natural light which seems to be dancing over the luscious green fields. The innocence of the little child is properly highlighted in this and the minuscule detailing with which the long grass is painted reeks of top-notch techniques and skills. The blue tones above and the green tints below make for an appealing effect on the eyes of the onlooker.
The Favourite of a King by Eduardo Zamacois
Eduardo was a Spanish artist whose inclination was towards small scale artworks featuring court scenes. He’s rumored to have studied with the great Impressionist painter Renoir and Monet and soon secured great respect for panting decorative art for the Royal Palace of Madrid.
The court jester dressed in a clingy red overall was a character in early British Literature, known for his entertaining prowess. The meticulous details induced in the pillars of the court, the jester’s overall, and the carpeted floor speaks volumes of the artist’s skills.
The Last Sleep of Arthur by Edward Burne Jones
Edward was a revered British artist known for his unwavering influence on the Aesthetic Movement along with William Morris. This incredible painting reminds one of the romantic tales from the Arabian Nights with vivacity and festivity which gave birth to Orientalist artists.
Many called this type of work “book illustration art” for being so picturesque. As an onlooker, the setting looks medieval and the vivid color palette makes it hard to take your eyes off of this masterpiece. Its alluring persona made a board member of the Met commission a mural of this artwork for her humble abode.
The Bottom Line
Many artists have flown our way since the dawn of time and extraordinary art has never been hidden from the forefront, courtesy of art aficionados. But, time puts a shroud over some classic masterpieces available here https://www.1st-art-gallery.com/most-popular-paintings.html which is why it is absolutely essential to visit the past time and again.