Friday, June 24, 2011

Weary Warrior

Judith with the Head of Holofernes (1726) by the Dutch Baroque painter Philip van Dijk (1683 –1753).

Van Dijk depicted here a pale exhausted Judith, who is leaning on her sword. She’s tired from making love to the enemy but also from her bloody work.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Bad Jezebel

Elijah Confronting Ahab and Jezebel in Naboth's Vineyard (1875) by the English painter Sir Frank Bernard Dicksee (1853–1928).

Typical for the time the artist tries to be as exact as possible in the historical presentation of the subject. Many of this paintings were very popular and used – like this one – to illustrate books.

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Art Deco Salome

Salome by the Greek American artist John Vassos (1898–1985). Vassos was a famous Art Décor designer, painter and illustrator. In 1927 he made the illustrations for a new edition of Oscar Wilde’s Salome. The result are a some impressive dynamic and cool interpretations.