Michelangelo Merisi, known as Caravaggio, was one of the most important painters of the 16th century and one of the foremost exponents of the Italian Baroque. His life was marked by scandal and violence, and his work has been the subject of controversy from his time to the present day. One of Caravaggio's most famous and controversial works is "The Crucifixion of Saint Peter", which has generated diverse and critical interpretations of both its content and form.

## Criticism of "The Crucifixion of St. Peter"

The work shows Saint Peter crucified upside down, which was considered a particularly humiliating form of punishment at the time. This image provoked great controversy, as some religious people considered it to be disrespectful to the figure of Saint Peter and the church in general. In addition, the painting also contains details that suggest a possible homosexuality on the part of Saint Peter, which has led to a variety of interpretations and has been the subject of debate among critics.

One of the main arguments for this interpretation is based on the position in which Caravaggio depicts Saint Peter crucified, face down rather than face up, which was the traditional position in which the crucifixion was depicted. At the time the work was created, face-down crucifixion was considered a particularly humiliating form of punishment, and some have interpreted this choice as a reference to sexual role reversal, which was also considered taboo at the time.

In addition, it has been noted that the figure of Saint Peter in the work is depicted in a sensual and erotic manner, with his naked, muscular body and with a gaze and posture that some have interpreted as suggestive. On the other hand, the man behind St. Peter in the work, whose face is not visible, has been interpreted as a male figure representing temptation or corruption, and could be seen as an allusion to homosexuality.

It is important to note that these interpretations are controversial and have been the subject of debate among art critics and scholars. Some have argued that St. Peter's prone position could be a reference to his own humility and sacrifice, and that the homosexual interpretations are a forced and anachronistic reading of the work.

The work has a dramatic, realistic style, characteristic of Caravaggio, which is notable for its use of chiaroscuro and its depiction of figures with real, recognisable physical features. The treatment of light and shadow in the work is particularly effective, creating a sense of depth and realism. The figure of St. Peter, crucified face down and hands outstretched, is striking and moving, and his expression of pain and suffering is palpable.

![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/18/Martirio_di_San_Pietro_September_2015-1a.jpg)

*Crucifixion of Saint Peter, Caravaggio, 1601*

## Who was Caravaggio?

Caravaggio's personal life was also marked by scandal and violence. He was accused of murder on several occasions and was in trouble with the law in several Italian cities. Despite this, his work had a great impact on Baroque painting and has been the subject of study and admiration by artists and critics alike.

But who was Caravaggio, what motivated his highly personal and innovative style, and what secrets lie behind his masterpieces? In this article we will explore the life and work of this artistic genius, who revolutionised painting with his technique and his vision of the world.

Caravaggio was born in 1571 in Milan into a humble family. His father was a bricklayer who worked for the Duke of Milan. At the age of 11 he was orphaned and moved to Rome, where he began to work as an apprentice in various painting workshops. There he came into contact with the artistic and cultural environment of the city, as well as its lights and shadows, a prophetic contrast of what was to become his life.

Caravaggio painted everyday scenes in a naturalistic, realistic style that contrasted with Renaissance idealism. His works depicted life in the streets, markets, taverns and brothels. His characters were ordinary people, such as peasants, musicians, prostitutes and beggars. His models were real people he knew or met by chance. His way of painting was rapid and improvised, without prior sketches or subsequent corrections.

His technique was based on the use of chiaroscuro, i.e. the contrast between light and shade to create dramatic effects and highlight forms. His works were highly expressive and emotional, conveying to the viewer sensations of reality and intimacy. His style was highly influential for other Baroque artists, such as Rembrandt and Velázquez.

Caravaggio received important commissions from powerful patrons such as Cardinal Francesco Maria del Monte and the banker Vincenzo Giustiniani. However, he also had many problems with his clients due to his delays and temperamental nature.

## Caravaggio: excesses, rebellion and crime

Caravaggio was one of the most influential and revolutionary painters of the Baroque period, but also one of the most conflictive and violent. His life was marked by excess, rebellion and crime, which earned him numerous enemies and persecutions.

Caravaggio moved to Rome in 1592, where he soon became noted for his realistic and dramatic style, which broke with the conventions of the Renaissance and Mannerism. His works, which depicted religious scenes with models taken from the street, caused admiration but also scandal due to their lack of idealisation and their crudeness.

Caravaggio not only painted with passion, he also lived with it. He was a temperamental, arrogant and quarrelsome man, who frequented taverns and brothels, and engaged in fights and duels. In 1606, he killed a man in a quarrel over a game of tennis and had to flee Rome with a warrant for his arrest hanging over his head.

![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6b/David_and_Goliath_by_Caravaggio.jpg/800px-David_and_Goliath_by_Caravaggio.jpg)

*David Vanquishing Goliath, Caravaggio, 1600*

From then on, his life was a constant wandering through different Italian cities, such as Naples, Malta and Sicily, where he continued to paint masterpieces but also to cause trouble. He was imprisoned several times, suffered an assassination attempt and was involved in political and religious intrigues.

His death in 1610 in Porto Ercole remains a mystery. Some versions suggest that he was a victim of malaria, others that he was poisoned or murdered by his enemies. What is certain is that Caravaggio died alone and poor, without having received the papal pardon he so longed for.

In short, Caravaggio was a misunderstood and persecuted genius, an artist who captured the light and shadow of the human condition on his canvases, but who also experienced them in his own flesh. His work was admired and copied by many later painters, but it took centuries for his reputation to be vindicated.

If you are interested in the subject, we recommend El Prado Guía de Arte, an essential art guide to discover and learn the essentials of the greatest works, artists and styles in the Prado Museum, including artists such as Caravaggio.

Buy it here: <https://www.amazon.es/dp/841894336X/>



![](/images/1659105482.png)


Caravaggio, scandals and secrets behind "The Crucifixion of St. Peter".

Did you know that the Mona Lisa, the famous painting by Leonardo da Vinci, was stolen from the Louvre Museum in 1911? In this article we tell you the incredible story of this theft that shocked the world and gave rise to all kinds of theories and suspicions.

## How the Mona Lisa was stolen

On August 21, 1911, a Monday morning, the Louvre Museum was closed to the public. A man dressed in a workman's uniform entered the building and went to the room where the Mona Lisa was exhibited. There, he unhooked the painting from the wall, wrapped it in a cloth and hid it under his clothes. He then quietly left through a back door and walked away with the loot.

The theft was not discovered until the next day, when a visitor noticed that the space where the Mona Lisa should have been was empty. The alarm was immediately raised and a police investigation was launched that would last two years. The Louvre Museum was closed for a week and all staff and possible witnesses were questioned. Among the suspects were the poet Guillaume Apollinaire and the painter Pablo Picasso, who were arrested and later released for lack of evidence.

![](/images/131120091957-21-mona-lisa-stolen-restricted.jpg)

## The identity of the Mona Lisa's thief

Meanwhile, the thief, whose identity was unknown, kept the painting in his room in a Paris hotel. He was Vincenzo Peruggia, an Italian carpenter who had worked at the Louvre Museum and who had participated in the installation of the paintings' protective frames. Peruggia acted alone and for patriotic reasons: he wanted to return the Mona Lisa to Italy, his country of origin, as he believed it had been stolen by Napoleon.

Peruggia waited two years before attempting to sell the painting. In 1913, he contacted an antique dealer in Florence named Alfredo Geri and offered him the Mona Lisa for 500,000 lire. Geri agreed to see the painting and met Peruggia at a hotel. There, he was able to verify that it was the original and alerted the police. Peruggia was arrested and confessed his crime. The Mona Lisa was recovered and returned to the Louvre Museum in 1914.

![](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/images/vincenzo-peruggia-1566369850.jpg?crop=1xw:0.5537109375xh;center,top\&resize=1200:*)

The theft of the Mona Lisa had great media and cultural repercussions. On the one hand, it increased the fame and value of the painting, which became a universal symbol of art. On the other hand, it inspired numerous literary, cinematographic and artistic works that recreated or parodied the historical event. Some examples are the novels The Thief of the Gioconda by Agatha Christie or The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown, the films La Gioconda está triste by Fernando Fernán Gómez or La banda Picasso by Fernando Colomo, or the paintings Dora Maar with cat by Picasso or L.H.O.O.Q. by Marcel Duchamp.

We hope you liked this article about the theft of the Mona Lisa and that you have learned something new about this fascinating episode in the history of art. If you want to know more about the Mona Lisa or other masterpieces of the Louvre Museum, we invite you to visit our website or follow us on our social networks, like [Twitter](https://twitter.com/AmazingMuseums), [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/amazingmuseums) and [Instagram.](https://www.instagram.com/amazingmuseums/)

And, if you want to know other facts about the Louvre Museum and get information about the greatest works of art such as the Mona Lisa housed in the main museum of Paris and France, we recommend ["The Louvre Art Guide" now available on Amazon by clicking here.](https://www.amazon.es/dp/8418943424/)




The greatest theft in the history of art

Easter is one of the most important celebrations of Christianity, commemorating the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Throughout history, many artists have depicted in their works the different episodes of this event, from the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem to his ascension to heaven.

In this article, we will review some of the most outstanding pictorial works related to Holy Week, and we will see how they were inspired by the sacred art and popular traditions of each time and place. In addition, we will mention some examples of works that can be admired in museums as prestigious as the Prado Museum, the Louvre or the Musée d'Orsay.

## Entry into Jerusalem, by Giotto di Bondone

This fresco painting is part of the Scrovegni Chapel in Padua, and depicts the moment when Jesus arrives in Jerusalem on a donkey, acclaimed by the crowd offering him olive branches and palms. Giotto was one of the precursors of the Italian Renaissance, and was characterized by giving realism and expressiveness to his characters, as well as creating a linear perspective that gives depth to the space. In this work, one can appreciate the contrast between the serenity of Jesus, who blesses the people, and the movement and emotion of those who receive him.

![](https://artelarana.lunaazul.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2017/04/Entrada-en-Jerusal%C3%A9n-de-Giotto-di-Bondone.jpg)

## The Last Supper, by Leonardo da Vinci

This is one of the most famous mural paintings in history, found in the Dominican convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan. Leonardo captured the moment in which Jesus announces to the apostles that one of them is going to betray him, and captured the different individual reactions of each of them to the news. The work stands out for its construction in perspective, which converges all the vanishing points in Jesus, located in the center. Also striking is the use of chiaroscuro and sfumato, techniques that create contrasts of light and shadow and blur the contours.

![](https://plumasatomicas.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Ultima-Cena-Jueves-Santo-Cuadro-Da-Vinci-1200x720.jpg)

## The Crucifixion, by Salvador Dalí

The surrealist painter gave a twist to the theme of the crucifixion, depicting Jesus seen from above, without nails or blood, on a dark background and with a three-dimensional cross. Dalí was inspired by a 16th century mathematical drawing showing an unfolded hypercube, a geometric figure that has four dimensions. With this work, the artist wanted to express his mystical and scientific vision of religion, as well as his admiration for the figure of Christ.

![](/images/1954-La-crucifixi%C3%B3n-hiprec%C3%BAbica-Salvador-Dal%C3%AD.jpg)

## The Descent from the Cross, by Rogier van der Weyden

This masterpiece of Flemish art can be seen in the Prado Museum in Madrid. The painter depicted the moment when the lifeless body of Jesus is taken down from the cross by Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, while Mary Magdalene kisses his hand and the Virgin faints embraced by St. John. The scene is full of drama and emotion, reflected in the gestures and looks of the characters. Intense coloring and meticulous detail are other characteristics of this painting.

![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/98/Weyden-descendimiento-prado-Ca-1435.jpg)

## The Pietà, by Michelangelo Buonarroti

This marble sculpture is located in St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, and is one of the most admired works of the Italian Renaissance. Michelangelo sculpted the Madonna holding the inert body of her son with a serene and resigned expression. The work stands out for its compositional balance, idealized beauty and technical perfection. The artist succeeded in transmitting great delicacy and harmony in the forms.

![](https://www.holyart.es/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2022/01/La-Piedad-de-Miguel-Angel.jpg)

In conclusion, Holy Week is a celebration with a rich history and tradition, which has inspired many artists over the centuries. The pictorial works we have reviewed are just a few examples of the variety of artistic representations that exist on this theme, each with its own interpretation and style. Through these works, we can appreciate the skill and mastery of the artists in the creation of images that reflect both religious devotion as well as technique and aesthetics.

In short, Holy Week continues to be a source of inspiration and reflection for many, both believers and non-believers alike. The creativity and passion manifested in these works of art are a testament to the human capacity to seek beauty and transcendence in the world around us, and to express our vision of the world through art.


If you are interested in the subject we recommend our collection of books *Grand Museums.* In it you will find information on some of the works exhibited here, such as the case of 'El Descendimiento', collected in *El Prado Guía de Arte*, an essential artistic guide to discover and learn the essentials of the greatest works, artists and styles in the Prado Museum.

Buy it here: <https://www.amazon.es/dp/841894336X/>





The history of art and Easter in 5 paintings

Did you know that the term Impressionism comes from an art critic who wanted to make fun of painters who broke with academic norms? In this article we tell you the story of how this word was born, which today is associated with one of the most important and revolutionary artistic movements of the 19th century.

## The origin of Impressionism

It all began in 1874, when a group of independent artists decided to organize a collective exhibition in the studio of the photographer Nadar, in Paris. Among them were Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Camille Pissarro and Alfred Sisley, among others. These painters shared an innovative vision of art, based on capturing the visual impressions of nature and modern life. To do this, they used fast, loose brushstrokes, pure and contrasting colors, and changing lighting according to the time of day and the seasons of the year.

The exhibition was visited by some 3,500 spectators, but also by several art critics who did not hesitate to express their rejection and contempt for the works on display. One of them was Louis Leroy (1812-1885), who wrote an article entitled "Exhibition of the Impressionists" in the newspaper Le Charivari. In it, he especially mocked Monet's painting "Impression, Rising Sun," which showed a view of the port of Le Havre at dawn. Leroy wrote:

> "What does this canvas represent? Impression... Impression... Of what? I don't know... But what freedom, what audacity of conception! The wallpaper in embryonic state is even more made than this navy."

**![](/images/Monet-Impresion-sol-naciente.jpg)

*Impression, rising sun,* Claude Monet (1872).

Leroy used the term impression to ironize about the lack of finish and definition in Monet's work, which looked more like a sketch than a finished painting. What he did not know, however, was that he was coining the name of an artistic movement that would mark the history of art. The painters themselves adopted the term Impressionism to define their style and their attitude towards official art. Despite the negative criticism, they continued to organize seven other exhibitions between 1876 and 1886, and achieved the recognition of the public and of some critics who were more open and sensitive to their proposals.

Thus, the term Impressionism was born as an insult, but became a symbol of a new way of understanding and representing reality. The Impressionists were the pioneers of modern painting, and their influence spread to other later movements such as Post-Impressionism, Fauvism or Expressionism. Today, their works are admired and valued all over the world, and are considered true masterpieces of art.

If you want to learn more about other Impressionist works, [soon the "Musée d'Orsay Art Guide"](https://www.amazon.es/dp/8418943483/), our book about the museum that houses the largest amount of Impressionist work in the world, as well as a must-have art guide to discover and learn the essentials of the great works, artists and styles of the Musée d'Orsay, will be [available on Amazon.](https://www.amazon.es/Museo-Orsay-Gu%C3%ADa-arte-esenciales/dp/8418943483/)

![](/images/1658496518-ee36268b.png)


The surprising origin of the term 'Impressionism'

When we think of Claude Monet, the first thing that comes to mind are the beautiful landscapes he painted throughout his career as an artist. However, what many do not know is that Monet also excelled in another branch of art: caricature.

## Monet, origins and technique

Born in 1840 in Paris, Monet moved with his family to the port city of Le Havre as a child. It was there that he met his drawing teacher, Jacques-François Ochard, a disciple of the famous painter Jacques-Louis David. However, Monet was not interested in the techniques his teacher taught him. Instead, he preferred to decorate the margins of his books and paint ornaments on blue paper. He also began to make caricatures of his teachers, disfiguring them in the most disrespectful way possible.

![](https://www.thewynwoodtimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Destacado-9.jpg)

*Photo taken from:* [*www.thewynwoodtimes.com*](https://www.thewynwoodtimes.com/como-entender-claude-monet-motivacion-giverny/)

These early caricatures were a hit with his classmates, leading Monet to receive numerous commissions from high net worth individuals in the city of Le Havre. As his popularity grew, Monet realized that he could make money with his talent and, little by little, he began to increase the prices of his caricatures.

Monet's caricatures were, for the most part, portraits of prominent Le Havre personalities. Thanks to his skill and speed, Monet produced a large number of works in a short time. So much so that he decided to exhibit all his caricatures in the window of a store in the Rue de Paris. The experience was a great success and it is said that the collection consisted of about 100 works, many of which have been lost or destroyed.

## From caricature to impressionism

Despite his success as a caricaturist, Monet gradually abandoned this discipline as he focused more on his painting. However, his experience in caricature undoubtedly influenced his later work. As an artist, Monet always had an ability to capture the essence of his subjects quickly and efficiently. This is evident in his paintings, especially in the numerous series he made of the same subject at different times of the day and in different atmospheric conditions.

Despite being a world-renowned artist, Monet's facet as a caricaturist is relatively unknown to the general public.

However, this is understandable since Monet's work as a caricaturist was only a small part of his artistic career. Nevertheless, this early episode in Monet's life is a reminder that many artists explore different art forms before finding their true calling.

![](https://media.admagazine.com/photos/618a62c73174d0288cf2d0f7/master/w_1600,c_limit/74793.jpg)

*Photo taken from:* [www.admagazine.com](https://www.admagazine.com/agenda/monet-experience-y-los-impresionistas-la-exposicion-que-no-te-puedes-perder-20200817-7287-articulos)

In addition, Monet's caricatures also give us an insight into his personality and sense of humor. In the caricatures, we can see that Monet was not afraid to make fun of the people around him and to portray them in an unconventional way. This suggests that Monet had a creative mind and an unconventional approach to life, which is perhaps one of the reasons he excelled as an artist.

As a curiosity, the name "Impressionism" is attributed to Monet thanks to his seascape "Impression Sunrise" of 1874, exhibited at the first exhibition of the Cooperative and Anonymous Association of Painters, Sculptors and Engravers. During this exhibition, art critic Louis Leroy mocked the unfinished "impressions" of Monet's painting, unaware that his comment would give its name to one of the most important art movements of the 19th and 20th centuries.

Ultimately, the history of Monet's caricatures is further evidence of his legacy as one of the greatest artists of the 19th and early 20th centuries. His impressionistic landscapes are unforgettable and have influenced generations of artists from his time to the present day. But it is also fascinating to discover that this artist also had a hidden talent as a caricaturist and that his early years in Le Havre left a mark on him that was reflected in his later work.

If you enjoyed and learned with the information on this article, we will soon publish 'The Orsay Museum Art Guide', our book on the museum that houses the largest number of Impressionist works in the world, as well as a must-have art guide to discover and learn the essentials of the great works, artists and styles of the Musée de l'Orsay. Until then, you can read some other Amazing Museums books, [now available on Amazon.](https://www.amazon.com/Prado-Art-Guide-essential-masterpieces/dp/8418943408)

![](https://preview--amazingmuseumsnews-fc83e.stackbit.dev/_static/app-assets/images/1658496518.png)


Claude Monet: The impressionist who was also a caricaturist

The mysterious identity of the woman who inspired [The Origin of the World, by the painter Gustave Courbet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L%27Origine_du_monde), has been the subject of debate for a long time. However, a century and a half after the painting caused an immense scandal in nineteenth-century Paris, we have the answer and a name thanks to historian Claude Schopp.

## Who was Constance Quéniaux?

Constance Quéniaux was born in Versailles, France, in 1832. At the age of 16, she joined the Paris Opera ballet and quickly became one of the company's most outstanding dancers. Her beauty and elegance on stage attracted the attention of powerful men in Parisian society, and she had affairs with several of them, including the Prince of Wales, the future King Edward VII of England.

In 1864, Quéniaux met the artist Gustave Courbet and they began a romantic relationship. Courbet was already an established artist in France and had been one of the leaders of the realist movement in art. Quéniaux posed for Courbet on several occasions, becoming his muse.

## The creation of "The Origin of the World"

In 1866, Courbet asked Quéniaux to pose for a work he had in mind. The painting would depict the torso and pubis of a nude woman in the foreground, focusing on the intimate details of the female anatomy. Quéniaux agreed to pose for the work, despite the controversy he knew it might generate.

The posing session took place in Courbet's studio, with the painting being completed in a few weeks. The work was first exhibited at the Paris Salon in 1866, but was quickly withdrawn due to its explicit content. The painting was considered obscene and pornographic by many, and Courbet was criticized for his lack of respect for traditional values. Despite the controversy, the painting was purchased by a private collector and remained in private collections for many years.

![](https://assets1.cbsnewsstatic.com/hub/i/2018/09/25/3276f19a-2029-4fe5-a532-f78862dc9fee/gustave-courbet-the-origin-of-the-world-ap-476063914659.jpg)

The painting "The Origin of the World" is currently on display at the Musée d'Orsay, Paris.

## The rediscovery of "The Origin of the World"

It was not until the 1980s that "The Origin of the World" began to be recognized as an important work in the history of art. The painting was seen as a challenge to the conventions and taboos of 19th century French society. It was also recognized as a masterpiece of realism, impressively capturing the beauty and complexity of the female anatomy.

Today, "The Origin of the World" is considered an iconic work of modern art, and is on display at the Musée d'Orsay in Paris. The work has been the subject of numerous studies and interpretations, and continues to be a source of controversy and debate.

## Life after "The Origin of the World"

After his posing session for "The Origin of the World," Quéniaux continued his career in dance. She also became a prominent figure in Parisian society, attending high-profile events and parties. It is rumored that she had romantic relationships with several powerful men, including, as we mentioned, the Prince of Wales, future King Edward VII of England, who reportedly kept her as a mistress for several years.

Quéniaux also maintained a relationship with Courbet himself for a time, although it is unclear how long this relationship lasted. Courbet was known for his numerous love affairs and did not marry or have children during his lifetime.

Despite his success in dance and Parisian society, Quéniaux kept a low profile after his posing session for "The Origin of the World." Very little is known about her life after her meeting with Courbet and there are no records indicating when or how she died.

![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Dn8b-h8V4AApngY.jpg:large)

## The legacy of Constance Quéniaux

Although Constance Quéniaux is known primarily for her role as a model in "The Origin of the World," her life was much more than that. She was a talented dancer and a leading figure in 19th century Parisian society, with a personality and beauty that attracted powerful men and artists of the time.

While it will likely never be known for certain how Quéniaux felt about posing for "The Origin of the World," it is possible that she saw the posing session as an opportunity to be part of an important and challenging work of art. Although the work was controversial in its time, it has stood the test of time and has become an iconic work of modern art.

Constance Quéniaux was a fascinating and enigmatic figure in art history, who became Gustave Courbet's muse and posed for his masterpiece "The Origin of the World." Although little is known about her life after her meeting with Courbet, her legacy as a model and prominent figure in 19th century Parisian society lives on in her role in art history. Her beauty and elegance, captured in Courbet's brush, remain a reminder of her contribution to the culture and society of her time.

If you enjoyed and learned with the information on this article, we will soon publish 'The Orsay Museum Art Guide', our book on the museum that houses the largest number of Impressionist works in the world, as well as a must-have art guide to discover and learn the essentials of the great works, artists and styles of the Musée de l'Orsay. Until then, you can read some other Amazing Museums books, [now available on Amazon.](https://www.amazon.com/Prado-Art-Guide-essential-masterpieces/dp/8418943408)

![](/images/1658496518-ee36268b.png)



The origin of 'The Origin of the World'

When Goya's body was exhumed 71 years after his death, it was discovered that his skull had disappeared. The painter had been buried in the Chartreuse cemetery in Bordeaux on April 17, 1828 and in 1899, the Spanish consul decided to repatriate his body. When they opened his grave, they found that his head was not there. The commotion was such that the transfer was suspended and the coffin was closed as if nothing had happened.

But this posthumous story does not end there. Berna González Harbour, an eminent expert on the subject, asked himself a question: who did it and why? The answer could lie in phrenology, a pseudoscience with many followers at the time that claimed that the shape of the skull could determine a person's character and faculties. The theft of skulls from cemeteries was commonplace. It should be noted that the deceased who were most likely to lose their heads were those who had been prominent for some intellectual or criminal reason.

> "If that was the fate of Goya's privileged brain, we will never know, since it was lost, but it is probable according to the testimonies and the context of the time", Berna González Harbour.



![](https://www.grandesmuseos.news/images/El_Tres_de_Mayo,_by_Francisco_de_Goya,_from_Prado_thin_black_margin.jpg)

Los Fusilamientos del Tres de Mayo, by Francisco de Goya.

González Harbour contributes another significant detail. He recalls the existence of a work by the painter Dionisio Fierros, which is in the Museum of Zaragoza and in which a skull appears, on the back of which is written: "Goya's skull painted by Fierros in 1849". That is, 21 years after the artist's death and half a century before the Spanish diplomatic corps intended to return its famous prodigal son to Spain. The theory would be: "Fierros took it, painted it and the skull ended up at the University of Medicine in Salamanca, where it was lost".

Despite the initial disappointment, Goya's mortal remains ended up arriving in Spain in 1919 along with those of Miguel Martin de Goicoechea, his father-in-law and the true owner of the tomb in Bordeaux. Both were deposited in the Madrid chapel of San Antonio de la Florida, where Goya painted the famous frescoes in 1798, where they still remain today.

If you are interested in the subject we recommend Art Guide to the Prado, our book about the museum that houses the largest number of works by the immortal Goya, as well as an essential art guide to discover and learn the essentials of the great works, artists and styles of the Prado Museum, available on Amazon.

Buy it here: https://www.amazon.es/dp/841894336X/


The mystery of Goya's lost skull

Impressionism, one of the most important artistic movements in history, might not have existed without the invention of a small tin tube with a screw cap. How is this possible? Let's find out.

## Painting and Impressionism

Impressionism is an artistic movement that emerged in France in the 1860s and is characterized by the depiction of light and color in painting. The Impressionists sought to capture the atmosphere and feeling of a specific moment in time, rather than portraying a scene in a detailed and realistic manner. To achieve this, they used techniques such as loose, bright brushstrokes and a palette of bright, brilliant colors that reflected sunlight and the environment, and as we will see, the tin tube.

Among the most prominent Impressionist artists were Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Berthe Morisot, Edgar Degas and Mary Cassatt. These artists depicted everyday scenes, such as parks, cafes, streets and fairs, as well as subjects of outdoor life, such as landscapes, sports and leisure. In addition, Impressionism spread to other media, such as photography and film, and had a lasting impact on the culture and art of the time.

![](https://loff.it/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/loffit-les-coquelicots-claude-oscar-monet-01.jpg)

*Claude Monet's famous painting 'Poppies' (Musée d'Orsay) is an example of the influence of the metal paint tube on art.*

Although Impressionism was initially criticized for its lack of realism and detail, its legacy is immense. The movement has been recognized as one of the earliest and most influential modern art movements and has influenced numerous subsequent artists and styles. In addition, its focus on capturing the atmosphere and feeling of a specific moment in time has been a major influence on contemporary art, leaving a lasting mark on art history and remains a subject of study and admiration today.

## The metallic tube and Impressionism

This simple device was patented by American John Goffe Rand, a farmer, cabinetmaker and self-taught painter. The idea came from his passion for painting and his curiosity to improve the processes of artistic creation.

John Goffe Rand was the inventor responsible for the revolution in art history, recognized by Pierre-Auguste Renoir as the driving factor behind the creation of Cézanne, Monet, Pissarro and Impressionism. Rand created a simple tin tube with a screw cap to store oil paint. This system allowed artists to easily move and reuse their paint, which facilitated the creation of new colors and allowed artists to create works outdoors without worrying about pigment drying.

Prior to Rand's invention, artists would prepare their colors in their workshops, and often the color paste would dry out due to oxidation, which meant that what was left over could not be used. The composition and creation of the colors in the artists' workshops was a job done by the apprentices; the pigments were obtained in apothecaries or directly from the quarries, then ground and mixed with binders and thinners, until, in a relatively short space of time, they dried. To solve this problem, from 1700 onwards, the paint was kept in small bags made of pig's bladder, which the artist perforated to extract the colored paste, which extended the time of use of the paints, but was still not a definitive method. However, with Rand's patent and his tin tube, which allowed oil paint to be preserved without drying out, the creation of outdoor works and the composition of new colors became part of the life of the painters of the time.

In addition to being a farmer, cabinetmaker and inventor, John Rand was a very talented artist and traveled the world to portray notables, including members of the royal family. True to his innovative and inventive spirit, in addition to the tin tube, he also devised a lens system for accurate portraits.

Without Rand's invention, impressionism and similar artistic movements would not have been possible. The simple invention of a tin tube changed the lives of artists and opened new doors to creativity and freedom in artistic creation. Even Pierre-Auguste Renoir recognized its importance, saying, "Without tube painting, there would be no Cézanne, no Monet, no Pissarro and no Impressionism."

If you want to know other facts about Impressionism, or its most famous works housed in the Musée d'Orsay, known as the museum of Impressionism, we recommend "Musée d'Orsay, Art Guide", which will be available in the coming weeks. Stay tuned to our website and [our social networks](https://www.instagram.com/amazingmuseums/) to get your copy of the book!

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John Goffe Rand, the true inventor of Impressionism

It is well known that Vincent Van Gogh, one of the most influential and important artists in history, did not receive the recognition his art deserved during his lifetime. His figure coexists with the black legend of the unsuccessful artist who never sold a painting during his lifetime, something to which the most knowledgeable in the subject usually reply that he did sell at least one painting in his entire career. But, is that true?

Although there is no exact number of paintings sold by Van Gogh, we know that he sold more than one work during his lifetime. In 1890, Van Gogh sold one of his most famous paintings, "The Red Vineyard near Arles," to a Belgian painter named Anna Boch. This painting has become a symbol of Van Gogh's dedication and passion for art, and although it was only sold for 400 francs, today its value has multiplied enormously for obvious reasons.

![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3c/Vincent_Willem_van_Gogh_036.jpg/1200px-Vincent_Willem_van_Gogh_036.jpg)*"The Red Vineyard near Arles", Van Gogh.*&#x20;

Although this is the only sale known for certain, it is suspected that more of Van Gogh's works were sold during his lifetime. For example, his uncle Cor, an art dealer, commissioned 19 works about The Hague, and although it is not known if any of these were sold, it is an indication that Van Gogh probably sold more works in his lifetime. In addition, some records indicate that the painter also sold one painting to a French dealer named Julien Tanguy, and another to a gallery in London thanks to his brother Theo.

It should be noted that many of the sales Van Gogh made were to art dealers, which may have contributed to the perception that he only sold one painting in his lifetime. However, it is important to note that Van Gogh also sold drawings during his career, not just paintings, including two drawings sold to a religious pastor in 1879 and twelve drawings sold by pen in 1882.

In addition to these known sales, Van Gogh also made several exchanges with other artists, such as Paul Gauguin, with whom he was living and working in Arles in the year 1888. In that period, Van Gogh made several gifts of paintings and drawings to Gauguin, and also exchanged some of his paintings with other artists.

![](https://static.abc.es/media/cultura/2020/06/09/vagogh-gauguin-kWCE--1200x630@abc.jpg)*Van Gogh and Paul Gauguin*

It is important to note that although Van Gogh did not gain success and recognition during his lifetime, this does not mean that his works were not valued. In fact, his brothers Theo and Cor, as well as other friends and colleagues, appreciated his art and encouraged him to continue creating.&#x20;

Van Gogh sometimes received positive reviews from the art press, and several of his paintings were exhibited in art galleries and art fairs during his lifetime. However, the art market at the time was very different from today, and it is true that, in general, Van Gogh's works did not find buyers interested in acquiring them. Many of his paintings were considered too experimental and unconventional, and his style was seen as strange and out of the ordinary.

It is also important to mention that Van Gogh did not have an easy life, and the lack of money and support affected his mental health and his ability to continue creating. However, despite all this, he continued to work until his death, and left a unique and valuable artistic legacy.

In the twentieth century, interest in his work and style increased significantly, and his paintings have been exhibited in museums and galleries around the world. Today, Van Gogh is recognized as one of the most important and revolutionary artists in the history of art, and his paintings are considered true gems worth millions of dollars.

In conclusion, although Van Gogh did not have much success and recognition during his lifetime, this does not mean that he did not sell more than one painting. In fact, he sold several works throughout his life, and today his artistic legacy is recognized and valued all over the world. However, it is important to note that a lack of recognition and success during his lifetime is not always indicative of the worth of a work of art, and that success can take time to come.

In the meantime, if you would like to learn other facts about Van Gogh or his works housed in the Louvre Museum we recommend "The Louvre Art Guide" now available on Amazon.


Was Van Gogh's life as a painter as a terrible as most people believe?

The Louvre's statue of the seated scribe is a large Egyptian sculpture dating from the New Empire, circa 1550 BC, but who was this famous scribe?

## What do we know about the statue of the seated scribe?

Any visitor or tourist visiting Paris is familiar with this famous statue depicting a seated scribe with a papyrus in one hand and a stylus writing in the other. Famous for its realism and detail, and considered one of the finest Egyptian sculptures in the world, it is currently housed in the Louvre Museum in Paris, France.

The seated scribe is a common depiction in Egyptian art, and is believed to have been created to honor the scribes, who were responsible for carrying out important administrative tasks, such as keeping tax records and managing farms and lands. Scribes were also responsible for writing legal and religious documents.

The Louvre's statue of the seated scribe is particularly interesting because it is one of the few Egyptian sculptures to show a seated figure. Most Egyptian sculptures depict standing figures, which makes this statue unique. The seated position of the statue is also significant, as it suggests that the scribe is in a state of reflection and meditation: the scribe is depicted with a slender, yet muscular body, and his face is sculpted with a serene and concentrated expression. The scribe's clothing is also detailed, with folds and textures that suggest real cloth. The statue also shows a great deal of detail in the hands, including the nails and veins.

![](https://historia.nationalgeographic.com.es/medio/2021/06/28/detalle-de-las-manos-del-escriba-a-punto-de-escribir-museo-del-louvre-paris_d5a28d34\_800x600.jpg)

## Who really was the seated scribe?

The Louvre's seated scribe statue was discovered in 1850 during excavations at the Saqqara necropolis near Cairo. The excavation diary has been lost, so the exact circumstances of the discovery are not known. What is known is that it was found by Mariette's team and taken to Paris to be included in the Egyptian collection of the Louvre Museum.

This limestone sculpture is 53 centimeters tall and was created sometime between the 4th and 5th dynasties, although the name of the owner of the tomb in which it was found and who it represents is unknown. It has been speculated that it could be a character named Kay or Pehernefer, but there is no certainty. However, it is considered one of the most iconic works of Egyptian art of the Old Kingdom.

![](https://historia.nationalgeographic.com.es/medio/2021/06/28/el-escriba-sentado-estatua-del-reino-antiguo-conservada-en-el-museo-del-louvre-paris_c3109549\_1280x1280.jpg)

Although not much is known about the statue itself, it is known that its owner must have held an important position in the pharaonic administration, which allowed him to have a tomb and receive offerings before the cult statue that represented him for all eternity. Although the name of the artist who created this statue is not known, its realism and detail are impressive.

The Louvre's statue of the seated scribe is a valuable piece of Egyptian art, and is considered one of the finest sculptures of its kind in the world. It is a major tourist attraction at the Louvre Museum, and is visited by thousands of people every year. So, if you decide to travel to France you can't miss this unique opportunity to see a piece of high quality Egyptian art and learn more about the life and culture of ancient Egypt.

Meanwhile, if you want to know other facts about the Louvre Museum and get information about the greatest works of art such as the Venus de Milo housed in the main museum of Paris and France, we recommend ["The Louvre Art Guide" now available on Amazon by clicking here.](https://www.amazon.es/dp/8418943424/)

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