Tag: art history

Edouard Garcia Benito’s Gift to Condé Nast

The Painting I Sold Too Soon

Edouard Garcia Benito’s painting for Condé Nast

I acquired this painting as part of a lot of five works. I admired its vibrant elegance when I saw it, but it didn’t fit my collection. I let it go, and later discovered how significant it truly was.

It wasn’t just an attractive piece of art; it was a personal gift from the Spanish Art Deco master Edouard Garcia Benito to none other than Condé Nast, the visionary publisher behind Vogue and Vanity Fair.

The dedication reads:

“Le monsieur Nast très sophistiqué et penseur” — To Mr. Nast, a very sophisticated and thoughtful man.

I misread the inscription, thinking it said something closer to Le monsieur naît (born). My impatience with getting an accurate translation meant I missed the key clue. Only when I stumbled on an image of this piece in my photos did I revisit and solve the puzzle — a bittersweet reminder that sometimes it pays to slow down in art research.

Provenance suggests it passed directly from Benito to Nast, and later through the venerable New York gallery M. Knoedler & Co., long before Knoedler’s controversies. The elegant woman depicted may be Natica Nast, Condé’s daughter, who was often portrayed in fashionable hats.

The composition is pure Art Deco glamour: a graceful woman in a gown, clasping her clutch under her arm, her face softly abstracted, framed by lush blossoms of red, pink, and yellow. Her red lips draw the eye, balanced by the upright figure of a man in formal evening attire behind her, hands on his hips, exuding confidence. The brushwork is loose yet deliberate, with bold swaths of color — crimson, canary yellow, moss green, deep navy — set against areas of untouched white. It’s signed E. G. Benito in the lower left, along with the inscription to Nast. The mood is equal parts sophistication and flirtation, the hallmark of Benito’s fashion illustration sensibility.

I rarely look back on pieces I’ve let go. But letting this painting go might nag at me. It wasn’t just a beautiful work but a tangible link between two giants of 20th-century culture.

If there’s a lesson here, it’s take your time, dig deeper, and never underestimate what a closer look might reveal. And sometimes you might want to add a zero to the price…

About Edouard Garcia Benito

Edouard Garcia Benito (1891–1981) was born in Valladolid, Spain, and trained at the School of Fine Arts in Valladolid and San Fernando in Madrid before moving to Paris in 1912. Immersed in the city’s avant-garde, he befriended artists like Modigliani and Dufy and began creating fashion illustrations for elite publications such as La Gazette du Bon Ton.

His big break came in the early 1920s when couturier Paul Poiret introduced him to Condé Nast. Benito went on to produce nearly 100 covers for Vogue and Vanity Fair, defining the magazines’ Art Deco aesthetic with his bold geometric forms, elongated figures, and sophisticated minimalism. He alternated between painting society portraits and creating witty, stylish illustrations, leaving a lasting imprint on both fashion and fine art.

About Condé Nast

Condé Montrose Nast (1873–1942) transformed magazine publishing in the early 20th century. Acquiring Vogue in 1909 and launching Vanity Fair soon after, he targeted the cultural elite with a mix of high fashion, society reportage, and cutting-edge design. Nast had a keen eye for visual talent, employing some of the era’s most important illustrators and photographers, including Benito, George Lepape, and Edward Steichen. His publications became cultural barometers, shaping taste and style for generations.

August 12, 2025

The Evolution of Madness: Discovering Bragg’s Double Vision

Charles Bragg’s Asylum Paintings

In my home growing up there was a large framed Sutton Galleries poster of Charles Bragg’s The Asylum. It was larger than life, way beyond comprehension for my adolescent mind. It frightened and perplexed me, but I couldn’t help but stare at it, knowing something was going horribly wrong.

As a distraction from everyday activities, I recently decided to research this piece, only to once again become perplexed. I discovered that books, exhibition brochures, and websites showed two different paintings of the same name. It’s not unheard of for an artist to use the same title when painting copies of their own pieces, but these were similar yet very different scenes.

I decided to go down the rabbit hole and sure enough, Bragg did in fact paint two Asylums: one oil on paper (16 x 34 inches), and another oil on board (30 x 40 inches)—the piece I grew up mesmerized by.

These two distinct and compelling versions masterfully depict the artist’s satirical yet disturbing view of American society’s madness. Below is a brief exploration and comparison of these iconic paintings, shedding light on their profound symbolism and thematic evolution.

Brief Introduction to Charles Bragg

Charles Bragg (1931–2017) was an American artist renowned for his deeply satirical and often cynical depictions of humanity. Described as the modern-day Hieronymus Bosch, his work is a social commentary and critiques the follies of politics, religion, war, and societal norms. The year 1968 was a period of immense global turmoil—marked by the Vietnam War, political assassinations, and widespread civil unrest. Bragg’s two Asylum paintings from this year serve as powerful allegories for a world he saw as having descended into madness, with the lunatics running the institution. Though they share a title and a theme, these two works offer distinct, complementary visions of this societal asylum.

1. The Asylum (1968, Oil on Paper, 16″ x 34″)

Charles Bragg - The Asylum 1968, Oil on Paper, 16" x 34" — Charles Bragg, *The Asylum*, 1968, oil on paper, 16 x 34 in. Collection of NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale, Gift of D. Robert Silber. Image source.

Overview

This horizontally oriented painting offers a chaotic, almost carnivalesque representation of societal breakdown. The palette is vibrant yet unsettling, dominated by surreal colors ranging from muted blues and reds to earthy tones and grayish hues. It possesses a satirical wit that underscores its commentary on madness, war, and institutional corruption.

Central Imagery

At the heart is a figure resembling a king or tyrant, absurdly enthroned atop an enormous skull, draped in striped pants, and wielding symbols of mock authority. His absurd attire and comically fierce expression heighten the ridicule of oppressive authority figures. The giant skull symbolizes death underpinning authority, hinting at the destructive nature of unchecked power.

Key Symbolic Elements

Central Throne (Giant Skull): Represents authority built upon death and violence.
Tyrannical Figure (King): Satirical embodiment of oppressive, authoritarian madness. His striped pants and self-important posture heighten the mockery.
Mechanized madness (Smokestacks): Symbols of man-made destruction, pollution, and societal corruption.
Populace and War (Cannon): A massive cannon is aimed not at a foreign enemy, but at a huddled mass of pale, ghoulish figures—the common people, who are the ultimate victims.
Blind Obedience (Animal-Human Hybrids): Figures illustrating blind conformity and loss of individual identity.
Institutional corruption (Dilapidated Cathedral): Symbolizes the decay of faith and civilization.
Detritus (American self-deprecation): Skulls, bones, and grotesque creatures like a star wearing lizard battling an obese counterpart—a critique of Americans.

Interpretation
Though unsettling, the painting maintains a darkly comic undertone. It critiques institutional madness, war, hypocrisy, and authoritarian absurdity, using humor and grotesquerie to expose the folly behind power structures and societal collapse.

Exhibition Catalogue

Taylor, Geoffrey. “The Asylum. 1968 oil, 16 x 34″.” The Absurd World of Charles Bragg. New York: H. N. Abrams, 1980, pp. 2-3.
Taylor, Geoffrey. “The Asylum. 1968 oil, 16 x 34″.” The Absurd World of Charles Bragg. Rev. ed. New York: H. N. Abrams, 1991, pp. 2-3.
Bisbort, Alan. “Asylum, 1968.” Charles Bragg: The Works! A Retrospective. Foreword by Richard B. Stolley. Pomegranate, 1999, pp. 60-61.
The Asylum.” NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale Collection. NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale, https://collection.nsuartmuseum.org/mwebcgi/mweb.exe?request=record;id=19144;type=101. Accessed 27 July 2025.

2. The Asylum (1968, Oil on Board, 30″ x 40″)

Charles Bragg The Asylum 1968 Oil on board 30 x 40" — Charles Bragg, *The Asylum*, 1968, oil on board, 30 x 40 in. Private Collection

Overview

This large magnum opus is far darker, heavier, and psychologically intense. Its vertically oriented format enhances a claustrophobic, oppressive mood. Dominated by deep reds, browns, and shadowy blacks, it suggests a scene unfolding in the deepest corners of the human psyche or a symbolic Hell itself.

Central Imagery

A grotesque, infantile figure dressed in extravagant papal attire sits imposingly at the center of the composition, suggesting a perverse blending of childlike innocence and sinister authority. His blank yet unsettling expression evokes the chilling nature of corrupted innocence and blind tyranny. He reigns over a macabre earth littered with bones, skulls, and cracked eggs—symbols of decay, moral rot, and wasted potential.

Key Symbolic Elements

Central Figure (Infantile Pope): Grotesquely obese, robed in red and pink, and surrounded by a golden halo—a parody of divine authority and the cult of personality.
Root Throne: The pope appears to be riding on a tree root, suggesting the figure is being supported by or pulled into hell.
Volcanic Crater: A rupture in the landscape, perhaps nature’s response to human madness—a fiery womb of destruction.
Masked Clergy and Executioners: Represent institutional complicity and moral decay.
Banners with Distorted Religious Symbols: Highlight institutional hypocrisy and corrupted spirituality.
Graveyard Imagery: Tombstones, crosses, and skulls form the literal and symbolic ground of the painting.
Cherubs and Death Figures: Mixes Christian and occult symbols into a fevered vision of apocalypse.

Interpretation
This painting abandons the lighter comedic elements seen in the other piece and fully immerses the viewer in a sinister vision. It suggests Bragg’s most intense reflections on madness: institutionalized, oppressive, and all-consuming. If the smaller painting mocks society, this larger masterwork condemns it, creating an intense feeling of unease, confrontation, and indictment.

Exhibition Catalog

“Asylum 30 x 40” Charles Bragg. Exhibition brochure. New York: ACA Galleries, c. 1974-75, p. 5.
Taylor, Geoffrey. “The Asylum. 1968 oil, 30 x 40″.” The Absurd World of Charles Bragg. New York: H. N. Abrams, 1980, pp. 86-87.
Taylor, Geoffrey. “Madness in Progress (The Asylum).” The Absurd World of Charles Bragg. Rev. ed. New York: H. N. Abrams, 1980, pp. 30.
Taylor, Geoffrey. “The Asylum. 1968 oil, 30 x 40″.” The Absurd World of Charles Bragg. Rev. ed. New York: H. N. Abrams, 1991, pp. 86-87.

Comparative Analysis:

Attribute	“The Asylum” (Oil on Paper)	“The Asylum” (Oil on Board)
Size	16″ x 34″ (horizontal)	30″ x 40″ (vertical)
Palette	Bright, surreal, satirical	Dark, oppressive, apocalyptic
Central Figure	Comically authoritarian, absurd, seated on skull throne	Infantile pope-like figure, chilling, sinister
Symbolism	War, absurdity, satirical chaos	Moral corruption, death, spiritual collapse
Tone	Darkly humorous critique	Deep psychological indictment
Overall Impact	Social satire, absurdity	Profound, disturbing, unsettling

Bragg’s evolution from mocking satire to apocalyptic vision emphasizes the profound shift from viewing madness as a human folly to recognizing it as an existential threat.

Together, these two masterpieces from 1968 create a powerful and comprehensive vision of a world that has lost its reason—a societal Asylum depicted with Charles Bragg’s signature wit and brutal honesty. If this is what Bragg was painting in response to the world of 1968, one can only imagine—perhaps dread—what he might paint today.

July 28, 2025

William Henry Drake: Brought The World To Life And Ended In A Suffocating Death

William Henry Drake: From Lions to Lava, A Life in Art

William Henry Drake (1856-1926) was a renowned American artist who captured the majesty and power of animals and landscapes in his paintings. Though born in New York City, Drake considered Cincinnati his home, having moved there at a young age. His artistic passion emerged early, leading him to study at the McMicken School of Design. His fascination with animals, particularly lions, began to take shape there.

Artistic Journey Begins

Drake’s artistic journey took him back to New York in 1882. He spent countless hours sketching at the zoological gardens in Central Park and the Bronx, meticulously observing the creatures’ anatomy and habits. However, he quickly discovered the market for animal-themed works was limited. He continued to hone his skills with general illustration for several years before embarking on a transformative trip.

In 1887 and 1889, he studied at the prestigious Julian Academy in Paris, further refining his technique. He also took this opportunity to travel through Europe, enriching his artistic perspective.

A true adventurer, Drake undertook a 10,000-mile expedition to Alaska in 1893, gathering inspiration for his art amidst the rugged wilderness. This spirit of exploration continued with a sketching trip to the Catalina Islands to study seals.

Jungle Book Commission

A defining moment in Drake’s career came with the illustration of Rudyard Kipling’s “Jungle Book.” This project allowed him to fully embrace his love for depicting the animal kingdom. Following this success, Drake transitioned from illustration to focus on painting. His canvases, featuring creatures from wild habitats, garnered significant public appreciation and critical acclaim.

Drake’s artistic achievements were recognized through numerous awards and exhibitions. He received honors at the Paris Exposition, the Salmagundi Club, and the American Watercolor Society. Paintings like “The First Born” and “The Royal Family” solidified his reputation as a master of animal portraiture.

Beyond Lions

He also proved to be a highly diversified artist, having painted landscapes during his travels. One such painting is a 1913 work of a Hawaii volcano. This painting is believed to have been executed during a round-the-world trip from New York to Madeira to the Catalina islands, including a stop in Honolulu. This global adventure demonstrated Drake’s artistic curiosity and willingness to explore subjects beyond the animal kingdom. One hundred and twenty-five of these watercolors were exhibited in April 1915 in New York under the title “Around The World.”

Associations

Drake was a member of prestigious art organizations, including the New York Art League, American Watercolor Society, New York Watercolor Society, Salmagundi Club, and the Artists’ Fund Society.

A Tragic End

We might speculate Drake had been suffering from some type of debilitating disease. Although a note was left for his niece at the time, we do not know what words it contained. On January 23rd, 1926, at the age of 70, William Henry Drake locked himself inside his studio’s closet. He took with him a container of illuminating gas, the highly toxic fuel used in lamps at the time, which tragically ended his life by asphyxiation.

From Lions to Lava, William Henry Drake’s legacy as an artist who breathed life and majesty into creatures and landscapes endures through his paintings.

June 9, 2024
The origins of Suridealism

A Movement You’ve Likely Not Heard Of

There’s a special thrill in uncovering the forgotten corners of art history, finding those fascinating movements that never quite made it into the mainstream narrative. Suridealism is one such discovery – a compelling, albeit lesser-known, artistic and literary current from the early 20th century that shares some DNA with its famous cousin, Surrealism, yet fiercely maintained its own distinct identity and contested origins.

The term “Suridealism” was first coined by Emile Malespine (1892 – 1952) in 1925. He introduced the concept in the seventh issue of the magazine Manometre with his “Manifesto Du Suridealisme.” In this manifesto, Malespine articulated a core principle of Suridealism, stating, “Idea, ideal: Suridealism is both of these things at the same time; the idea is mixed with the word and becomes an image.” He also sought to bridge the gap between the conscious and unconscious mind: “conscious and unconscious: these two terms must be identified in a higher idealized term. Suridealism will therefore be, in its most general expression, a consciousness awakened by unconsciousness, and this consciousness, in turn, modifies the subconsciousness.” [i]

Malespine’s manifesto included a lengthy list of artists he considered Suridealists, featuring a diverse group including Hans Arp, Marcel Arland, Victor Brauner, J. L. Borges, Robert Delaunay, Tristan Tzara, and many others who were also associated with various avant-garde movements of the time, including Surrealism, Dadaism, and Futurism.

Adding another layer to the story, the term Suridealism was also adopted by the novelist Maryse Choisy in 1927 to describe a distinct literary movement. [ii] Choisy’s Suridealism had a clear feminist agenda, aiming to counter the male dominance prevalent in the contemporary Surrealist movement and to innovate within the genre of fiction writing.

Choisy initially claimed to be the originator of the term, a claim strongly refuted by Malespine. In his July 1928 article “Proteste” published in Der Sturm, Malespine vigorously defended his priority in coining and defining Suridealism. [iii] His tone was notably stern, criticizing certain Parisian artists whom he felt acted with an air of superiority, even to the point of trying to claim a term that was already in use. Malespine recounts that Choisy invited him to join her movement, which he publicly declined, having already established his own.

In describing her vision of Suridealism, Choisy emphasized the role of women and youth. She wrote, “Women are often criticized for being conservative, for being incapable of creating or even following the avant-garde movements. It is up to a few creative women painters and talented musicians to prove otherwise. A Suridealist group of under 30s has just been founded, which has gathered the most important names among the rising generation.”

Choisy further articulated her movement’s philosophy: “Our century is the century of youth. But it is also the century of women. The purely masculine civilization is a failure. It is up to the woman to set the tone, which does not mean that we exclude the man from our songs or from our meetings. We are more generous, more inclusive. There are men in our group and even in our committee. But the crusade of Suridealism is led by women.” She concluded with a focus on emotion over pure intellect: “Pure intelligence has gone bankrupt. Help will come from the heart. Not from a heavy heart or a heart lush from the senses, but from a heart bursting from emptiness. A Suridealist heart. In the heart vs. intelligence match. Suridealism cheers for the heart.”

Beyond Malespine and Choisy, the term appeared occasionally in other contexts. In the French publication Tambour (1929-1930), author Richard Thoma mentioned Suridealists alongside other major art schools like Surrealists, Cubists, and Futurists, suggesting it was recognized, at least in certain circles, as a distinct category of artistic expression. [iv]

Interestingly, the term popped up in American media in the late 1930s. The New York Times first used it on April 25th, 1937, labelling artist Frank Marvin Blasingame a “suridealist.” [v] Blasingame appears to be the only American painter given this specific moniker, and it’s possible this usage was independent of or unaware of its earlier French origins. The term was used again the following year, on July 17th, 1938, in the Asbury Park Press, describing Blasingame’s “ultra-modern” work and referencing the earlier Times article. [vi] Donald Bear, then Director of the Denver Art Museum, commented on Blasingame’s paintings in the same article, noting their “great power of spirit” and viewing them not as ordinary pictures but as “provocative symbols that call up states of imaginative tension.”

More recently, in 2018, Suridealism was revisited by Antonello Morsillo in his exhibition and accompanying book, Il Suridealismo nell’arte (Suridealism in Art). Celeste Network described Morsillo’s book as “a small treatise on philosophical aesthetics, is completely pervaded by the perception of considering art as an ethical urgency.” [vii]

While never achieving the widespread recognition of Surrealism, the history of Suridealism, with its complex origins tied to both Malespine’s broad artistic vision and Choisy’s specific feminist literary aims, along with its sporadic appearances in art criticism, offers a fascinating glimpse into the dynamic and often overlapping avant-garde landscape of the early 20th century and beyond.

References:

[i] “Suridéaliste manifesto” Manometer no. 7, February 1925.

[ii] “Manifeste Suridealiste” Les Nouvelles littéraires1 22nd October, 1927.

[iii] “Proteste” Der Strum, July 1928 page 241. Available at: https://magazines.iaddb.org/issue/DSTURM/1928-07-01/edition/19-4/page/1

[iv] “Alstair” Tambour No. 7. 1930. In: Salemson, Harold J. Tambour. United Kingdom, University of Wisconsin Press, 2002.

[v] “FIVE NEW GROUP SHOWS” New York Times, 25th April, 1937 page 172.

[vi] “‘Suridealist’ Settles Down” Asbury Park Press, 17th July, 1938 page 14.

[vii] “Suridealism in art and Suridealist art as an ethical urgency” Celeste Network 14, November 2018. Available at: https://www.celesteprize.com/eng_artista_news/idu:62838/idn:42227/

January 1, 2022
Jules Tavernier’s first Hawaii volcano paintings?
Buring Lake of Kilauea

Jules Tavernier painted Burning Lake of Kilauea in November 1884. He was commissioned by Mr. Edward Macfarlane of The Wasp magazine and Pacific Commercial Advertiser to compose two oil paintings of the Kilauea volcano.ⁱ Tavernier had yet to travel to Hawai’i (Sandwich Islands) and see the volcanoes firsthand. The two volcano paintings are inspired by photos and his imagination, as many of his significant works were.

Chromolithographic created

The Burning Lake of Kilauea painting was turned into a 14-color chromolithographic ^Figure^1. supplement for the 1884 Christmas issue of The Wasp publication.ⁱⁱ

Figure 1. Based on the painting by Jules Tavernier, and supplement to the 1884 Christmas issue of The WASP. Schmidt Label & Litho. Co. One surviving original print is in the Barry Lawrence Ruderman Map Collection at Stanford University Libraries. Image Copyright © Stanford University.

In the early 1880s, influenced by illustrations in Harper’s Weekly and William Alexander Coulter, Tavernier began to create volcano studies. The San Francisco Chronicle had the following to say about the Macfarlane commissions.

“…very effective illustrations of the chaotic and terror inspiring state of things witnessed by the Hawaiians in 1880, and are said by visitors to the Islands at that time to be very truthful in drawing and coloring. The painting might seem strange to one who knows that Jules was never a sojourner at the home of the Kanakas; but there is really nothing wonderful about it, when we reflect on the fact that some of his most successful pictures are those of landscapes upon which he has never set eye.” ⁱⁱⁱ

Those studies are what generated Tavernier’s pull to Hawaii. Tavernier would not lay his own eyes on a Hawaii volcano until January 6^th, 1885, when he and Joseph D. Strong would make their first sketching trip.^iv

Surviving examples

There are currently three surviving examples of Buring Lake of Kilauea. The chromolithograph in figure 1., and two oil paintings.

The first painting is a large 36×22 inch oil on canvas still with its original 19th-century Victorian gold leaf frame from the Michael Horikawa Fine Art collection.^{Figure 2}

Figure 2. Burning Lake of Kilauea 1884 oil on canvas. Provenance Michael Horikawa Fine Art. Image Copyright © DerSeul, LLC

The second is a smaller picture reportedly from the late Harry Miura collection.^v ^Figure^3.

Figure 3. From the late Harry Miura collection. Oil on canvas laid on board. 15 x 9 5/8 inches. Sold in 2013 by Mauna Kea Galleries

Attributing Burning Lake of Kilauea

Recalling that Macfarlane commissioned two volcano paintings, we can speculate attribution to the two examples above.

Given that only two oil paintings of the chromolithographic scene have emerged in over one-hundred and twenty-five years gives strength to the attribution. Moreover, both paintings are similar enough to be precursors worthy of mass duplication in The Wasp.
- [i] The Pacific Commercial Advertiser – 11 Nov 1884, Page 2
- [ii] The Pacific Commercial Advertiser – 30 Dec 1884, Page 2
- [iii] California Art Research Volume Four, WPA Project 2874, January 1937, Page 20
- [iv] The Honolulu Advertiser (Honolulu, Hawaii) – Jan 6, 1885, Page 3
- [v] WorthPoint.com Auction History “Important Hawaii Kilauea Volcano Oil on Jules Tavernier Canvas” Oct 06, 2013
June 14, 2021
Art Documentaries and Movies You Can Stream On Amazon.com Today – Part 1

Enhance your knowledge of artists and art history with these art documentaries and movies you can stream today. I have compiled a list of art documentaries and films I enjoyed, and that you can stream on Amazon.com. Some of these do not show up in a typical keyword search on Amazon.com, so I thought it would be helpful to compile a list. It is not all encompassing as there are still many I have yet to discover. Therefore, I am adding a “part 1” suffix to the title. I have provided the title, date it was released, quoted the summary description from Amazon.com, and added brief comments on some of them. I have also stated whether it is free to stream with Amazon’s Prime Video, or for purchase.

Dan Cytron: One Artist’s POV – Amazon Purchase 2011 – An intimate and genuine art documentary all collectors and artists should watch. From Amazon – “Why do some paintings sell for millions of dollars? Following a lifetime dedicated to art, DAN CYTRON, a talented Los Angeles artist (abstract painter) and Sam Francis’ assistant and paint maker, candidly gives his point of view on the art business, critics, gallery owners, and collectors. This documentary questions commercialization and celebrity and examines value, creativity, and survival.”

Brice Marden – Circ. 1970’s – Amazon Purchase – An honest and personal art documentary of an artist in his prime – From Amazon – “After a few seconds of footage from 1968 of the artist working, this film moves into 1976, providing an intimate look at the enigmatic abstract painter, Brice Marden. Shot in 16mm shortly after Marden’s 1975 exhibition at the Guggenheim, it reveals, through interviews with Marden and numerous shots of his preparations and working process, the depth of intellectual creativity behind his works.”

Robert Williams Mr Bitchin’ – Free with Amazon Prime – 2013 – An art documentary on an incredibly talented artist who broke the fine-art mold. From Amazon – “Robert Williams Mr Bitchin’ Explores the remarkable art and life of painter extraordinaire Robert Williams an American underground legend, examining the territory between pop culture and fine art, and measuring the multiple meanings of “success” – financial, artistic, popular and critical.”

Raven Awakens – Free With Amazon Prime – 2017 – An art documentary of a passionate man and his difficult medium. From Amazon – “Raven Awakens follows Sonoma bronze sculptor, Jim Callahan, through the whole process of creating a large bronze sculpture from inspiration to final result. Along the way we get an expanded look at what makes up an artistic life.”

Fritz – 2015 – Free With Prime – Art documentary of a somewhat eccentric man and his art. From Amazon – “Two young filmmakers discover a 70-year-old, hard-of-hearing artist named Fritz and they turn his world upside down. Fritz faces his past and rediscovers happiness as the group stumbles upon just how to “make it,” in the art world.”

Peggy Guggenheim: Art Addict – 2015 – Purchase on Prime – From Amazon – “A collector or art and artists, Peggy Guggenheim fought through personal tragedy to build one of the world’s most important collections of modern art, now enshrined in her famous Venetian palazzo. The film is a compendium of famous 20th-century painting and sculpture mixed with the wild and iconoclastic life of one of the most powerful women in the history of the art world.”

The American Artist – The Life & Times of George Caleb Bingham – Free With Amazon Prime – 2016 – From Amazon – “The American Artist” is a biographical docu-drama about George Caleb Bingham. He was a successful artist, politician, and family man… but it all fell apart. His home, family, career, and life’s work were all but lost as the American Civil War split his world in two. A century after his death, George Caleb Bingham’s work was not only rediscovered, it is celebrated as a National Treasure.”

The painting life of Rembrandt van Rijn – Free With Amazon Prime – 2008 – “A unique documentary of the life and the works of Rembrandt van Rijn. We are traveling with Van Rijn in a geographical reconstruction of his life. It shows beautiful pictures of which Van Rijn has drawn his inspiration for his works. A lof the buildings still exist. Through modern digital techniques, the current image changes into the painting that was made by Van Rijn for over 400 years ago.”

Renaissance Unchained – Free With Amazon Prime – 2015 Some hate him; I love watching his art documentaries. This series by Waldemar Januszczak makes learning about art fun. From Amazon – “Famed British art critic and TV presenter Waldemar Januszczak challenges the traditional notion that the Renaissance had fixed origins in Italy. He explores the ingenuity in both technique and ideas throughout Europe in great artists such as Van Eyck, Memling, Van der Weyden, Cranach, Riemenschneider and Durer. This series shines as it delves into the intersection of art and history and politics.”

The Impressionists – Free With Amazon Prime – 2015 – Another excellent art documentary by Waldemar Januszczak – It’s more entertaining but equally educational to Tim Marlows 1999 with a similar title. From Amazon – “Famed British art critic Waldemar Januszczak explores the revolutionary achievements of The Impressionists. Journey from the West Indies, to Paris, to the suburbs of South London, where artists of the 19th century drew their inspiration. Waldemar describes, as only he can, the technical influences of the age that helped spark the artistic innovations and points of view of Impressionist painting.”

Exhibition on Screen: History’s Greatest Artists – Free With Amazon Prime – 2013-16 A more recent production covering some of the most famous artists. From Amazon – “Every year more people visit art galleries than football stadiums. Rare collections result in queues longer than working days and museums keep their doors open into the wee, small hours to accommodate throngs of visitors. This monumental series takes you into the world’s biggest art exhibitions and on location to enjoy, marvel and delight at the stories and works of history’s greatest artists.”

Understanding Art: Hidden Lives of Works of Art – Amazon Purchase – 2011 From Amazon – “This exceptional series documents the Louvre’s study days, in which works by five major artists–Rembrandt, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Watteau, and Poussin–were collected together, removed from their frames, and set on easels, replicating the feel of an artist’s studio. Curators, historians, restorers, and scientists from around the world came to examine and discuss them in total freedom.”

Brushstrokes: Every Picture Tells a Story – Free With Amazon Prime – 2013 – From Amazon – “Acclaimed British art critic and television presenter Waldemar Januszczak investigates the stories behind four internationally famous works of art from Gaugin, Van Gogh, Cezanne, and Dobson. Each episode focuses on one painting. Waldemar takes us deep into the world of the artist who created it, including popular influences, events in the artist’s life, and any hidden meanings within the works.”

William Dobson: The Lost Genius of Baroque – Free With Amazon Prime – 2012 – From Amazon – “Hosted by Waldemar Januszczak this film investigates the few known facts about William Dobson and seeks out the personal stories he left behind as it follows him through his tragically short career. Among the Dobson fans interviewed in the film is Earl Spencer, brother of Princess Diana, who agrees wholeheartedly that William Dobson was the first great British painter.”

Colored Frames – 2007 – Free with Amazon Prime – I’m a huge fan of finding undiscovered 20th-century artists. This film brings many to light. From Amazon.com “A look back at the last fifty years in African American art, Colored Frames is an unflinching exploration of influences, inspirations and experiences of black artists. Beginning at the height of the Civil Rights Era and leading up to the present, it is a naked and truthful look at often ignored artists and their progenies.”

The Rape of Europa – 2007 – Free with Amazon Prime – From Amazon.com “The Rape of Europa tells the epic story of the systematic theft, deliberate destruction and miraculous survival of Europe’s art treasures during the Third Reich and WW II.”

Understanding Art: Baroque & Rococo – Acorn TV Subscription – 2014 – From Amazon – “In Baroque! From St. Peter’s to St. Paul’s, Januszczak follows the trajectory of baroque from its beginnings as a Vatican-sanctioned religious art style to its ascendance as the first global art movement. In Rococo before Bedtime, he pulls back the gilded façade of rococo to reveal the deep imprint it left on politics, culture, religion, and even America’s Declaration of Independence.”

How to Look at a Painting – Acorn TV Subscription – 2011 – Twelve, 24-minute, episodes with the casual Justin Paton. From Amazon – “Justin Paton is on a mission: to show the rest of us why looking at a painting is worthwhile and to help us figure out how to do it. In this thought-provoking series, Paton demystifies art and answers the questions we might be too embarrassed to ask. Along the way, the New Zealand author, curator, and art reviewer takes us on a dazzling journey across the painted world.”

Manet and the Birth of Impressionism – Free With Amazon Prime – 2009 – From Amazon – “Manet is often cited as the father of Impressionism, and yet he stubbornly refused to show with them and was careful to maintain an aesthetic distance from Monet, Renoir and others. He looked down on them, preferring his own departure from the traditional art forms. British host Waldemar Januszczak tells the story of a complex and difficult man who started a revolution that continues to today.”

The Hudson River School: Artistic Pioneers – 2016 – Free with Amazon Prime – From Amazon – “In the vicinity of New York’s Hudson River Valley, the Adirondack Mountains, Catskill Mountains, and the White Mountains of New Hampshire, a group of American painters led by British born artist Thomas Cole forged an artistic vision of the American wilderness.”

Understanding Art: Impressionism – Amazon Purchase – 2012 – Once again Waldemar takes you on a fun educational journey. From Amazon – “In this four-part documentary, art critic Waldemar Januszczak reveals that in their time, the impressionists were artistic rebels. As Januszczak visits the locations that inspired them, he sheds light on a group that forever expanded the boundaries of art”

Masterworks – 1988-89 – Free With Amazon Prime – Twenty Two seasons of bite-sized sized art documentaries. I love downloading these and watching them during a flight. From Amazon – “Masterworks from the Great Museums of the World is one of the most successful series about art. The original, with improved image quality, takes us on a fascinating journey through the history of art. Comprehensively illustrated and compellingly presented, the 10min short art surveys provide a deeper insight into the masterpieces of painting.”

Art21: Art in the Twenty-First Century – Amazon Purchase – Living Artists – Nine seasons and counting! A plethora of art documentaries featuring many contemporary artists. Each episode usually features three or four artists segments. Available to stream on Amazon Prime Video by PBS.

From Amazon – “Art21 produces features focusing exclusively on contemporary visual art and artists throughout the world, including the Peabody Award-winning biennial series “Art in the Twenty-First Century.” Intimate footage allows the viewer to observe the artists at work and watch their process as they transform inspiration into art.”

Art of the Western World Season 1 – Amazon Purchase – 1989 – Although it’s dated, your mind quickly adjusts to the pan and scan format and 80’s sound quality, as you get drawn into excellent summaries of many great works and movements. From Amazon – “Beginning in ancient Greece and Rome, historian Michael Wood leads this eye-opening tour through 2,500 years of Western art. Four years in the making and filmed at over 140 locations in 10 countries, this nine-part documentary travels the globe.”

Masters of Modern Sculpture Part I, II and III – Amazon Purchase – You can stream parts I and III on Amazon video (via purchase) and part II on Vimeo. These documentaries feature minimal narration but a plethora of important sculptures.

Part I features; Rodin, Degas, Rosso, Bourdelle, Maillol, Lehmbruck, Matisse, Picasso, Lipchitz, Laurens, Epstein, Boccioni, Duchamp-Villon, Gonzales, Brancusi.

Part II features; Tatlin, Gabo, Pevsner, Duchamp; Dada artists, Man Ray, Miro, Arp, Ernst, Calder, Giacometti, Moore, Hepworth, Richier, Cesar, Uecker, Mack, Beuys, Arman, Yves Klein, Spoerri, Tinguely, Caro, Gilbert & George.

Part II features; David Smith, Nevelson, David Hare, Lassaw, Roszak, Ferber, Bourgeois, Chamberlain, Di Suvero, Noguchi, Rickey, Barnett Newman, Tony Smith, Segal, Judd, Oldenburg, Morris, Serra, Andre, Kienholz, Christo, Heizer, Robert Smithson

Great Artists with Tim Marlow – Free With Amazon Prime – 2001 From Amazon – “Tim Marlow takes a fresh look at the most important artworks of some of the greatest artists in history. Shot on location in over 50 galleries, museums, churches and palaces throughout Europe and the United States, this series is a comprehensive survey of the history of Western art.”

The Impressionists with Tim Marlow – Free With Amazon Prime – 1999 – From Amazon – “The Impressionists and their circle have become the international superstars of Western painting. But whilst their popularity is greater than ever, it is easy to forget the revolutionary nature of the Impressionists’ art. In this series, Tim Marlow takes us on a journey through the great art movement of the late nineteenth-century and explores some of the most beautiful paintings ever created.”

Dali’s Greatest Secret – Free With Amazon Prime – 2017 – From Amazon – “As the great artist Salvador Dali aged, he found himself trapped between the atheistic beliefs of his father and the Catholic faith of his late mother. All changed when he got hired to paint The Vision of Hell, as seen by one child seer in Portugal. NYT Bestseller Paul Perry investigates what lies behind Dali’s greatest secret that was hidden for over 30 years.”

William Dobson: The Lost Genius of Baroque – 2012 – Free with Amazon Prime – From Amazon.com “Hosted by Waldemar Januszczak this film investigates the few known facts about William Dobson and seeks out the personal stories he left behind as it follows him through his tragically short career. Among the Dobson fans interviewed in the film is Earl Spencer, brother of Princess Diana, who agrees wholeheartedly that William Dobson was the first great British painter.”

How the Devil Got His Horns – 2012 – Free with Amazon Prime – A fun story that reveals art portraying the devil as we know it today. From Amazon.com “Where did we get the popular image of Satan, with his goat horns and fiery red skin? In this captivating historical documentary, art historian Alastair Sooke investigates the Devil’s remarkable transformation – from fallen angel to terrifying demon – in medieval art”

Gauguin: The Full Story – Free With Amazon Prime – 2003 – From Amazon – “Gauguin is best known for his gorgeous paintings of Tahiti in which beautiful native girls disport themselves enticingly on perfect South Pacific beaches. But have these celebrated portrayals of an earthly paradise been misunderstood? And has the fame of Gauguin’s Tahiti pictures blinded us to the bigger truth about his achievements?”

The Caravaggio Affair – Free With Amazon Prime – 2015 – An entertaining and unique art documentary on a very talented, yet lesser known artist from history. From Amazon – “By the time Caravaggio died he had changed the face of the art world forever. But the paintings that now fetch millions and adorn the walls of the most prestigious galleries were painted by a murderer with a bounty on his head. In this captivating doc, archaeologists work tirelessly to track down Caravaggio’s long-lost remains, and finally establish the cause of the troubled young genius’ demise.”

Rubens: An Extra Large Story – Free With Amazon Prime – 2015 – From Amazon – “These days, nobody takes Rubens seriously. His vast and grandiose canvases, stuffed with wobbly mounds of female flesh, have little appeal for the modern gym-subscriber. Everything is too big: the epic dramas, the fantastical celestial scenery, the immense canvases. In the eyes of British host Waldemar Januszczak, Rubens has been tragically reduced by modern tastes and completely misunderstood.”

Frida – Amazon Purchase – 2005 – Salma Hayek, who from my understanding is a huge fan of Frida and art history, puts on a great performance. From Amazon – “Nominated for 6 Academy Awards including Salma Hayek for Best Actress, Frida is a triumphant motion picture about an exceptional woman who lived an unforgettable life. A product of humble beginnings, Frida Kahlo(Hayek) earns fame as a talented artist with a unique vision. And from her enduring relationship with her mentor and husband, Diego Rivera(Alfred Molina).”

The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (Silent) – Amazon Purchase – 1920 Shockingly creative set design for all-time. From Amazon – “One brilliant movie jolted the postwar masses and catapulted the movement known as German Expressionism into film history. That movie was The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, a plunge into the mind of insanity that severs all ties with the rational world.”

James McNeill Whistler and the Case for Beauty – Amazon Purchase – 2014 – From PBS – Best known for the groundbreaking portrait of his mother, James McNeill Whistler was the original art star. But beneath the high gloss, the struggle of this genius to find his own voice resulted in a breakaway style that moved painting towards abstraction and would revolutionize the art world in his time-and beyond.

Gerhard Richter Painting (English Subtitled) – Amazon Purchase or Rental – 2012– From Amazon – Legendary German painter Gerhard Richter granted filmmaker Corinna Belz access to his studio in the spring and summer of 2009, where he was working on a series of large abstract paintings. In quiet, highly concentrated images, this documentary provides a fly-on-the-wall perspective of Richter’s extremely personal, tension-filled process of artistic creation.

October 13, 2018