This Apocalyptic Painting Is Painfully Beautiful 

Hello everyone! I apologize in advance if my voice sounds a bit raspy in the video. I caught a cold in the middle of creating it. That’s also why it took me a bit longer to upload but thank you for being patient with me! What would you like to see me cover next???

"The critics were brutal. Saying it was too dramatic..." I mean, yeah. If you and a whole village with loved ones suddenly faced certain death with little hope of surviving in what would be a painful end - I'd say it would be VERY dramatic.

Here was no molten lava in that particular volcanic eruption. It started off as pumice falling from the sky followed by pyroclastic flows, which are fast moving clouds of ash and gas

Thanks for another great video!

You just posted an hour ago , the exact same time I wondered « HEY! I definitely wonder if there is any ”what’s the story behind this painting” that isn’t boring ? » , and I’m HOOKED to your channel , I definitely suggest you start short tiktoks and it will bring people RUNNING to your channel Most importantly: I love the different ways where your interpretation goes , you don’t go by « classified titles » like : 1) story behind 2) analysis , etc etc and other boring shit You bring us all along with your perspective of things while also giving facts about the painting/painter and even CONTEXT Love love love your videos, can’t wait to see more of them And I swear you wouldn’t believe it , I didn’t see this video first , I guess I started with the « the painting that made everyone cringe » then the one of the execution of Jane Grey , then the « irritating gentleman » since I know them and wondered « last day ON Pompeii will be great! » ( ON because I thought it was « in » but you corrected me lmao) AND HERE IT IS , mam I don’t think you will believe this , but destiny brought me here I’ll be more than happy recommending paintings ( Gosh I still can’t believe I literally searched for your kind of content and saw a video and wished for one concerning Last day on Pompeii and had it 😭😭😭😭) I’ll list them under this comment ! Wishing you THE BEST ❤️✨

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I would love to hear your analysis of the piece "Döden" by artist Janis Rozentāls

I wish I had the patience to work 5 years on the same picture!

I swear Europeans are more educated and cultured when it comes to general knowledge... the amount of people in the comment section who dont know about the stuff you narrate in your videos is shocking! 😮

I love that he included Pliny the Younger and his mother in the painting! It's so easy to see the romans as just brutal and callous, when they too were people who loved their families so much that they were willing to risk their own lives to save theirs. I'm so glad they both survived

As a French guy, it always cracks me up to see how 90% of the amazing works of art you explain here are, at a moment or another, presented to the French who just go : “Meh”. This is so typical of our behaviour. Regarding the white horse, I think it is commonly considered as a symbol of doom and death (maybe because it’s the horse of Death in Apocalipsis) so that could explain its presence in the painting.

The editing of these videos keeps getting better! Fun and educational A+

The painting looks even more terrifying in the museum. You can't take your eyes of it, it is mesmerising and frightening. Besides, it's enormous, and you wonder how Bryullov managed to create several characters and their fate, and the whole thing isn't falling apart, it's a complete story in one shot. What a truly amazing painting made by a master of brush

6:46 I love the expression that Bryullov gave himself. While there is still energy in his face, he seems quite passive. In fact, he seems to be almost casually observing his surroundings, as if studying the scene from his place in a far-removed time, while the people around him panic. Reminds me of that one episode of Loki, where they go back in time to Pompeii and can walk around in modern clothes and break anything they want without causing any changes to the future because nothing - and no one - will survive to effect it.

Also, Pliny the Younger's observation that the tragedy caused so many to question their faith in the gods, while a bull - the symbol of Zeus - wanders in the background, lost and left behind, and a well-dressed priest flees with his nice things, and a roughly dressed Christian elder seems to bravely stand beside the woman and her daughters to offer some form of human comfort in this moment. Each figure coming closer and closer into the foreground, as if to show the march of recent history. The quiet story told by these three figures alone is worth making this painting famous.

OK, nerd objection: Neither Pliny the Younger, not his mother were in Pompeii. They lived at his uncle's estate, the famous naturalist Pliny the Elder. Which was across the bay in Misenum, about as far from Vesuvius as you could get while still being in the Bay of Naples. It's been decades since we had to translate that very letter by PtY, so I had to go back to it, to refresh my memory. He writes clearly (first letter to Tacitus) that when PtE readied a boat for investigation and rescue, he offered his nephew to come along, who declined as he wanted to get on with his writing (which he had been tasked with by his uncle). Bit of artistic liberty there: for no, in that spot, in that situation, nobody would have survived, neither the ash fall nor the pyroclastic flow (which the city also got hit with, though to a lesser extent than Herculaneum). PtY and his mum had to flee ash clouds and earthquakes, as he writes in his 2nd letter to Tacitus, but nothing like what hit these poor people who were in Ground Zero.

The face of the woman looking directly at us might be the most chilling piece of art I have ever seen. Just wow.

I never really considered art as more than just a picture before coming across your channel. Your explanations have made me aware that there is much to look at

An incredible painting that tells such a tragic story

Seeing all the little babies in this painting made me cry. The loss of life and the sheer terror all the little babies felt that day just breaks my heart into a million pieces

A wonderful choice of art for this video! You have a certain way of always choosing art that evokes raw emotions from the viewer. That, combined with your great commenting and editing makes for a perfect mix. It's always a great day when you upload something new! Thank you for your dedication.

The nude man could have been someone coming from a bath house or similar and jumped on the horse in desperation to flee. Great video. I teared up as I was reminded of modern nature catastrophes, like the 2004 tsunami.

I felt chills with this one, such a dramatic and dynamic piece of art. Haunting and still impressive.

You have sprung a love for art in me, thank you for your videos!

This is an amazing painting and your retelling reminded me of visiting Pompeii as a kid - it was impressive and horrifying. There was something really eerie about seeing recognizable restaurants, still bright murals and mosaics, and other weirdly modern looking things in the ruins and knowing what had happened to everyone who lived there, and that that disaster was what allowed me to see it.

I'm very curious about Pompeii. Watched hours of documentary about how it happen, what the people of Pompeii feels based on their preserved bodies by the ashes. But seeing a painting that is reference from the (material) survivor of the eruption of Mount Vecivous is truly chilling.

What you do is simply fantastic. Such a clever blend of modern esthetic and classical paintings, combined with your soothing voice. Just perfect.

До войны в Украине я жил в Санкт-Петербурге. И видел эту картину в Русском музее несколько раз. Она занимает целую огромную стену в одном из залов. Трудно передать впечатления от этого. А если прийти в будний день, то можно было остаться с картиной почти наедине. Надеюсь, когда-то еще смогу увидеть эту картину.

I don't know if you've ever tried to bridle a terrified horse in the middle of a volcanic eruption but suffice it to say that I'm not surprised he didn't have enough time to slip on proper attire! 😊

If I'm facing an event of apocalyptic magnitude, I'd put on one last Art Deco video to see me into the Great Beyond...or strip down and jump on a white horse. Whatever I'm feeling in the moment.

Imagine being in the last moments of your life, and having nothing to hold but dead metal. For some reason, the priest in white is the most tragic figure to me. Your thoughtful and lucid narration is delightful. If I were still in Gen. Ed., I would use your videos; you have a gift for making art accessible and relatable.

I just want to let you know how much I adore your art history videos. You breathe life and humor into a subject that many people might not have had an appreciation for previously. Thank you for making such amazing content 😊

I get so happy when I get the notification for your video! Thank you for both entertaining and educating me today! This piece IS dramatic and I love it. I'm unsure how anyone could've thought this tragic event in human history didn't deserve the drama portrayed on the canvas. Man, the French really had sticks up their butts.

I was so happy when I stumpled on your youtube channel and sad when I realized that you haven't made content like this for that long. I would have loved to just binge like 10 hours worth of stories behind paintings. Oh well. I subscribed to see all the stuff you put out next. Please make more videos. Thank you 😜

I’ve never seen this painting before, I am blown away! This is utterly incredible the way he depicts the horror of people’s faces, and even different reactions the people have. To me this is flawless, I literally can’t get over how beautiful and tragic this is… it’s a masterpiece ❤

I recall when I went there, the guide said most people with the means to, had already left, because the mountain had been rumbling for weeks. So it wasn't really a day like any other.

Thanks for always including the story of the artists and personal details. It makes everything make sense like a cohesive thread…. And also shows us that if we take more time in our own projects we are in good company hahaha

Since my very childhood this painting gives me chills, I was in awe the moment I saw it in a museum

I have recently heard at that time he was literally called Karl the Great in Russia for his art, which doesn't really sound that ridiculous once you see his paintings

Although the women all bear a striking resemblance to the woman he loved (which is a bit much), this is truly a masterpiece. Yes, it’s a bit of a dark subject, but there are quite a lot of pieces that centered around death. Why the critics were hard on it is beyond me. As they say, the only certainties in life are death and taxes. I suppose it’s okay to know that, it’s just not okay to talk about it or be reminded of it… But I think he did a marvelous job portraying the last day of Pompeii. It wasn’t blood and gore. It portraying the power of nature, but more so the effect it had on the humans who were totally helpless when faced with it. This painting shows human frailties: fear, anguish, acceptance, death… All the things those poor people really experienced that day. He paid homage to them. I think that deserved better reviews than what it got. But art critics… They’ve never changed. They wouldn’t know art if it came up and bit them…

Naked guy on a horse? Very likely. Take a look at Samuel Clemens/Mark Twain's description of an earthquake in California ("Roughing It," perhaps). At least one lady scampers into the street without a stitch. Myself having been in California during several earthquakes, I was glad not to be caught with my pants down at the seat of ease, in the shower or in passionate embrace with my better half! With all the hoopla about the bodies found in Pompeii & the hollow places filled with plaster/concrete, it is remarkable to hear you say only about 10% of the populace died in the event. Also interesting to see Bryullov placed the face of his belovéd right next his own in the painting - as well as in many other poses.

Why does it not surprise me that the French would call this painting about impending doom "too dramatic"? Also for them to say the red was "gaudy" is very ironic. 😂

In the many videos i've watched about pompeii i can't believe this is the first time i've ever seen this paitning. Amazing!

It's unbelievable how you can catch such emotion and tragic with a brush 🙌🏻 I loved how much information you had for this masterpiece, though horrifying it was so interesting to watch ❤

What a beautiful Tragic Painting..... can only imagine what those people went through.......

Didn't think I'd once cry watching an Art Deco video 😆

Yay! Always pumped to see a new video and hear your voice.

Why do I appreciate art so much? This painting and your description of it brought me to tears, thank you.

RIP People of Pompeii.

I’m at a loss for words… what an incredible depiction! I feel for those who died there, and the plaster casts of the bodies has hurt my heart since childhood for them! I simply cannot imagine the terror and agony, but with the casts it is a reality for us to actually see! I adore this channel SO much! You always leave me with my mouth hanging open in astonishment from the intricate depth you give!

The first time I saw this piece I thought the theme would be the fall of Troy because the way the falling statues are presented reminded me of the Trojan horse entering the city with the despairing woman in the painting representing Cassandra. I wonder if it is a reference, or maybe I'm just looking way too much into it.

I love your videos, they inspire me to look closer at the art I see. There’s so much symbolism and detail hidden for us to find, if only we’re willing to spare it more than a glance.

"The painting is super dramatic - but so is imminant death." Well said👍

The truly horrifying thing about the Vesuvius eruption of 79 is… a week later? Most of those people would have already gone back home! They were in Pompeii for one of the multi-day Roman festivals. It’s shocking, really, to know that had the volcano just waited… Pompeii would not be as packed full of bodies as it’s been found. Maybe that one poor skeleton would not have been smashed in the face by a stone pillar

There's literally no physical force on earth I could consider MORE dramatic than a volcanic eruption, especially the eruption of Vesuvius??? Was everyone supposed to just be standing around vibing while the world collapses around them?!@>!@?>!?>@

the naked guy on the horse picked the wrong time to protest taxes. similar protests wouldn't be tried again until the 11th century.

Artist: paints a doomsday scene, people in what is their last moment alive. It’s a recreation based on the texts from an eyewitness. Academy: Too dramatic. Me: … 🤦🏼‍♀️

Great Breakdown. Maybe works of other russian painters would interest you. Repin for example made some good historic paintings.

"The red was too gaudy" bro that's literally what lava just looks like

I LOVE your work, but I gotta take every opportunity to beg you to make your titles more specific 😂 It's almost impossible to pin down which video is which when trying to remember certain ones or recommend them to others. I get that this title formula is probably really great for engagement but maybe you can continue these titles and just add other terms like the artist's name or other details in parentheses afterwards, or after a hyphen or a pipe character or something? It would be monumentally helpful for searching up your videos later. Just some feedback, I think it'd be good for your channel but I'm no expert, do whatever works for you of course! Thanks for your fantastic and delightfully original analyses and commentary on your great selection of historical works!

Babe wake up, new Art Deco video!!

9:00 if your going to go out do it with flair

Your voice is so relaxing.

Eu adoro o seu canal, a forma que você fala sobre a arte e sobre o pintor, me cativa. Obrigado

Your video style never bores me keep it up!

Please cover Spoliarium by Filipino painter Juan Luna if you haven't. Thank you!

I was so excited when I saw that Art Deco uploaded a new video! 😃 The fact that the content was about Russian art was the cherry on top for me. 😁

What stroke me, a total newbie in the subject, is the emptiness right at the centre of the painting: there's almost a V-shape, with the eye drawn towards the body of the woman at the bottom centre. I think this really tells me a lot about the loss following the tragedy - no architecture, no people, notably not the crumbling (statues of) gods, will survive, and nothing can replenish that feeling of loss. What I'm not particularly keen on, on the other hand, is how he tends to enlarge the eyes (especially of kids), because this reminds me too much of a historical version of Insta filters, lol

These videos are so well done and educational. I really appreciate you putting these out. I would love to see one on any of Mikhail Vrubel's paintings as I've always been a fan of his work but feel there is some deeper history to his works that would be interesting to know.

Ah, The French. _So dramatically un-impressed._ If they had ever seen an eruption...they'd know the colors/scene is pretty spot-on. The painter _must_ have gone to either Etna or Stromboli, to witness eruptions. The scene is too technically accurate to have been mere "booklearning." Bravo, Karl, bravo!

Where do you find such high resolution photos of the paintings you make videos about?

I love this. I could feel it.I’d love to see it one day! Love your videos and feel better! Could you do Mona lisa?❤

There is a very good TV drama about this eruption. ‘Pompeii, The Last Day’ starring Tim Piggot Smith and Jim Carter (2003) It’s well worth a watch if you can find it. This is a fabulous painting and your explanation of it is both educational and entertaining. A very interesting and informative video. Thank you.

I think the saddest thing about many classical paintings is that they don't have high-resolution scans/pictures available. So sad to find out about an amazing painting and then find that the only pictures of it online are blurry 600x400 crap. I think there needs to be some kind of global effort to have all classic art scanned in ultra high-resolution before the paintings themselves degrade or crack more.

Just found your channel! Absolutely loving all this artwork! Thank you so much!

first !!

I recommend another painting you should review; "The Flying Dutchman" by Albert Pinkham Ryder.

The parents under the yellow vail got me. 😢 Well done video.

Another enjoyable art history and world history lesson. Thank you!

i never knew about this painting. thanks for this. also lol at 7:03

Oh my, a painting that took 5 years, it’s a glorious self obsession

That white horse guy could have just been a representation of death, doesn’t death ride a white horse?

JOAN JETT ---BAD REPUTATION !!!♾️🌹 15YEARS OLD.

Oh, yeah, the painting I had in my chemistry textbook on the paragraph about sulfur.

you and The Canvas should do a collab

i’ve seen it in real life in Saint-Petersburg. awe-inspiring

Wonderful video. Thanks

I've seen this painting before as I'm sure many have, but I didn't know the story and history behind it. Thank you for engaging me with both. Also, why so many male artists pine for women that can't attain...oh wait, never mind.

I bet these people thought it was the apocalypse.

I wanted to tell you that you are my favorite RU-vidr right now. You're insightful and you are hilarious so please continue doing 💜🌺💜

I love this channel. The delivery is so entertaining! I didn’t know about this painting. I fell in love with Pompeii at 12 y/o, when I watched a documentary with my dad about it. Thank you for sharing 😍.

Another masterpiece of thought and analysis. Bravo!!!👏👏👏

I remember learning about this in 4th Grade

omg i freakin LOVE your new stickers. such a great collection of expressions over history

My god this channel is a fucking life saver, funny, informative and i crave more every time. As an art school and being fucking fed up with art after hours upon hours of sketching and painting this is such a fresh air even though it has something in it that im so tired of and even inspires me to keep painting

I absolutely love what you do!! Thankyou for explaining art in a relatable way. It makes me appreciate it so much more.

A wonderful pice Your videos always make my da a bit better :)

I love watching your videos. Thank you for all the background information! You really bring the pieces to life.

You make art history so amazing!

Nice