Daniel, you really need to be the host for an art series of some kind. Your voice, and eloquent way of speaking are a rarity in today's media. I love this lesson and insight, but honestly, I really enjoyed hearing YOU while learning. You have a very special gift and should share it more with the world.
Murillo was overshadowed by Velazquez ' glorious European recognition, but his painting reveal his grandeur as a portrait painter. The Spanish monarchy in the 17th century, however, impeded artist's lovers to enjoy the genius of painters like B.E. Murillo who had to expose his oeuvre d'art just to a few locals. It is a late recognition though that is coming to us to uncover exquisite secrets about Murilllo's techniques and brilliance as a painter. In depth talk. Congrats to the presenter of the Spanish fine artist.
I noticed that in his younger self portrait the stone he surrounded himself is rough and unfinished. In the self portrait we're looking at here the marble frame is beautifully carved and finished. A coincidence? Or possibly a statement about how he's changed over the years?
LaraRenee42. Interesting comments! The refined marble frame of the later work was surely meant as commentary by the artist for the reasons you suggest, & perhaps meant as well to suggest how Murillo had aged. For him, surely this would refer to how he had advanced in his artistic abilities with age-- artistic abilities that include not only mastery of the medium but a deepening of understanding & knowledge of life. After all, in the second self-portrait he is middle-aged, his abilities & his mind not yet deminished by common illnesses & physical weaknesses that often limit one in old age. (Not that all artists become limited in abilities in old age, but most do. At 74, I'm no longer physically capable of painting with such ability as I was previously, not due to illnesses but merely to the usual weakening of muscles & steadiness of hand.)
Thank you for sharing this fascinating self portrait with us. I’ve been relishing The National Galleries’ videos, and as I’m unable to leave my house at this time, let alone travel at home or abroad, these presentations allow me to travel and learn from the comfort of my home. It’s truly marvellous, and I’m so grateful to be living in a time where this technology is so readily available!
I was familiar with this painting from a longer talk given by Letizia Treves that can be found on this channel, however I thoroughly enjoyed this presentation as well. I love this channel so much and I am dismayed that it only has 160K subscribers.
Thank you for all the great videos! I cannot tell you how much I enjoy all of them. Truly appreciate the work of your staff. I really hope to visit in person one day!
Hmmm 🤔 it is interesting he is known to us by his second surname while usually in Spain the first surname is passed on in patrilineal fashion. Is the reason for that known?
