Being in Cambridge on a Monday when the Fitzwilliam is closed work this week began in the library. A brief and exhausting tour of seventeenth century European history with a diversion into Catholic theology (doctrine of transubstantiation) towards the end. The next batch of paintings, all in the Fitzwilliam, were all painted in the early years of the century but each comes from a different country which made covering the historical background something of a challenge.
The Virgin and Child by Anthony van Dyck (Flemish). Van Dyck became famous for portrait painting in Britain in the last decade of his life, working for King Charles I (before he lost his head, obviously).
Ecce Homo (The Man of Sorrows) by Guido Reni (Italian). Reni was famed for religious work, did a lot of work for churches and also for a cardinal who later beacme Pope.
King Asa of Judah destroying the idols by Francois de Nome (French but worked in Naples). Not too much information on this one as the artist is a shadowy character and his style unique. I love this painting, mostly because it is so odd and difficult to understand. Probably another candidate for the Desert Island list.
Something of a deviation from planned work on Tuesday morning after joining in singing 'Over the hills and far away' (the Sharpe theme) at a session on Monday evening. Realised I was very confused over the exact dates and places of the many wars in Europe over the centuries. Back to the library, found the information with reference to just three books and am now an expert on European conflicts between 1337 (start of the 100 Years War) and 1815 (end of the Napoleonic Wars).
Following the successful resolution of the matter I headed to St Bene'ts Church for morning communion and coffee. A most welcoming group of people and a delight to sit and chat with some of them before making my way to the Fitzwilliam for further study of the three paintings. Time ran out so there is more to do on this group of paintings before my next visit to Cambridge.
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