In this lecture we continue to explore the history and many potentials of the genre of portraiture through an analysis of a few selected examples.

With Tom Richards’ direction, we delve into particular facets of the artworks such as their historical context, the relationship of the artist to the sitter, and various compositional and technical decisions. The selected works cover a diverse range, and as we are guided from artworks such as a sculpture by Bernini, to portraits by Peter Paul Rubens and his pupil Anthony van Dyck, works by Velazquez, Frans Hals, and John Singer Sargent we are explained and asked to consider aspects of the artworks such as if the portrait in question is the focus or a part of a larger work, the identity of the subject and their relationship to the artist, how the artist captures the vivacity of the subject, and the purpose behind the portrait’s creation. Through these lines of inquiry and more we learn to better understand these portraits – not only as individual works, but how they fit into the grander scheme of Art History as well.

Click below for more info about the artworks featured in this lecture!