History of Art Course at the National Gallery

I enrolled in a summer short course programme at Central St Martins, an introductory course in History of Art. Im aware its an extensive subject and although the detail of what I am learning will most probably not arise in my first few terms studying design at parsons, I really wanted to have these last few weeks of mine in London doing something cultural and enjoyable.

I have enjoyed these past 2 weeks so much. I only have two days remaining which is a shame, but I wanted to share some of the pieces I have looked at and studied which have made a huge impact on my value to the 17th 18th and 19th Century art world.

Manon Baletti 1757 - Jean-Marc Nattier 1685-1766
Marie-Madeline, called 'Manon' was the daughter of the well known actress Sylvia Balleti. Casanova was declaring his love to her at this time and speculation is that they were engaged. In 1760 she married a more reputable though older suitor (35 years her senior).

In contrast to many of his court portraits, Nattier's representation of Manon Balletti is remarkable for its apparent simplicity. Liveliness is conveyed by the slight turn of the head and the attraction of the sitter emphasised by the rose pinned to her dress. 








George Stubbs - Whistle Jacket   


 Whistle jacket was foaled in 1749. His most famous victory was in a race over four miles for 2000 guineas at York in August 1759. Stubbs's huge picture was painted in about 1762 for the 2nd Marquess of Rockingham, Whistlejacket's owner 
and a great patron of Stubbs.


What I love about this is according to some writers the intention was for this to be a portrait of King George III but Stubbs and the Marquess of Rockingham decided against this.


This was quite a blog move particularly at that time and era, it proves how liberal Stubbs was as a person. He did not have a privileged background he was self educated and famously went to York hospital to study Anatomy. He rather gruesomely bought a dead horse and dissected it in his London studio.

Its important to be on hand with a note book if you ever go to a class or even when your simply browsing the collection. Particularly if you wish to sketch. Its fast paced and my hands are usually withered by 1pm. This is a photo of the notes I made today.