art history Archives • Lazer Horse

Hans Memling: Art And Wealth In The 1400s

On February 9, 2022 by Tim Newman

Art and money rarely go hand in hand. Although, of course, individual artists can make a living and, in rare cases, make a significant income, it is not the norm. Hans Memling, born...

People of Color in European Art History

On October 31, 2018 by Tim Newman

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I’ve recently been reading a series of articles on race, racism, and the Middle Ages. They’re a fascinating read, and I recommend taking a look. The articles were written in response to the...

The Oldest Cartoon On Earth: Fantasmagorie

On April 3, 2016 by Tim Newman

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Fantasmagorie is considered by many to be the first had-drawn cartoon ever made. It was created in 1908 by French cartoonist Émile Cohl. Cohl, who was part of the now forgotten Incoherents movement, drew...

Leprosy In Art: Disease And Beauty

On March 19, 2016 by Tim Newman

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Leprosy is an infection caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae. Although there was, and is, an incredible amount of stigma attached to the disease, it is not particularly contagious. In fact, 95% of people are naturally...

Sebastian Pether: Moonlight & Poverty

On November 13, 2015 by Tim Newman

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Sebastian Pether’s paintings sell easily these days. His impressive milky moon light and his watery water needs no sales patter. Unfortunately for Pether, that wasn’t the case whilst he was alive and kicking....

Michael Sittow: An Estonian Grand Master

On November 5, 2015 by Tim Newman

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Michael Sittow was born in Reval (now Tallinn) in Estonia in 1468 or 1469. He was the son of a wealthy artist and a Swedish-speaking Finn. His portraits, although very old indeed, have...

Giuseppe Arcimboldo & His Fruity Faces

On October 2, 2015 by Tim Newman

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Giuseppe Arcimboldo is famous for painting portraits out of fruits, vegetables, and whatever else took his fancy. As you will see from the standard of his art, he was very talented, if a little...

Venus Figurines: Widely Distributed & Strangely Similar

On December 8, 2014 by Tim Newman

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So-called Venus figurines are small carved items portraying exaggerated female forms; they have been found widely distributed throughout Europe and across into Siberia. These smallish ancient items often share the same kinds of features: big boobs, hips and...

Zdzisław Beksiński: Visions Of Hell By Murdered Painter #2

On December 26, 2013 by Tim Newman

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A few months ago I wrote briefly about an incredible Polish artist by the name of Zdzisław Beksiński (1929-2005). The article has been getting some attention recently so I thought I would post up...