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Famed & Framed
Bite-Sized Art: History, News, Auctions, and More!
Welcome! If you’re new here, every week we send out a newsletter containing:
- One “Frame” of the week: history & opinions about a work of art
- One “Fame” of the week: sales from auctions or other big art news
- One “Find” of the week: a work we like, gallery opening, or surprise!
Frame of the Week
The Death of Socrates (1787) by Jacques-Louis David
The painting depicts the Greek philosopher Socrates' death by drinking hemlock, as he refused to renounce his teachings and beliefs.
The use of light and shadow in the painting is significant, with Socrates being illuminated by a beam of light, symbolizing the enlightenment that his teachings brought.
Although Plato was not physically, David represented him at the foot of the bed as it was his writings that allowed this story to live on.
Fame of the Week
Bizhan slays Nastihan and stems the Turanian night raid, illustrated folio. From the Shahnameh of Shah Tahmasp, attributed to Bashdan Qara, Persia, Tabriz, Royal Atelier
This Safavid period folio (circa 1525-35) of the Shahnameh was recently sold for over £4.875 GBP.
The Safavid shahs between 1500-1600 were known for commissioning book arts, specifically with large borders that are gold flecked as we see here.
The Shahnameh is the book of kings or national epic of Iran, c. 1000
It first showed up as epigraphy and then moved to books later.
For more info, click here!
Find of the Week
Don't look at me like that (2022) by Helia Chitsazan
la Beast gallery is pleased to present CHIMERA, an exhibition of ten artists exploring the power of illusion, fable, and belief.
The artists are connected by a mutual inquiry into intricate webs of folklore and the ways it manifests in everyday life.
The exhibition will be open from May 6th-June 10th
For more info visit: click here!
The art of painting can be a great medium of thought
That’s it for this week! If you know of any art news you’d like me to feature, artworks you’d like me to write about, or anything else, feel free to dm me on Instagram. And please share the newsletter too!
