The only painting signed by Cecco, Caravaggio's model
Francesco Boneri, known as Cecco del Caravaggio, was the master's apprentice, but also his servant and model. Few people know his name, but everyone knows his face. He is the Saint John the Baptist, the Saint Matthew, and the face of many other protagonists of the genius' paintings. But he was also a painter. With only one signed painting: an Expulsion of the Merchants from the Temple, which is worth a visit to Berlin.
The Wedding at Cana, Veronese’s masterpiece
Paolo Caliari, known as Veronese, is famous among other things for his illusionistic decorations and his portraits. But his most famous work remains The Wedding at Cana, a gigantic canvas – with a history of setbacks – in which he depicts the episode of the first miracle in the public life of Jesus.
- THE RECIPE: BOILED MEAT WITH PEARÀ SAUCE
Sir Stanley Spencer, a controversial artist in love with Jesus
Sir Stanley Spencer wanted to dedicate a painting to each day Christ spent in the wilderness, with the intention of exhibiting one every day of Lent, but he was unable to realise this unique project. He was a controversial artist, but animated by great faith, despite the many shadows that darkened his life. His Jesus in the wilderness is animated by a very popular, almost "naïve" and very carnal physicality.
- THE RECIPE: ETON MESS
The palliative society
The welfare state is evolving and giving way to a “palliative society”, which even promises to banish pain, including psychological pain. Abortion, unnatural tendencies, suicide... are anaesthetised. The palliative society can be authoritarian with the consent of citizens. We’ve already had the dress rehearsal with Covid. And now with bioengineering we risk transhumanism.
The Baptism of Jesus according to van Scorel
Called to Rome by his compatriot Pope Adrian VI, the Dutchman Jan van Scorel is known, among other things, for the Lokhorst Triptych. Also of interest is his The Baptism of Christ in the Jordan, in which the influence of artists such as Michelangelo and Raphael is evident.
Perugino, the rise and fall of a genius who became outdated
Perugino's artistic parabola is not enough to obscure his genius and the magnificence of his works, which still enchant us today, half a millennium later, and will continue to do so for generations to come. For instance, the Baptism of Christ, the beginning of Jesus' public life frescoed in the Vatican.
