Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio lived the darkest and most dangerous life of any of the great painters. This book presents the readings of Caravaggio's pictures, which show how he created their drama, immediacy and humanity, and how completely he departed from the conventions of his time.
A study of Rene Magritte's basic philosophy and art, and particularly the development of his Surrealist style.
Traces the extraordinary evolution of eight world-class works of art. Created in a bolt of illumination, such works tell us something about how the world is, how it is to be inside our skins, that no more prosaic source of wisdom can deliver
The acclaimed author of Young Stalin presents an accessible and lively account of the extraordinary rulers of Russia over three centuries, drawing on new archival material. This chronicle highlights the complex emperors and empresses of the Romanov dynasty (1613-1917), examining the dynamics of their courts and the interplay of personality and power. By exploring archives that became available after the USSR's fall, the author reveals the realities behind storied rulers like Catherine the Great and Nicholas II, along with lesser-known figures such as Elizaveta, daughter of Peter the Great, and Alexander II, known for his scandalous affairs. The narrative illuminates the eighteenth-century Age of the Imperial Petticoat and the remarkable political-amorous partnership between Catherine the Great and Prince Potemkin. It also uncovers the decadence and folly often obscured in the romanticized portrayal of Nicholas II, the last Tsar. With a strong scholarly foundation, this work is both informative and entertaining, showcasing the author's storytelling prowess and historical insight.