Thursday, July 2, 2009

Name that Artist

I'm just curious if any of the readers can name the artist responsible for the "Sacrifice of Isaac" work in the post below. He's done many other great, Catholic works of art.

5 comments:

Nicholas Jagneaux said...

Caravaggio.

He's, like, the.best.artist.ever.

Seriously, I love Caravaggio's work.

I teach World History at Ville Platte High. I really only cover through the High Middle Ages (to the Renaissance and Protestant/Catholic Reformations.

Consequently, I don't get to cover Caravaggio (being from the Baroque-style of the Catholic Reformation).


However, one of the projects my students have to do is a multimedia presentation (read: PowerPoint) on a Renaissance artist.

In order to demonstrate the quality of work I expect, I put together a sample demonstration using ... Caravaggio.

Even the students are amazed at the quality of his work, and his life story, too.

By the way, Joseph, you really have a good blog here. I don't do much but repeat what others have said. But you've got some original thoughts that are worth reading.

Thank you for your presence on the internet.

Nicholas Jagneaux said...

Oops. I ran on and on (and I'm doing so again); but I forgot to mention something:

The painting you posted is missing the angel who stops the sacrifice of Isaac.

Also, it just so happens that today's first reading is the story of Abraham's "sacrifice" of Isaac. So, it's kind of cool that you choose it for your post.

Of course, that could have been planned from the start.

Joseph Reed said...

Mr. Jagneaux,

I didn't know you taught at VPHS. They're privileged to have you.

Caravaggio is one of my favorite artists also. The rich, dark colors coupled with the deep expressiveness of the faces in nearly all of his works are remarkable.

Interestingly enough, I didn't make it to Mass today, so I wasn't aware of today's first reading. While I may not have planned it myself, Divine Providence has a way of getting things done according to His plan.

Thank you so much for your comment about originality. Having been around other Catholics much more intelligent than me has forced me to think about things on a deeper level. It also makes sustaining a blog like this a bit difficult. It wouldn't take long to exhaust the little bit of intellectual resources that I have.

Pray for me and my wife as we fly to England Saturday and back to Louisiana the following Saturday. I'll remember you while we're there. Hopefully we'll be able to make it to the Brompton Oratory in London.

Pax Christi.

Joseph Reed said...

Mr. Jagneaux,

I'm not sure if you noticed, but I edited my picture of Abraham and Isaac. Thanks for pointing out what should have been obvious.

Nicholas Jagneaux said...

Mr. Reed,

I most certainly will pray for you and your wife to have a safe trip and a good time.

I'm sure you've seen the news today that Pope Benedict approved the beatification of (what will be) Cardinal Blessed Newman (or is it Blessed Cardinal Newman?).

Be sure to return with photos and a good story or two.

By the way, you can call me Nicholas or Nick