Episode 91: Great Artist Rivalries

Some of the most well known artists through out history did their best work while trying to beat out their rival. In this weeks episode Jo and Lauren discuss Great Artist Rivalries

In the first round, we have Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo Buonarotti!

Here's some Leo (note precision and attention to atmospheric detail):

The Virgin and Child with Saint Anne, 1516

Madonna of the Rocks, 1483-86

And here's some Michelangelo (note the way he brings the figure out of the work):

Atlas Slave, 1530-1534

Lorenzo de Medici (the lesser one, not the awesome one) from the Medici Chapel, 1526-1533

Here is a link which succinctly describes in the artist's words their feelings towards one another:

OKAY so moving on towards our second rivalry: Borromini and Bernini! 

In summation, Bernini had the charisma which Borromini was severely lacking, leading ultimately to the latter's suicide. Not a happy story, but definitely a dramatic one!

Basilica di San Pietro, construction started 1506

Both artists worked on this structure (even Michelangelo!). The modern bell towers are Borromini's fix it to Bernini's big snafu. 

Baldacchino, 1623-1634

 This was another love child between Bernini and Borromini - but you can see Bernini's flamboyancy won out.

San Carlo alle Quatro Fontane, 1646, Borromini

 

San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane - Inside, 1646, Borromini

 At last Borromini got his own building - look at the lavish splendor!

And for our last rivalry, with a particularly French flavor: Ingres and Delacroix!

Ingres on Left, Delacroix on Right, Self Portraits

In a nutshell, this is an ultimate battle between the straitlaced line lover, and the adventurous color-wielder!

Paganini, Delacroix, 1831

Paganini, Ingres, 1819

Bacchus and Ariadne, Titian, 1520-23

Delacroix, Moroccan Saddles His Horse, 1855

One of Delacroix's influences. Notice the hints of loose brushwork (impasto) and the delightful colors! One of Delacroix's works showing that wonderful brushwork.

Well, thanks for listening! Be sure to tune in next week, and leave your comments here or on iTunes U!

Episode 41: Bernini and Borromini- The Rivalry That Built Rome

Julia and Jo talk about Bernini and Borromini and their great rivalry that helped create the Rome we know today. It all started when Bernini was chosen to take over the work on the Palazzo Barberini after Borromini's uncle, Maderno, died. It was an instant rivalry that followed the two men through out their carriers. In the end they helped each other fall from grace, temporarily ending Bernini's career and possibly leading Borromini to an untimely death. This is the stuff that great soap operas are made from!

Can't we all just get along?

Palazzo Barberini

Façade of San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane

Dome of the San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane

St Peter's Baldacchino

St Peter's including St Peter's Square