Unhappy Artists
August 7th, 2007 by FineArtRegistry
Famous Artists: Malcontents, Murderers and Rapists, Amongst Other Atrocities?
Open Letter to Artists (From an Art Critic) – Part 35
History has revealed some very unsavory characters that happen to be considered master artists. In an article entitled Open Letter to Artists (From an Art Critic) – Part 35, by Joan Altabe, (one of a series) brings to light some astounding facts about these masters. The names include such illustrious artists as Fra Fillipo Lippi, Caravaggio, Anton Raffael Mengs and Edgar Degas, to mention only a few.
The article asks the question, do artists have to be unhappy and really, according to the account, downright demented to produce masterpieces? In some cases the artists were renowned for their stirring religious scenes and sculptures. It makes one wonder how this very spiritual side existed with the dark deeds that must haunted these twisted, yet extremely brilliant souls. (Of course we as ordinary human beings struggle everyday, but most not to this extreme degree).
Some of the most interesting works have come from artists that have gone through harrowing, life changing experiences. These experiences seem to emanate from each work that they create. For example the author suggests that Imagists from the city of Chicago and the fire that destroyed a good part of that city in 1871, has produced great art, although quite quirky. Though removed from this tragedy for many years, an imbedded memory remains. Their artistic outlook is surely different than from any other geographical area.
The gritty details retold from history and the works of art that were forthcoming make a very valuable read. The critic’s interesting comment at the end of the article is probably sage advice. Be sure to read this account and brush up on your art history too! www.FineArtRegistry.com.
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