Art is perceived differently by everyone who views it. Aside from the artists, fine art restoration Minneapolis MN may be the only others who see the masterpieces precisely as they were created. Most people view the art through filters based on their own history, preferences and experiences. It is sometimes surprising to find out the backstories of some of the most famous paintings that we only thought we knew.
American Gothic
An afternoon drive in the countryside inspired this iconic portrait of farm life. Artist Grant Wood saw the house he later depicted in this painting and received permission to recreate it on canvas. However, he felt something was missing without people in the foreground. The farmer and daughter were actually Wood's sister and his dentist.
An afternoon drive in the countryside inspired this iconic portrait of farm life. Artist Grant Wood saw the house he later depicted in this painting and received permission to recreate it on canvas. However, he felt something was missing without people in the foreground. The farmer and daughter were actually Wood's sister and his dentist.
Christina's World
This landscape by Andrew Wyeth appears to show a young girl lounging in the grass, gazing at a house in the distance. The real subject is much less wistful and reflective. Anna Christina Olson was the artist's neighbor who suffered from a degenerative muscle disease and refused to use a wheelchair. He would often see her dragging herself across the homestead and wanted to pay homage to her bravery and courage.
This landscape by Andrew Wyeth appears to show a young girl lounging in the grass, gazing at a house in the distance. The real subject is much less wistful and reflective. Anna Christina Olson was the artist's neighbor who suffered from a degenerative muscle disease and refused to use a wheelchair. He would often see her dragging herself across the homestead and wanted to pay homage to her bravery and courage.
Ophelia
One of the most hauntingly beautiful and romantic paintings, Ophelia, was created by Sir John Everett Millais. His inspiration for the foliage was from Shakespeare's Hamlet. But to create the aquatic scene, his model, Elizabeth Siddall, didn't have to pose in the wild. Instead, she posed in the artist's bathtub.
The next time you find a painting you admire in a museum, do a little research. Sometimes, the backstory of the piece can change everything you thought you knew about the art. You may find that the more you know, the more you can feel a connection with the artist's creation.
One of the most hauntingly beautiful and romantic paintings, Ophelia, was created by Sir John Everett Millais. His inspiration for the foliage was from Shakespeare's Hamlet. But to create the aquatic scene, his model, Elizabeth Siddall, didn't have to pose in the wild. Instead, she posed in the artist's bathtub.
The next time you find a painting you admire in a museum, do a little research. Sometimes, the backstory of the piece can change everything you thought you knew about the art. You may find that the more you know, the more you can feel a connection with the artist's creation.
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