These are some paintings, mostly 17th century or earlier, that I find exceptionally good and fun. I’m usually drawn to them by some detail that the artist added for a reason unknown to me, but that I like to imagine was pure play. Other times, it’s because something is interesting in the relationships between the characters (why is there so much lust/indifference between Mary and her baby?). Sometimes there’s just some texture or a little bit of sublime that is almost inexplicable in its beauty.
When I see these paintings hanging in our serious institutions, I like to photograph them. For years, the images have been sitting on my hard drive. Now I’d like to put them somewhere more accessible. I know I will enjoy it. Maybe you will too!
