Art in focus – March 2023

24/02/2023 | Reform

The Transfiguration,by RaphaelOil tempera on woodNow in the Pinacoteca of the Vatican Museum

For a long period of art history, Raphael’s Transfiguration was considered the greatest painting in the world. It was commissioned by Cardinal Giulio de Medici and was … Read More

Art in focus – February 2023

27/01/2023 | Reform

Christ and the Fishermen, 1998Bagong Kussudiardjawww.psbk.or.id

Jesus in yellow sunspecs – who knew! I love this picture. Jesus is hanging out with a motley crew of fishermen; the fishing trade going on in the background. Its painter, Bagong Kussudiardja, who … Read More

Art in focus – December 2022 / January 2023

28/11/2022 | Reform

Rest on the Flight into Egypt(c. 1597) Oil on canvasCaravaggio, born MichelangeloMerisi da Caravaggio (Milan)

In a dark landscape typical of Caravaggio, four faces are illuminated. Joseph gazes at a young angel and Mary’s head is drawn close to the … Read More

Art in focus – November 2022

01/11/2022 | Reform

Legend of St Francis: 13Institution of the Crib at GreccioUnknown, attributed to Giotto diBondone, 1297-1300

In November our thoughts turn to Christmas. So much to do, so little time. If you’re an organised person you will already be getting down … Read More

Art in Focus – September 2022

20/09/2022 | Reform

Adoration, from the series Nossa Senhora (Our Lady) Palácio de Belém, LisbonPaula RegoPastels, 2002

Paula Rego, a Portugese-British artist, died in June this year. So much more than the ‘feminist artist’ she is usually described as in the press, Rego … Read More

Art in Focus – June 2022

28/05/2022 | Reform

Picking OlivesSliman Mansouroil on canvas, 1988

I was balancing in an olive tree, wielding a stick, beating the branches to bring the olives bouncing down onto a large ground sheet. At lunchtime I sat with the Palestinian family round a … Read More