Thanks to Jorge, http://www.daysire.blogspot.com/ I have discovered a catalogue of Rembrandt paintings. Very useful resource. http://staff.science.uva.nl/~fjseins/RembrandtCatalogue/r_1634_1640.html

…art is a manifestation of emotion, and emotion speaks a language that all may understand… I cannot agree with the artists who claim superciliously that the layman can understand nothing of Art, and that he can best show his appreciation of their works by silence and a cheque-book. W. Somerset Maugham, The Moon and sixpence […]

Radio four talked about Lady Hestor Stanhope yesterday who’s story is amazing. Among many other things she befriended and was beloved by the Arab world an attitude we should try to emulate 200 years later. Her story was discussed on BBC Radio Four yesterday and if you want to know more about her you could […]

Sotheby’s is certainly breaking the ice in terms of selling contemporary work. Indeed one could call it a historical landmark. For artists it is highly significant at least in theory. Next week, Damien Hirst will become the first artist to sell new work at Sotheby’s auction in London. Waldemar Januszczak asks “Could this be the […]

This is an important one! Ian Cox and the BBC have come up with an important story; see here —http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7558492.stm or visit Ian Cox’s news site for today.

I was shocked when I first saw this. It is supposed to be a woman. No amount of spin will convince me. If it was a one off I might forgive him but it wasn’t.

I am not ashamed of my love of Decadent Art. This picture fromhttp://www.leninimports.com/alphonse_mucha_gallery.html#amgall with thanks

You may find the Chapman brothers disturbing but have a look at this if you dare by Patricia Piccinini. I wonder if this is one of Chris Miller’s ugly ones?

John Weedon’s blog looks promising I must go back and research it properly. His current post beggs a comment. Arts Blog JW

Today was our Sovereign’s official birthday. Her birthday parade went off well in the sunshine with the Taffs trooping. Next week we celebrate The Royal Meeting.