Today, August 2 in 1672, is the birthday of Samuel van Hoogstraten, a Dutch Golden Age painter from Dordrecht. He became famous for his trompe-l'œil paintings, artworks that use illusion to trick the eye. This example from 1664 is now in the Dordrechts Museum.

Today Jan Miense Molenaer (1610), husband of Judith Leyster, whom we toasted yesterday. Today’s painting is part of Jan's series on the five senses: Sight! And yes, you can see the bottom of the beer jug. It’s empty, just like in Judith’s painting yesterday. From the Mauritshuis, The Hague.

Today, 27 July, we raise a glass to Judith Leyster, born in 1609 in Haarlem. Let’s toast her with The Jolly Drinker (1629), now in the Rijksmuseum. Possibly the first woman registered independently as a professional artist at the Haarlem painters guild. A brave woman.
Cheers, Judith.

Today we think family. 26 July is the day of Saint Anne, mother of Mary, and grandmother of Christ. So yes, Jesus had a granny.
Here they are in one painting, a 3-generation portrait, Just like a family photo, only from the 16th century.
Painting 1516, Alte Pinakothek, Munich, Lucas Cranach the E.

Today, 25 July, is Christopher’s day.
Protector of travellers, he was a giant carrying people across a river. Even the Christ Child was among his passengers. Europe is on the move these weeks, so think of Christopher for a safe passage. Bon voyage!
Fresco, (1470s), Ghirlandaio, Met, New York.

Today, Basket with Plums (1629) by the magnificent French still life painter Louise Moillon.
Why this one today? Because I was at home harvesting plums, exactly like the ones in her painting. And what a painter she is! Bon appétit.
Current whereabouts unknown, last seen at Sotheby’s.

Today a look at Pieter Claesz, now featured in a mini-exhibition at the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, until March 2026. Claesz' trademark was the “ontbijtje” or "breakfast"; very Dutch.
Here is one, from 1642. A Dutch breakfast of herring, onions, bread, and beer. Good morning and bon appétit.

Andrea del Sarto, the great Florentine painter, born on this day in 1486.
This Portrait of a Young Man (1517) is one of his masterpieces, painted at a time when he was the leading artist in Florence, after Raphael, Leonardo, and Michelangelo had all left the city.
Now in the National Gallery, London

Today, 13 July 1793, Jean-Paul Marat was murdered during the height of the French Revolution.
He was immortalized by his friend Jacques-Louis David in one of the most iconic images of the era "The Death of Marat", now in the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium.

Today, 12 July, is the commemoration of St Veronica, known for the Vera Icon or “True Image.” Moved by compassion as Jesus carried the cross, she offered him her veil to wipe his face. When he returned it, his image was miraculously printed on the cloth. Painted by Memling, c.1470, NGA, Washington.

Giuseppe Arcimboldo died on this day, 11 July, in 1593. He’s best known for his wonderfully strange and witty portraits made entirely of fruits and vegetables. Here’s "Summer", one of his seasonal portraits, from the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna. A mix of humor and painterly skill.

Happy (approximate) birthday to Pieter Bruegel! Born around 1525, his exact birthdate remains a mystery, as is often the case with artists from so long ago. Today we’re giving a bit of birthday-style attention, celebrating with The Harvesters (1565), as it’s now harvest season everywhere.

Today marks the day Orazio Gentileschi was baptized in Pisa, in 1563! We’re celebrating with his Saint Christopher from the Gemäldegalerie in Berlin.
And just yesterday, we celebrated the birthday of his brilliant daughter, Artemisia!

Celebrating the birthday of Artemisia Gentileschi (born July 8, 1593 in Rome), whose mastery shines through in her exquisite “Woman with a Lute”. Painting from around 1629, private collection.

Celebrating the legacy of Jacob, 4th Baron Rothschild.
The National Gallery will receive 'King David' (1651) by renowned Bolognese painter Guercino (1591–1666).

www.nationalgallery.org.uk/about-us/pre...

I’ve been thinking for a long time that I want to understand the prophets better — how they are shown in art. Starting now with Isaiah and Jeremiah. Enjoy! peterkostense.online/2025/04/29/i...