[Hebrews 11:6]

I wondered this yesterday when you pointed out Leonardo's virtuosity, and now Poussin's raises it again in my poor noggin: again and again and again, artists clothe characters in the richest of robes, silk and satin and whatever, in a way that seems completely out of context of their personality and the location--as in Poussin's.

It seems so incongruous to me that I need their ulterior motive. My suspicion is that it's their excuse for showing off their skills in painting draperies. What say you?

[etabeta]

Well, artists had to make their paintings visually pleasing, for their patrons and their audiences. They were not just Bible illustrators, they created grandiose works that were also a reflection of the fashion and taste of the time. Just look at a painting and enter in communion with the artist, what are the emotions, feelings that come to you, let it speak to you. That is what has worked for me, totally immersing myself into the painting and studying every detail. That is the beauty of art, it becomes a very personal interpretation.