I don’t know about you, but little facts and trivia about artists make them seem more human to me. Here are some of the more interesting things I have found.
DaVinci became a vegetarian for moral reasons. He even bought caged birds at outdoor markets and set them free.
Caravaggio murdered a man, fled Rome and eventually ended up in Malta, where he was knighted.
DAVID AND GOLIATH by Caravaggio. The head of Goliath is a self portrait.
The Pieta is the only work Michelangelo ever signed. While delivering it, he overheard someone say he couldn’t have done that – he was too young. He went back that night and signed it. He was 23.
The Pieta
Rembrandt filed for bankrupcy.
Picasso had his first artshow at age 13 – showing paintings in the back of an umbrella store. In his 90th year, he produced 200 paintings.
Duchamp deliberately accumulated dust to use in his artwork. He also perffected a system of winning at roulette and was on the French team at the International Chess Olympiads. He eventually married Matisse’s ex-wife.
Matisse’s painting LeBateau hung upside down for 46 days at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
La Bateau by Matisee – hung correctly.
Paul Gaugin worked on the Panama Canal.
Rodin died of frostbite.
George Braque was the first living artist to be exhibited at The Louvre.
There is a silhouette or a self portrait of Dali in all his paintings.
It is said Da Vinci invented high heels.
Anything you want to add?
