I've always thought the Arnolfini painting is ghastly. The weird perspectives, the distorted bodies, yuck. I look at it as a harbinger of good things to come, in about 20 years from that date. At that point, it's still as charming as, and no better than, Breughel.

Well... That's a colourful way to describe it...

Another great artist! - thanks for bringing him up.

This painting 'The peasant dance' was created in 1568 by Pieter Breughel, The elder.

I hope my work will be as charming as Breughel's, it doesn't have to be better. That's hardly possible! - No painter living today can equal Breughel.

You should all visit the European museums, when you have the chance

Breughel and Renoir
 

I really like both these paintings, by these great and wonderful artists of the past.

Both of these paintings are dynamic, and the people are sitting, chatting and dancing.

The Breughel reminded me of the Renoir.

Oh, Let's talk about the Beatles!
 

Yes,


Mike McCarty reminds me of other times...

My Dad is a (now retired) DJ and I'll never forget the day he came home with the Promotional Copy of the album, Meet The Beatles. Wow, I was in the fourth grade and their HAIR!

Needless to say I was soon hooked into massive Beatlemania. No one can understand that unless they were "there". Nothing even comes close - no Britney or N Synch fan could scream and faint like we did. It consumed us.

As for the albums -- who else on this list actually wore out ABBEY ROAD twice. My favorite Beatle album is this one. Yes, I wore out the grooves (all you younger than the 60's kids - that's where the statement "groovy" came from, ehhe).

Best song by the Beatles? I have tried to get it down to two. A Day In The Life and Eleanor Rigby.

Beatles Forever,
Denise

Sargent Pepper times
 

I hope this photo of The Fab Four is here. If not, I'm sure its too large a file.

I wonder if the "Master's" referenced above, used to sit around and discuss the merits of the artist shown below. Unfortunately there was not a credit, just some laborer who lived in Pompeii, first century AD.

Like all, I adored the Beatles, but I think their music changing was very parallel with the amount of drugs they consumed and the environment of the world. They adapted and they too were inspired by the music of others.

I doubt we ever have a William Shakespeare, but A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving, although not really a great comparison, is a classic to me.

Peggy, I guess it is different to view actual pieces in Russia, but I can

Oh Peter, the window is nice but aren't the hands awfully small? I do like much of this but I don't think it is great. I like the ghostly look of the figure on the left, small hands and all.

Tim,

When you have the chance, go see the Ghent Alterpiece. Albrecht Durer did, sat silent for an hour in front of it, kissed it and left.

I'm sure you will too.