Lapis Lazuli: How the World's Most Precious Blue Pigment Became Ultramarine

Lapis lazuli is the semi-precious stone from which the pigment ultramarine is made.  The relationship works like this – the mineral Lapis lazuli contains lazurite.  There is evidence that it was mined in the mountains of Afghanistan as long ago as the 7570 BC. For centuries, artists ground lapis lazuli into powder and then used an elaborate purification process to separate the blue lazurite from the other minerals. The resulting pigment - natural ultramarine was one of the most expensive pigments ever used and often cost more than gold, and appeared in many paintings of the renaissance, notably to form the gorgeous blue of the robes of the Virgin Mary.

This video explores the history, science and artistic importance of lapis lazuli, the rare blue stone used to create the pigment natural ultramarine. The presenter visits artist and historian David Margus, who demonstrates how the stone is transformed into pigment by crushing it into a fine powder. As the rock is broken apart, the sulphur within it becomes apparent, and we learn that its unusual chemistry is responsible for the brilliant blue colour.  I wanted a valuation of the great lump of Lapis lazuli featured in the video but, alas, that was not forthcoming.  Regardless, this is very interesting!

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec: The Extraordinary Life and Art of a Post-Impressionist Master

Although he died at just 36, Toulouse Lautrec was able to both live a remarkable life and produce art that will persevere through the ages.  Yet, astonishingly, during his lifetime he was little-known as an artist outside of Paris.  Although he did enjoy much more success at the time than his contemporary and good friend Vincent Van Gogh, it is perhaps something of a shame that he was never to know how well-loved his works would be on a global scale.

Pete Beard, whose YouTube channel focuses on illustrators of the past, here examines the life and works of Toulouse Lautrec. It really is as much as you will ever need to know about the man if you have, say, just a passing interest in his work.  Throughout the video, we get to see probably close to a hundred of his posters, illustrations and paintings – and who would have thought that a Debussy soundtrack would go so well with them?  I will now let Mr Beard tell you the story.

The Fallen Angel: The Shocking Painting of the Devil that Nearly Destroyed a 24-Year-Old Genius

Painted almost 180 years ago in 1847, The Fallen Angel, created by Alexandre Cabanel when he was just 24 years old, still has the power to engage, to captivate, to horrify – you name the emotion, people will experience it when they see this painting for the first time.  When I first saw it in my teenage years, I was amazed that Cabanel got away with something so daring, so risqué, so controversial at such a young age.  The truth is – he didn’t get away with it.  Like the Lucifer of Liege, which we covered several years ago, the story of both Cabanel and his painting of the devil is a little more complex.

The picture could have been career-ending for a young artist at this particular point of time.  Cabanel was not expected to take on such challenging subjects at such a young age – and not only that, he presents Satan as an astonishingly beautiful young man.  The painting’s reception was scathing, something which (rightly) incensed the young painter.  I will leave the bulk of the story to the great video by Inspiraggio (great name for a YouTube channel) below, but I’m happy to say that Cabanel went on to a long and illustrious career – his most praised work, ironically, would be the Death of Moses, painted in 1851.

Like Cabanel, The Fallen Angel we see here is down but certainly not out.  The eyes are perhaps the most remarkable part of the composition.  Look at them – is it anger, resentment, regret, or hatred we can see?  Ultimately, it’s up to you. However, this painting has had a host of earthly admirers and detractors in its long history.  If you are a science-fiction fan, you may look at the expression in the eyes, the way that the arms are held, and wonder where you have seen that before.  It is believed that George Lucas was inspired by the painting when filming the final showdown between Anakin Skywalker and his old Jedi master, Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith.

How true or not this is, I cannot say, not having a direct line to Mr Lucas.  However, for this history of The Fallen Angel and its reception, take a look at the fascinating video below.

Benedict Cumberbatch as Vincent Van Gogh: Painted with Words

This drama-documentary starring Benedict Cumberbatch in the lead role as Van Gogh is an irresistible treat if you are a fan of the actor, the painter or both. The film, written and directed by Andrew Hutton, won a Rockie for Best Arts Documentary at the Banff World Media Festival in 2011, receiving critical acclaim for its fascinating insight into the life of the artist and its unique approach to storytelling.