Léon Lhermitte | Les Halles, 1895

From: Petit Palais - City of Paris Fine Art Museum

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Léon Lhermitte was chosen in 1889 to create a monumental painting for Paris City Hall.

The painter’s choice of a contemporary subject, the delivery of goods to Les Halles, broke with the tradition of an allegorical theme.

Originally from Picardy, Lhermitte was a master of Realism, an artistic movement which developed in France at the end of the 19th century, following on from Courbet and influenced by the novels by Zola.

The painter’s aim was to testify to life at the time, and he drew scenes of everyday life on the spot, which he then used to paint large compositions.

In 1882 he painted Paying the harvesters (Musée d’Orsay), which was his first major success.

Winslow Homer | The Life Line, 1884

The Life Line is a late 19th-century painting by American artist Winslow Homer (1836-1910).

Done in oil on canvas, the painting depicts the rescue of a passenger from a stricken ship.

The work - one of Homer's most iconic - is in the collection of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

From: Philadelphia Museum of Art

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The dramatic rescue from a foundering ship shown here was made possible by a recent innovation in lifesaving technology, the breeches buoy.

Secured firmly to ship and shore, the device permitted the transfer of stranded passengers to safety by means of a pulley that was hauled back and forth by crews at either end.

Ardith Starostka, 1962 | Figurative painter

Ardith Starostka is an American Portraits and figurative painter. Beginning at the age of twelve, Ardith Starostka has had the desire to create works of art that capture the likeness of the human face and form.

Basically self taught, Starostka found her inspiration in museums through the works of 19th century French academic painter William Adolphe Bouguereau and Dutch artist Rembrandt.

Starostka is a graduate of the University of Nebraska with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business and an Associates degree in Art.

Michele Gordigiani | Portrait / Genre painter

Michele Gordigiani (Florence, 1835-1909) was an Italian painter, known best for his portraits.

Biography

Gordigiani was the son of a famous Florentine musician.

He first studied at the Academy in Florence under Giuseppe Bezzuoli, then Luigi Norcini and Silvestro Lega; he also worked in the studios of Luigi Mussini and Adolph Sturler.

In 1855, he frequented the Caffè Michelangiolo along with his brother Anatolio, where he met many of the Macchiaioli painters.

William Affleck | Victorian Gardens

William Affleck (1869-1943) was a London painter of landscapes and rustic scenes, especially old cottages.

He was born at Rochdale in Lancashire and studied at Heatherley's and the Lambeth School of Art.

Affleck exhibited at the Royal Academy between 1891-1915, and also at Suffolk Street, the New Watercolour Society and elsewhere.

He was also a member of the London Sketch Club.

George John Pinwell RWS | Victorian painter / Illustrator

George John Pinwell RWS (London 26 December 1842 - 8 September 1875 London), was a British illustrator and watercolourist.

Pinwell was born on 26 December 1842 at 12 Great Mays Buildings, London. He was baptised on 27 July 1845, at St. Mark's, Surbiton, south-west London, along with his younger brother Henry (born c. 1845).

His parents were John Pinwell, a carpenter or builder, and his wife, Mary Ann Baker.

Pinwell's father was thought to have been involved in building the original Surbiton railway station in south-west London.

His mother was "a rough, illiterate woman", and "a rough and determined person".

Michael Alford, 1958 | Figurative painter

Michael Alford is a British figurative artist known for an expressive painting style that fuses classical technique with a modern sensibility. He lives and works in London.

Michael’s painting is diverse, reflecting his interest in a range of different subjects and ways of seeing. He paints contemporary cityscapes, street scenes, landscapes, figures and portraits.

He is also a muralist and war artist.