Best Gifts for History-Loving Artists

Books

Most of us artists, art lovers, art history lovers and probably even dog lovers devour books (my dog does!).  We can probably make a list of just books; art practice books, art history books, historical novels.  Just a few highlights from my wish list and book shelves.These are some favourites:

• Laura Cumming, The Vanishing Man. In Pursuit of Velazquez
  Wonderful true story of an undiscovered Velazquez that became famous and then disappeared again…
• Lisa Jardine, Going Dutch. How England Plundered Holland’s Glory
  From one of the most celebrated cultural historians, a great story of how the Dutch and English cultures were intertwined in the 17th century.
• Mary S. Lovell, Bess of Hardwick: First Lady of Chatsworth
  ​My favourite biography of Bess, a true story full of intrigue, politics, and Elizabethan ruffs.
• Julian Brooks, Andrea del Sarto: The Renaissance Workshop in Action
  ​Beautiful book with lots of reproductions to drool over.
• Anna Reynolds, In Fine Style, The Art of Tudor and Stuart Fashion
  ​One of the few books that explores fashion and portraiture in the 16th and 17th century extensively. Beautiful photos and reproductions.

Some that I have just bought and am about to read:

• Helen Castor, She-Wolves. The Women who Ruled England Before Elizabeth
• Rebecca Rideal, 1666: Plague, War and Hellfire
• Amanda Foreman, Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire

Some great painting books:

• Mitchell Albala, Landscape Painting
  ​Not just for landscape painters, as it is full of general fabulous painting advice.
• Richard Schmid, Alla Prima
  There is also an Alla Prima II now, and for many the painting bible of all time. Down to earth and engaging work on how to paint directly.
• Linda Cateura, David Leffel, Oil Painting Secrets from a Master​Great book full of advice for oil painters.

Mug

Every gift list contains a mug. Or so it seems. And we all get them for Christmas, as a joke, and we all use them and like nice ones, funny ones and big ones. There are many mugs for artists. Most play on the fact that we tend to dip our brush in our tea instead of our paint water.  Can’t say I’ve ever made that mistake though. Maybe more one for watercolour artists?

I quite like the art history mugs at the National Portrait Gallery. Although art history has moved on a bit from all the -ism’s and the linear take on history, it surely doesn’t hurt to drink your -ism’s with an Assam flavour.
Or better still, with the kings & queens mug I can practice for my citizenship test (I might need it after Brexit!).

17th Century Dutch Glass

OK, lets move away from mugs. If we’re talking drinks and gifts and something really amazing, I quite like the reproduction 17th century Roemer glasses the Rijksmuseum sells (€59.95). You can see these types of glasses in many 17th century genre and still life paintings. Think Heda and the like.  That’s said, an original 17th century one would be even better! You must have a rather large wallet though, and have no kids or pets, and better not drink from it…. £775

Antique Lace

If we are talking really truly nice antiques and money is no object, well you can guess what I would go for….. Have a look at this £1700 late 17th century beauty….. English needle lace.

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Bosh Figurine

Various museums started doing these funny and quirky Bosch figurines. They are perhaps a bit naff but also funny and quirky. So why not. £40

Tudor Dog Costume

Talking about naff….. I spotted this on Etsy. Any takers? No, not on my dog. Seriously. Get real.

Feel free to let me know what you think of my suggestions in the comments below. Do you agree with my choices?