Art History with MonLife Heritage

MonLife Heritage's fantastic art history lectures return this summer, with three great artists to discover. There's the Renaissance master Raphael in June, the Baroque drama of Rubens in July & the father of American landscape painting Thomas Cole in September. 

All three lectures have the option of either attending a live talk at Chepstow's Drill Hall, or enjoying the same great experience online via zoom. You'll find the booking links at the bottom of this page.

Raphael : Renaissance man.

Online lecture - 2pm on the 13th June, via Zoom.

In person lecture - 7.30pm on the 14th June, at Chepstow's Drill Hall.

One of the giants of the Renaissance, the artist Raphael began receiving major commissions in his teens. Famed for his gentle Madonna and Child paintings, his work encompasses so much more – everything from heart-stopping portraits to giant altarpieces, tapestry designs to powerful frescos for the Vatican and a fascination for Rome’s ancient buildings which influenced his own development as an architect. Explore Raphael’s art in our first Summer Talk with lecturer Eleanor Bird which marks the recent 500th anniversary of Raphael’s death and a major exhibition at the National Gallery.

Click here to book the Raphael online lecture (13th June)

Click here to book the Raphael in person lecture (14th June)

Rubens and the Drama of the Baroque

Online lecture - 2pm on the 11th July, via Zoom.

In person lecture - 7.30pm on the 12th July, at Chepstow's Drill Hall.

Diplomat, businessman and the quintessential baroque artist, Peter Paul Rubens dominated the development of art in the earlier 17^th century. From his studio in Antwerp, his fame spread across the courts of Europe, his art delighting with its innovative blend of observation, colour and bravura brushwork. Take the opportunity to explore Rubens’ genius in detail – from dramatic mythological scenes to lush landscapes and emotive altarpieces to penetrating portraits – at our Summer Talk with lecturer Eleanor Bird.

Click here to book the Rubens online lecture (11th June)

Click here to book the Rubens in person lecture (12th June)

Thomas Cole and the Great American Landscape

Online lecture - 2pm on the 5th September, via Zoom.

In person lecture - 7.30pm on the 6th September, at Chepstow's Drill Hall.

Discover the art of Thomas Cole, father of American landscape painting. This lad from Bolton arrived in the USA in 1818 and became fascinated with the great panoramas of his new country. He sailed up the Hudson River to capture “A union of the picturesque, the sublime and the magnificent,” in his dramatic landscape paintings. His work would influence generations of artists who sought to create a truly American art from the land itself. Join us for our final Summer Talk with lecturer Eleanor Bird to study the work of this pioneering artist.

Click here to book the Thomas Cole online lecture (5th September)

Click here to book the Thomas Cole in person lecture (6th September)