William Hogath, Breakfast Scene, from Marriage a la Mode, 1745

I like this painting because of its comedic purpose. Painted by William Hogath in 1745, this painting is a step away from the serious works painted by artists in the past. Western societies in the early 18th century were serious culturally, and monarchs yielded a great deal of power our their populous. So, I find it interesting to see a painting that is not promoting religious nor secular (political) agendas.

Jean-Honore' Fragonard, The Swing, 1766

This style of painting is called Rococo. Painted by Jean-Honore' Fragonard in 1766, this picture illustrates the evolution of painting. The image of a woman playfully and flirtatously swinging on swing would have been culturally blasphemous just a century earlier. Here, interestingly enough, Fragonard illustrates the increased freedom of expression artist gained near the end of the 18th century.

Jan Vermeer, Woman Holding a Balance, 1664

Jan Vermer was really good at applying perspective in his paintings, and I think that is evident in this work. The religious symbolism that exist within the painting is also uniquely implemented. The woman's ability to ignore the jewelry on the table to focus on the perfect balance of the scales is an allusion to the life of a dedicated Catholic. It's a nice work of art.

Jacob Van Ruisdael, View of Haarlem from the Dures at Overveem, 1670

I think this painting is interesting because it looks like a photograph. Painted in 1670 by Jacob Van Ruisdael, this would have been the first photograph of in history. Interestingly enough, this isn't a photograph, but it is a picture that seems to capture the landscape at a specific moment in history.

Annibale Carracci, Loves of the Gods, 1597-1601

I like this painting because it reminds me of Michelangelo's work in the Sistine chapel. Unlike the Sistine chapel, Carracci's, Loves of the Gods, is rooted in mythology. These frescoes may be the product of baroque Italy, but the figures are characters of classical antiquity.

Gianlorenzo Benini, baldacchino, 1624-1633

Gianlorenzo Benini was a brilliant Italian sculptor who oversaw the construction of this grand structure. Located inside of Vatican city, baldacchino, is a design that must have left 17th century worshippers in awe. I like this structure because its theme has a mystical presentation. Here, one can see baroque Italy at its best.