How were Old Masters originally seen? Art historian Chantal Brotherton-Ratcliffe revealed how paintings were viewed in their own time, opening our eyes to the past in her Grayshott Arts Society lecture titled, Curtains, Copies, and Ways of Looking.
Unlike today’s quick museum visits, people once studied paintings slowly, often with magnifying glasses to examine tiny details. Some works demanded distance for their full effect, and all were lit by daylight or candlelight – not electric light, which flattens the dramatic shadows used by artists like Caravaggio.
Paintings were sometimes hidden behind curtains or in boxes, revealed briefly for special moments – especially portraits of loved ones. Copies of artworks were also widespread, as photography didn’t exist.
Chantal encouraged us to wear dark glasses, view paintings from varied angles, and spend time truly appreciating them. For a deeper dive into her fascinating lecture, head to: www.theartssocietygrayshott.org/news
By Liz Beecheno