The “Old Masters” photography series by Rainer Elstermann recreates classic paintings by replacing the original painting’s models with children in the photograph recreation.
The images in the gallery show the original painting and the photographic recreation side by side. They include (top to bottom, left to right) “Girl with a Pearl Earring”, “Portrait of Marquise de Pompadour”, 1756 by Francois Boucher, “Portrait of a Chambermaid”, 1625 by Peter Paul Rubens, “Portrait of Margaretha van Eyck”, 1439 by Jan van Eyck, “Lady with a Squirrel and a Starling”, 1527 by Hans Holbein the Younger, “Portrait of a Young Girl”, 1460 by Petrus Christus, “Lady with an Ermine”, 1490 by Leonardo da Vinci, and “Maria Portinari”, 1470 by Hans Memling.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Photographic Recreation
- Opportunity for photographers and artists to recreate iconic paintings through photography, providing a fresh and unique perspective.
- Child Models
- Potential for using children as models in artistic projects, bringing a new level of innocence and wonder to classic artworks.
- Iconic Painting Revival
- Revival of interest in classic paintings through modern reinterpretation, bridging the gap between past and present art forms.
Where This Applies
- Photography
- Incorporating photography techniques into the recreation of iconic paintings, creating visually stunning and thought-provoking works.
- Art
- Exploring the boundaries of traditional art by merging classic paintings with contemporary elements, sparking new conversations and interpretations.
- Children's Entertainment
- Opportunities for incorporating iconic paintings into children's educational programs or interactive exhibits, making art history accessible and engaging for young audiences.
