Paintings I Enjoy

Published by Stephen Milward in Culture · Monday 29 Dec 2025 · 3 minutes
Tags: Paintings, Kahlo, Turner, van, Eyck

I'm not an artist. In fact, I hated art as a subject at school, mainly down to a teacher who wasn't interested in making me a better artist. I wish I could draw and paint to a good level, but that's past me by.

The good news is that I do have an interest in art. I like to place pieces in their historical context (a Marxist approach), how art portrays the social and political classes and how art reflects the societal norms and values of the day.

Here's three of my favourite paintings, from different centuries.

Arnolfini Portrait: Jan van Eyck 1434 (i)

This painting has always captivated me, ever since I first saw this painting in my first English lesson at secondary school, when it was shown at the front of the class and I had to describe what was in the painting. I knew nothing of the artist, when it was painted, who the people were. I didn't find that out until much, much later.

It’s not just a stunning piece of art; every detail tells a story. From the rich colours to the intricate textures, you can feel the emotions of the couple. The reflections in the mirror and the symbolism hidden throughout the work makes me consider the lives they led and the world they inhabited. It’s a perfect example of how art can connect us to the past.

Dido Building Carthage: J.M.W.Turner 1815 (ii)

Denise and I were in our College Music Department production of Purcell's "Dido and Aeneas," in 1977. I played Aeneas and Denise played Belinda. We had great fun doing it, therefore one painting that never fails to remind us of that time is J.M.W. Turner’s "Dido Building Carthage."

Created in 1815, it captures the moment when Dido, the Queen of Carthage, oversees the construction of her city, all while being wrapped up in love and ambition. The swirling colours and dynamic brushstrokes give life to the scene. For us, pair Turner with Purcell and you’ve got a perfect blend of art and music.

El Camión: Frida Kahlo 1929 (iii)

Frida Kahlo's "El Camión," painted in 1929, serves as a reminder of her personal and cultural identity, with her artistic vision. This work is full of vibrant colours. Kahlo had her own struggles with physical and emotional pain and her ability to transform her suffering into art not only evokes memories of her own life but also encourages us to reflect on our own.

I see the connections between art and memory, inviting us to explore our own narratives and the emotions that shape our experiences. Kahlo's ability to infuse her work with raw intensity continues to inspire, making "El Camión" a masterpiece.

(i) Wikipedia: Arnolfini Portrait

(ii) Wikipedia: Dido building Carthage

(iii) fridakahlo.org: The Bus, 1929 by Frida Kahlo