Many paintings, statues, and even buildings feature wonderful hidden details, mysterious images, and concealed messages.
Spotting something hidden is a special pleasure, and I think it’s a pretty universal one. Treasure hunts, Where’s Waldo books, seek-and-find puzzles… all are popular because it’s satisfying to find things.
I’ve always loved discovering these artistic surprises, and I started this blog to share my delight in these images, to encourage others to take another look at art they encounter in books and galleries and public spaces, and to share information about artists and architects who were unfamiliar to me.
You may have spotted the shadowy couple deep within the bushes in two of Rembrandt’s landscapes, or hunted for hidden Ninas in Al Hirschfeld’s drawings, but you may not be aware of the rabbit in the ear of an enormous Nelson Mandela statue, or Clara Peeters’ tiny reflected self-portraits in her 17th century Flemish still lifes.
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I’d love to hear your comments (and corrections) — and, of course, your suggestions about secret images that you may have found.
Anne Furse
November 2019