A recurring art motif: women at windows reflecting on longing, domesticity, and light.

European capitals are over packed with tourists but instead of following the silly suggestions you read in The Times (like instead of going to Florence, you should go to Lucca) let me suggest another itinerary. Choose art you want to see and then map out which cities to visit. In Rome this summer? What about going to San Luigi dei Francesi to see a Caravaggio (Il martirio di San Matteo)? Writer Donato Carrisi writes about this painting in Il Tribunale Delle Anime. (Italian)

We always think of artists alone in their studios working madly at their work but in many cases they are not alone. Their pets keep them company and see it all - the ups and downs, the emotional turmoil, the moments of bliss and satisfaction. I have always worked with cats around me. Here is a list of my favorite photos of artists and their pets. Cleo, the artist assistant Meditation Among Pigeons by Rossella BLUE Mocerino Artists and their Pets. No. 1 on the list. The Aust

I have never been interested in doing portraits or self-portraits although I did a few self-portraits earlier on. Many artists, on the other hand, do not feel the same as I do. Here is a self portrait by Chuck Close. Here is A Portrait of a Man by Van Eyck. Many believe it is actually a self-portrait. I love turbans. Self-portraits were an integral part of Frida Kahlo’s art. Shown here: Self-Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird. Here is an unconventional self-po