Circular artwork has played an important role in art and architecture since Greek antiquity.
Today, circular shaped canvases are relatively rare yet they are coveted by collectors.
Known as ‘Tondos’ in Renaissance art and favoured by Raphael for madonna paintings, circular works of art have been created by artists since Greek antiquity when they were used to decorate vases and the bottom of wine glasses.
Circles as shapes are ever present in the art of many a contemporary artist from painters to print makers to sculptors.
In English art, the term Tondo it is used for paintings and sculpture over 60cm in diameter excluding the miniature circular portraits , made popular in the 16th century.
Held in the Tate Britain collection is Ford Maddox Brown’s painting ‘The Last of England’ which depicts a couple leaving Britain to seek their fortune in Australia in 1852. He chose this format to extenuate their unity.
Whilst teaching at the Bauhaus 1922 -1933, Russian artist and theorist Wassily Kandinsky, became focused on Geometrical in both his teaching and painting—particularly the circle and half-circle. His careful balance of shapes in his works demonstrate absolute harmony.
The spot paintings of Damien Hirst are by far the most recognisable of his works but he also favours circular canvases with series of work such as his Spin paintings.
These artists following on in the tradition of Tondo painting have played a vital role in influencing the contemporary artists on DegreeArt.com whose clever use of circles intrigues and inspires us.
Why are Circular Canvases Rare?
Traditional canvases use wedges to ensure tautness but these cannot be used after stretching circular or elliptical canvases. Therefore only highly skilled craftsmen create these canvases. A smooth, taught surface is achieved by ensuring the canvas or linen is stretched extremely tightly and can only be stretched with un-primed and pre-sized canvas or linen.
Hanging Circular Art
This is as easy if not simpler than hanging traditionally shaped art and pieces will almost always come ready to hang unless otherwise states.
A Selection of our Circular Art
