What if the most breathtaking works of art weren’t born from talent alone—but from suffering? In my latest conversation, I sit down with Russ Ramsey, author of Rembrandt Is in the Wind, to explore why beauty is deeply tied to brokenness, how art reveals the divine, and why the greatest masterpieces often come from troubled souls.
What We Cover:
Why Does Art Matter?
In a world driven by productivity, art can seem like a luxury. But Ramsey argues that beauty isn’t optional—it’s essential. From Michelangelo’s David to Rembrandt’s Return of the Prodigal Son, we explore why humans are wired to seek and create beauty.The Broken Genius: The Dark Lives of Great Artists
Many of history’s greatest artists—Caravaggio, Van Gogh, Rembrandt—were deeply flawed men. Some were violent. Some were addicts. Yet their art resonates across centuries. Does brokenness fuel creativity? Or does art simply expose the truth of the human condition?Why Michelangelo’s David is the Greatest Work of Art Ever Made
Ramsey makes a bold claim: David is the single greatest artistic achievement in human history. We break down why carving marble is so difficult, why this statue mesmerizes millions, and why perfection itself is worth contemplating.Caravaggio: The Murderer Who Painted Grace
A criminal. A fugitive. A man who ran from the law—and yet painted some of the most powerful images of Jesus ever put on canvas. How did Caravaggio’s wild, violent life produce such deeply spiritual works? And what does that say about redemption?Van Gogh’s Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear: The Wound That Became Priceless
Van Gogh never saw success in his lifetime. He was deeply tormented, yet his paintings now sell for hundreds of millions. Why? We explore how his self-portrait—depicting his lowest moment—became one of the most valuable artworks ever created.The Divine Connection Between Beauty and Suffering
What if our hunger for beauty is really a longing for something greater? Ramsey unpacks the idea that art is more than decoration—it’s a window into eternity, a glimpse of the divine, and proof that brokenness can be made whole.
Why This Matters
Beauty isn’t a luxury—it’s a signpost pointing beyond this world. If you’ve ever felt drawn to great art, struggled with suffering, or wondered why some of the most brilliant minds seem the most tortured, this conversation is for you.
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