art

· Please make sure to read the posts of other students and to respond to them if you have something to add.

· There are 6 different assignments please respond adding about ½ page to each.

Assignment 13

Impressionism removes the object's focus, with an emphasis on color and light. The experience focuses on the artist and the observer. In the 20th century, there were two developments after Impressionism. The classic, Seurat, Cezanne, and Cubism, focuses on the work's argument and discussions on the visual world, and the mirror's metaphor. Romanticism, Gauguin, Van Gogh, symbolism, the Fauves, expressionism, inner self-expression, and the lamp metaphor. Here are two works of art. One represents death and life, and the other represents death and being condemned to hell. The interpretations could be viewed as one and the same. Dr. Marc A. Cirigliano,  https://mylearning.suny.edu/d2l/le/content/524140/viewContent/14447161/Viewhttps://mylearning.suny.edu/d2l/le/content/524140/viewContent/14447161/View    https://www.gustav-klimt.com/Death-And-Life.jsp  Klimt, Death, and Life As a modern wild version of a contemporary masterpiece, Klimt takes traditional style and reinvents it. The theme is a depiction of the "Dance of Death", it demonstrates death in a whimsical manner sweeping people away. In death, there is no difference between peasants and wealthy, priests or kings. It is common for death to be depicted holding an hourglass or a scythe. Dr. Beth Harris and Dr. Steven Zucker, Smart History.

In Klimt, Death, and Life, Death clutches a club and appears deranged and menacing. His eagerness for life is evident in his deadly vacant eyes and grim smile. As he stares across from the left of the painting, on the right is an architecture of serene bodies overlapping one another in what appears to be a beautifully abysmal sleep. Death appears to be standing patiently, his drawn torso surrounded by endless headstones and crosses.  Cite this page as: Dr. Steven Zucker and Dr. Beth Harris, "Gustav Klimt, Death and Life," in Smarthistory, November 28, 2015, accessed April 16, 2023,  https://smarthistory.org/gustav-klimt-death-and-life/. 

  https://rodinmuseum.org/collection/object/103360  “The Rodin Museum in Philadelphia owns the first bronze cast of The Gates, commissioned in 1925 by the museum's founder, Jules Mastbaum. At the time, Mastbaum ordered two sets of the doors—one for Philadelphia and one for the Musée Rodin in Paris.”

Death has always been seen as the root of all evil, however, it is the natural process of life. In Rodin's version of The Gates of Hell, this piece was constructed in pieces. The site where the D'Orsay Museum in Paris is currently located, there stood the original building that was destroyed by arson, during the Commune in 1871. The Museum never came to fruition; however, Rodin continued the work he set out to do. Rodin worked on this sculpture until his death. It has been questionable as to how the pieces came together. The plaster cast appeared to be doors. It resembles Ghiberti's "The Gates of Paradise" 1425-52, where it's the total opposite. Dr. Beth Harris and Dr. Steven Zucker, Smart History. "In Dante Alighieri’s poem, "The Inferno Describes Hell" the Italian poet is seated at the top of this chaotic piece staring down into hell. I also saw "The Thinker" and "David".  The gates of Hell were originally commissioned by Rodin to design the entry to a new museum of decorative arts, which never came to fruition. Rodin continued his work until his death. This piece demonstrates chaos, confusion, and despair. The figures appear to be desperately trying to escape. It appears to be a reoccurring nightmare, an abysmal body of a dark wave pulling all souls under. There is a lot of motion, I cannot decipher where it begins or ends. The three figures above Dante are one male figure replicated three times. Their heads and shoulders create a flat plateau. Dr. Beth Harris and Dr. Steve Zucker, Smart history.  Michelangelo also comes to mind when viewing the three figures. The chiseled facial features, strong sculpted bodies, and powerful, replicate ancient Greek and Roman sculptures. In conclusion, this masterpiece represents emotional suffering and sin. 

Cite this page as: Dr. Beth Harris and Dr. Steven Zucker, "Auguste Rodin, The Gates of Hell," in Smarthistory, November 23, 2015, accessed April 16, 2023,  https://smarthistory.org/auguste-rodin-the-gates-of-hell/. 

REFERENCES:  https://mylearning.suny.edu/d2l/le/content/524140/viewContent/14447161/Viewhttps://mylearning.suny.edu/d2l/le/content/524140/viewContent/14447161/View Dr. Marc A. Cirigliano  https://www.gustav-klimt.com/Death-And-Life.jsp  Cite this page as: Dr. Steven Zucker and Dr. Beth Harris, "Gustav Klimt, Death and Life," in Smarthistory, November 28, 2015, accessed April 16, 2023,  https://smarthistory.org/gustav-klimt-death-and-life/.  https://rodinmuseum.org/collection/object/103360  Cite this page as: Dr. Beth Harris and Dr. Steven Zucker, "Auguste Rodin, The Gates of Hell," in Smarthistory, November 23, 2015, accessed April 16, 2023,  https://smarthistory.org/auguste-rodin-the-gates-of-hell/. 

Assignment 10 - Brianna

Beginning in the early nineteenth century, the literary and artistic movement known as romanticism was characterized by an increase in interest in human psychology, the expression of individual emotion, and a connection with nature. France, Spain, England, and Germany all took their own realities that had been reshaped and challenged and created their own interpretations of them. Many of these works offer an insight into the artist's perspective on the period or historical occurrences. There are several theories about the artwork of La Fornarina's beginnings. However, the general opinion is that it is a tribute to Margherita Luti, a baker's daughter who served as Raphael's inspiration and lover. This piece of art was stored in Raphael's study as part of his personal collection. This image depicts a woman who is half nude and covered by transparent drapes. A scarf covers her hair with a dark green hue and yellow trim. If anyone in the audience pays careful attention, they will notice that she is wearing a blue band with Raphael's name sewn on it.

The next piece of work I felt best depicts the romanticism of this time period would be the painting of “ Bonaparte Visiting the Victims of the Plague at Jaffa” which is an oil-on-canvas painting commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte and painted in 1804 by Baron Antoine-Jean Gros.  The artist shows the time and command of the commission was an effort to enhance Bonaparte's legend and dispel claims that he had directed the administration of lethal dosages of opium to fifty plagues of those suffering in Jaffa while retreating from his Syrian campaign, according to SmartHistory.org. This picture depicts a bunch of men and women falling down and laying all over the streets. Men in suits are restraining a man who appears to be wondering what is going on. Darker colors are used in the bottom of the artwork, where people are lying on the ground draped in dark red and black garments. The individuals to the left are light-hued, but they also wear deeper hues like deep reds, dark green, blue, and black. The attire of people walking along the street and the guys wearing formal dress clothes may also be distinguished from one another. This artist did a fantastic job of conveying to the observer what it was like to be present for this moment.

Assignment 8 Kayla

Your Royal Highness, we are witnesses of a new age, and that is of Neoclassicism. The days of Rococo art are no longer, and we must embrace this newfound way of art. Neoclassical art will be a great addition to our gallery and I will explain to you why.      Neoclassicism was inspired by the seventeenth century painter, Nicholas Poussin who depicted a more rational, morally appropriate work of art (Gersh-Nesic, 2016). Jacques-Louis David is an example of a Neoclassicists. He preferred clear paintings, with no brushstrokes visible (Gersh-Nesic, 2016). France was on the edge of a revolution and the Neoclassicist’s would support the rebels with art works representing clear-headed thinking, and self-sacrifice to the State (Gersh-Nesic, 2016). In addition to these paintings, we also saw depictions of scientific inquiry. Neoclassicism embraced traditional classical artwork with it’s continuation of rational thinking, just in modern times. Neoclassicism can be explained as an artwork with clarity of form, sober colors, shallow space, strong horizontal and vertical imagery that creates a timeless effect (Gersh-Nesic, 2016).  During the Enlightenment, an entire new way of thinking was emerging. Inventions such as the railroads, electricity, cities, machines were the new excitement, so naturally artwork followed suit. We can look at Jacques- Louis David’s painting, Oath of the Horatii, we see a painting that was based off of ancient Greece and Rome legend. This painting is the original Neoclassical painting, as it is a prime example of virtuous behavior. The scene takes place in the foreground, with the vanishing point being right at the sword. The women to the right are quite sad, with their eyes closed as to what is about to happen. By painting the women this way, David was suggesting that women could not be true citizens of the state, because the could not think of civic responsibility. The women are curvilinear, while the men are strong, up right and tall. This painting serves as motivation for the revolution that is about to come, which is a great reason to promote this new neoclassical painting. We need men willing to fight for our land, and if they see strong depiction of other men, from historical past events, they too will be ready to fight to save our country.

Cite this page as: Dr. Beth Gersh-Nesic, "Neoclassicism, an introduction," in Smarthistory, January 7, 2016, accessed March 10, 2023,  https://smarthistory.org/neoclassicism-an-introduction/. Cite this page as: Dr. Steven Zucker and Dr. Beth Harris, "The Age of Enlightenment, an introduction," in Smarthistory, January 7, 2016, accessed March 10, 2023,  https://smarthistory.org/a-beginners-guide-to-the-age-of-enlightenment/. Cite this page as: Dr. Claire Black McCoy, "Jacques-Louis David, Oath of the Horatii," in Smarthistory, January 7, 2016, accessed March 10, 2023,  https://smarthistory.org/jacques-louis-david-oath-of-the-horatii/.

Assignment 7 Kaiella

Explain the development of Rococo art and architecture from its origins through its maturity. Develop your answer by exploring the form and iconography of specific examples of art and architecture. 

After the very exaggerated art style of Mannerism came Baroque. Baroque art was a development of Renaissance classicism that emphasized emotions, movement, and light and dark. Baroque art, also portrayed scenes from the bible.The death of Louis XIV in 1715 and the change in power from the Palace of Versailles to Paris, influenced the creation of a new style of art called Rococo. The Rococo style was created by artist Jean Antoine Watteau and was catered toward the Bourgeoisie, presenting Baroque motion and energy, light/pastel colors, and the very playful/sensual life of an aristocrat. Which differed from the nature of Baroque art, though Rococo emerged from Baroque art. An example of this is the Nave of Il Gesu and the Salon de la Princesse. 

Nave of Il Gesu

The Nave of II Gesu is a baroque architecture. The Nave of II Gesu is defined by its arches that have rectangular columns on each side that is supported by an entablature "that runs up to the domed crossing." The Nave of II Gesu is darker in color, portrays a serious and more provocative style, has exuberant decorations of religious themes, and is very  dramatic and theatrical. 

Salon de la Princesse

The Salon de la Princesse is a Rococo architecture. The Salon de la Princesse is very similar to the Nave of II Gesu as it is also defined by its arches however, the Salon de la Princesse uses pastel colors and has exuberant decorations that are modeled off nature or the Roman goddess Venus.   

References

Salon de la Princesse

Nave of Il Gesu

Assignment 5 Alexandria

Author: Rachel Ruysch Theme: Still Life Title: Fruits and Insects Country: Netherlands

Originally from the Netherlands, Holland, the artist belonged to a wealthy family, financially stable and surrounded by important people in society. She liked botany influenced by her father's scientist. Observer of the natural world, passionate about small animals and insects, she learned to classify flowers and distinguish them from each other, which is why the artistic style she chose as an adult was still life. She married another important artist, both recognized in the world of arts and he worked for the aristocracy in the 1700s. She was widely recognized for his artwork. At that time, flowers were considered a luxury, a symbol of high social status. Tulips were the most exotic and expensive while the flower market increased over time. We can observe a painting with many details, not only the autumn fruits such as pumpkin, plums, grapes, corn, peaches, a nest of birds with eggs, probably quails, accompanied by different insects and small lizards in movement like a salamander, butterflies, caterpillars, beetles, bees and snails. It has an asymmetrical shape, the artist plays with light and dark in the background with an appearance appropriate for the time of year; some withered leaves combine complementary colors to highlight the figures with a casual look.

Referencies:

Dr. Beth Harris and Dr. Steven Zucker, "Rachel Ruysch, Fruit and Insects," in Smarthistory, December 15, 2015, accessed February 13, 2023, https://smarthistory.org/rachel-ruysch-fruit-and-insects/.

Lynn Robinson, "Rachel Ruysch, Flower Still-Life," in Smarthistory, August 8, 2015, accessed February 13, 2023, https://smarthistory.org/ruysch-flower-still-life/.

Author: Peter Paul Rubens Theme: Christian Religious Art Title: Elevation of the Cross Country: Flanders

This masterpiece of enormous dimensions made by Peter P. Rubens at the time when the Catholic Church and the Protestant Church had a severe conflict was made in order to increase the faith of the Catholic faithful and support his church. It is a Baroque altarpiece from the year 1610-1611 that consists of 3 parts. In the central part, Christ is being lifted up on the cross by muscular, robust, half-naked executioners, action and emotion can be seen, such as suffering, anxiety, the artist uses a diagonal line to show tension, and chaos in the work . It is quite dramatic since it narrates visually when christ is being sacrificed, his last moments of life, contrast of light and darkness in the sky as narrated in the bible, the focal point is christ, dynamic use of colors, high figurative composition that includes also the crucifixion of the thieves who

accompany Christ in his agony, saints, the virgin mary and saint john the evangelist quite sad and disconsolate.

Referencies:

Dr. Shannon Pritchard, "Peter Paul Rubens, Elevation of the Cross," in Smarthistory, November 19, 2015, accessed February 16, 2023, https://smarthistory.org/peter-paul-rubens-elevation-of-the-cross/.

Rubens, Peter Paul, Sir, 1577-1640. Elevation of the Cross Triptych. c.1610-11. Artstor, library-artstor-org.library.esc.edu/asset/ARTSTOR_103_4182200303598

Assignment 4 Kayla

Without a specific school or real directive driving the Baroque Art Movement throughout approximately 150 years of the era encompassing a wide range of styles, it consisted of numerous great schools and artists across Europe. To art movement observers, the added level of subjectivity to what Baroque may mean was injected by the genius-level quantity of artistry emerging from different countries, schools, styles, and fields. Interactions with specific schools, artists, and artistic mediums are often the best way to approach mapping characteristics of Baroque art. Strong light, sharp shadows, dark backgrounds, and deep colors are the main features of manifestations of Baroque paintings. Renaissance art emphasizes tranquility and rationality while Baroque artists emphasized stark contrasts, passion, and tension which often depicts an event's preceding moments rather than its occurrence.

    The Netherlands, Italy, and Spain were the origins of the most prominent Baroque painters and they were generally concerned with human subjects and depicted similar scenes. Portraits of royals, religious scenes, portrayals of royal life, society accordingly with the spheres of Renaissance power which still dominate the art directions of their cultures. A rise in history and landscape paintings, portraits, genre scenes and still lives came with the Baroque Era. Such paintings flourished in the Netherlands, such great Dutch painters included Rembrandt, Johannes Vermeer, and Peter Paul Rubens. The eclecticism of the Carracci family, breaking the barriers between popular and religious art, avoiding idealization of religious or classical figures, depicting also to ordinary living men and women in contemporary clothing.

 

    Common traits can is seen in the oeuvre of the many great Baroque artists who were architects in addition to artists. What results in increasingly pictorial sculptures with emphasized movement and expression is the key similarity of the rejection of straight lines. As many sculptors worked on uncommissioned depictions of Biblical epics as well spurred by the church yet also by the beliefs of the sculptors themselves. The desire of most Baroque sculptors was to portray pathos in addition to movement. Italian artist, Gian Lorenzo Bernini was certainly the leading figure of Baroque sculpture. 

      Italian architects were the dominant talents of Europe at the start of the 17th century. Imminently spreading the style across the continent was the immense competition between Gian Luca Bernini, Francesco Borromini, Baldassare Longhena and others drew the rest of Europe's attention. Great Italian architects commissioned projects to royal courts. Intricate details and extreme decoration characterize Baroque architecture. The advanced use of trompe- l'oeil painting emphasized by optical illusions, aspects of Renaissance architecture were made grander and more theatrical. 

Artland Editors. “Baroque: Art, Definition & Style of an Era | Artland Magazine.” Artland Magazine,  https://www.facebook.com/artlandapp/ , 8 Dec. 2021,  https://magazine.artland.com/baroque-art-definition-style/ .

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