Essay on "History of Western Art"

Essay 4 pages (1592 words) Sources: 4

[EXCERPT] . . . .

History Of Western Art

Discuss the hidden, and not-so-hidden, symbols in Campin's Merode Altarpiece, Van Eyck's Portrait of Giovanni Arnolfini and His Wife, or Hugo's Portinari Altarpiece. Online research may help you uncover more layers of meaning.

Campin's Merode Altrapiece is triptych work of art. This is where a story is told using three different panels. In the case of the Merode Altrapiece, this is accomplished through a number of: different hidden and outward symbols. As far as hidden symbols are concerned the most notable include: through the use of color. When discussing the use of color, Campin illustrates this with the varying degrees, as it is brighter for images showing the glory of God and heaven itself. A good example of this can be seen in the middle canvas, with the Virgin Mary wearing with a flowing read gown and the Angel Gabriel looking over her shoulder. This is important, because it shows how heaven is a better place in comparison to life on Earth through: the use of bright colors. However, on the left panel the colors are darker, which is highlighting a somber mood as: a man and woman are seen kneeling at the steps of heaven for redemption. When you put these different elements together, they are showing how color was used to: illustrate the promise of living the rest of your eternal life in paradise. This is important, because this hidden symbol is utilized to create the mood for the work itself. ("The Merode Altarpeice," n.d.)

In the case of overt symbols, this can be seen through the woman kneeling next to the man in the left panel. Where, her face is showing a somber, yet respectful tone. While, the man that she is with appears to be some kind of priest or monk. This is important, because it is showing how these two individuals are representing ordinary society. As they are kneeling for forgiveness, while, having the same kind of: dress and emotions in comparison with everyone else. When you put these different elements together, they are highlighting how we all children of God. As we all must learn to respect and appreciate this relationship. Once this takes place, it means that everyone can be able to find a sense of: peace and inter-happiness (through the promise of spending eternity in paradise). ("The Merode Altarpiece," n.d.)

Name one Baroque artwork, Italian or Spanish, and explain ways in which the artist blurred the line between the viewer's reality and the pictures reality. How does the work appear to enter in to our space, or draw us into its space? Build on others' ideas.

One Baroque artwork that blurred the lines between the viewers and pictures reality is: Aeneas Flight from Troy by Frederico Barocci. The way that this artist displayed various differences between the viewers and pictures reality is: to show Aeneas fleeing the city (with the women and wounded). This is problematic, because these images would give the viewer the idea that Aeneas was a coward. As he was refusing to: stand and fight for the city, to save his own life (before its downfall). This is important, because this image gave idea that Aeneas was interested only in himself. As he will take actions that appear to be selfless, such as: picking up the wounded. While being able to: quietly leave Troy ahead of everyone else, which is instilling that sense of fear that Aeneas had about the future. (Pioch, 2002)

At the same time, the actions that Aeneas is taking could be considered to be: heroic and prudent. Where, he is no longer willing to leave a comrade behind and he sees the futility in defending Troy. As a result, he wants to save as many people as possible from the same kind of fate as the city. In this aspect, one could argue that Aeneas is hero by: understanding the overall threat and taking action to rectify the situation. (Pioch, 2002)

When you step back and analyze the how the lines are blurred between these two realities, it is clear that Aeneas is trying to find the right answers in a difficult situation. As he is seeing his way of life destroyed, yet is unable to prevent the events from spiraling out of control. At which point, he flees the city in order to: regroup or in defeat. In either situation, these lines are blurred by telling these extreme views of the story. Where, it is trying to provide balance, by showing two completely different interpretations. As a result, the work draws us into its space by: giving the viewer two different interpretations and allowing them to determine for themselves what really happened. (Pioch, 2002)

Choosing from artworks by Gentileschi, Ribera, Zurburan or Velazquez (either from the text or CD) describe qualities that are borrowed from Caravaggio. Be sure to describe specific details.

Caravaggio's work involves the use of depicting natural images in the real world through: people and objects in his paintings (in order to create a sense of realism). A good example of this can be seen with Woman Playing the Lute by Genileschi. Where, he is showing her playing a guitar and having a sense of wonder on her face. As the women is looking upward, with a sense of mysticism about what is occurring. This is highlighted through the yellow robe that she is wearing. What this is illustrating, is the sense of natural realism that is seen in everyday life. ("Artermisia Gentileschi," n.d.)

In the case of Caravaggio, he is using a similar kind of approach when it comes to his painting. As he would highlight the overall emotions and setting with the use of: the facial expressions of the individual along with an object in the painting. A good example of this can be seen with Bacchus, where the painting depicts him as a strong man (with a sense of accomplishment). As he is holding a candle in his hand and there is a smile of satisfaction (by looking outward). This is important, because it is showing the sense of emotions that everyone will experience as a part of their lives. ("Pyschobiographical Tenebrisim," n.d.)

When you step back and analyze the two different works, it is clear that Caravaggio would have an influence on Genileschi by creating a sense of: realistic emotions and through the use of various objects. These two elements are important, because both were utilized to set the underlying mood for the painting. At which point, the viewer can have a greater appreciation for the overall meaning.

Baroque theatricality was often used by the ruling classes to glorify and propagandize their power. Describe theatrical effects created at Versailles for Louis XIV and in Rubens' series illustrating the life of Marie de'Medici and Henry IV. Look at the textbook or Versailles website for examples to consider.

In the case of Versailles, the use Baroque principals were used to highlight the wealth and privilege that Louis XIV is experiencing. Where, he is taking the use of colors and objects, to create a sense of entitlement. This is designed to humble visitors about the overall authority of the king over their lives. A good example of this can be seen by looking no further than the King' Interior Apartments (inside the palace). In this situation, Baroque ideas were used to create a sense of opulence surrounding Louis' mystic. As the rooms are decorated in white background, with gold patterns that run against the white. At the same time, Louis is using various pieces of gold furniture (such as: the clock and chandlers) to illustrate this sense entitlement. This is important, because it shows how the Baroque style would be used in interior decorating, to create a sense of awe and respect (for Louis' power). ("The… READ MORE

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