Preferences and Perspectives - The Romantic Era

     Welcome back to RS4 Art Blog. Today's topic revolves around the Romantic Era of artwork from roughly 1800 to 1900 C.E. I will be comparing two styles of artwork, namely from The Black Series of paintings from Francisco Goya, who seemed tormented in his later life and displayed a harsher take on reality than many artists of the time period, and John William Waterhouse. Both artists have magnificent art styles, with Goya's being considered Impressionism and Waterhouse's being under the umbrella of Pre-Raphaelite. I will add in others falling under these styles, however those two are my personal favorites from the time period

IMPRESSIONISM

"The Magpie" - Claude Monet
c. 1868-1869, France 

"Viejos comiendo sopa" - Francisco Goya
c. 1819-1823, Spain

    Impressionistic art tends to provoke emotion over rationality. While it may stir up feelings in the viewer that the artist could have been feeling at the time, it is up to the viewers interpretation. You can view this type of artwork without feeling like there's a hidden agenda, which I feel is why it makes it my favorite of all the art styles I have studied thus far. There's no obvious religion or politics behind it, which is seen so much in the past. Instead of commenting on the sins of the Church, the love of a deity, or a rise or fall of a monarch, it is primal in its delivery. I have given two examples that can be used to provoke opposite feelings. At least, they did in me. Francisco Goya's piece, from his Black Paintings era, trailed from his original style of realistic paintings to the morbid, dark and almost scary paintings depicting his decline in mental health near the end of his life. In all of his paintings in that time period, you will see a lot of use of black, muted tans and browns, and hardly any bright colors. I believe this to be that he found himself in a dark mindset that he ultimately could not escape. He put these feelings onto canvas and we have what I consider to be a series of masterpieces that remind me, in a creative way, of the worst points in my life. But I love them. I almost want to hang every single one of the Black Paintings in my home, were it not for the fact that it may stress my now five year old daughter.

    On the lighter side of things, both subject matter and color use wise, we have a piece by the famous Claude Monet, who is arguably the most notable impressionist of the time period. I chose The Magpie because of my preference to snowy areas and landscapes. The use of whites, light blues, and grays invoke a peaceful feeling and the detail of what looks like a cottage behind the trees makes almost a homey feeling about the work. It gives the feeling of walking back into your home after trekking out with the family for maybe a walk or to go build a snowman. While this piece is generally more detailed than a lot of impressionistic work, it is still simplistic and shows no political or religious agenda and is there for viewing pleasure. It is another example of why impressionism is my favorite style of artwork thus far.

PRE-RAPHAELITE

"Ophelia" - John Everett Millais
c. 1852, England

"Gone but not Forgotten" - John William Waterhouse
1873, England

   
    The Raphaelite works are dominated by bright colors, filled with detail, and does not shy away from the womanly figure. It promoted top-tier realism, and was a tribute to the Renaissance artists, Raphael as the name would suggest. Unlike expressionism, most of the works in this style tell a defined story, even if you don't know the context behind it. For example, Ophelia by Millais depicts a scene from Shakespeare's Hamlet. I did not know this before the bulk of my research, however you can tell from the overarching tone of the piece that the woman is accepting death. There is a sadness about is, and while the woman is clearly alive during the events of the paining, she most certainly resembles a corpse floating in the water. I believe that the purpose of this art style WAS to bring intense storytelling to art.

    Storytelling can be also seen above in Gone but not Forgotten. With the title aside, you can see what looks like a Greek or Roman woman near a grave mourning someone. Unlike a majority of Pre-Raphaelite works, the colors of this work is mostly monotoned, but it does not take away from the overall story or mood. While I enjoy this style, I do prefer the more open interpretation of Impressionism. I will say that John William Waterhouse tends to be my favorite artist in this field, especially if you look at the way he improved and perfected his style into the 1900's.

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog, and I hope you enjoy these pieces as much as I do

SOURCES:

Lewandowsk, Hervé. "Claude Monet The Magpie." Musée D'Orsay: Claude Monet The Magpie. RMN-Grand Palais, 04 Feb. 2009. Web.

Takac, Balasz. "The Mystery and Terror of Francisco Goya's Black Paintings." Widewalls. Web. 23 Mar. 2021.

Unknown. "Pre-Raphaelite – Art Term." Tate. Web. 23 Mar. 2021.

White, Katie. "The Tragic 'Ophelia' Epitomized Pre-Raphaelite Beauty. Here Are 3 Facts You Might Not Know About the Mesmerizing Painting." Artnet News. 07 Oct. 2020. Web. 23 Mar. 2021.

The French Revolution and Neo-Classicism

 

The Swing by Jean-Honore Fragonard c. 1767 in London

    My blog today will mostly be aligned to the French Revolution and Neo-Classicism as well as Rococo. Both styles were prevalent in France during the era of their revolution. The first artist I want to look at is, Jean-Honore Fragonard. He was an extremely prolific French painter who painted more than 500 paintings during his time. Unfortunately, after the Revolution seemed to have ended his career by sending his major clientele under the guillotine causing him to fade out of the public eye until his death in 1806.

    Fragonard's artwork has a lot of color, as we can see in The Swing, pictured above. Like most of his work, his piece is very aesthetically pleasing. There are a lot of tiny details littered across the page, but it doesn't feel cluttered. The focus of the painting is the woman on the swing, who unlike the rest of the painting isn't draped in greens. She is covered in pinks and whites, and even the area around her is done in brighter colors with a break in the trees with the brighter colors directing attention to her. It is said that The Swing is lightheartedly sexual in its nature. I don't necessarily interpret it as this. I do sense a desire for the woman from the men, but I do not find it overtly sexual. This may just be from the standards of today being different. I do like the piece, but I'm not sure that I would necessarily keep it. It doesn't fit with other styles of artwork that I have.

    Another influential artist, who was also a revolutionary activist during the French Revolution is Jacques-Louis David. Fragonard was considered more Rococo style art, however David focused on Neo-Classicism. David did not want to focus on aesthetic the way that Rococo artists did. He, instead decided to paint pictures that displayed moralism. Right and wrong. He wanted to send a message with his artwork. Notably, he even worked on propaganda for the revolution itself.

Napoleon Crossing the Alps by Jacques-Louis David c. 1805 painted in France

    I choose to analyze Napoleon crossing the Alps because it is interesting to me that David would disagree ultimately with Napoleon's regime, but would regularly be commissioned by him. The entire painting works on a diagonal plane, everything moving upwards to the left. It paints Napoleon as he was, a heroic conqueror. His facial features are made angular, which is seen as a common practice when making someone look heroic or powerful in demeanor. Napoleon is calm while his horse's front is raised to signify how poised and collect he is. Most of he detail and color is front and center, on Napoleon. The red catches the eye and forces you then to look a his stoic face. Along with this, a majority of the rest of the painting is sparsely detailed and bland in color, to not distract from the focus. I do love the care in his piece, but it's simply not for me. Especially with what Napoleon represented. Nevertheless, it is a beautiful piece of work. 

Marble Bust of King Louie XVI by Jean-Antoine Houdon c. 1890, France 

    The last work I will analyze is a marble bust of King Louis XVI. This is out of my comfort zone because I am not necessarily familiar with sculpting. The level of care and detail I find remarkable. It's almost as if Houdon took a mold of King Louis XVI himself and cast it. The clothing is rumpled in a realistic way, other details are etched in carefully, and even an inspection of the hair is done well. I do really love the detail. I would love to own a piece by Houdon, but maybe not specifically King Louis XVI.

WORKS CITED:

Unknown Author. “Jean-Honore Fragonard.” Artble, 19 July 2017, www.artble.com/artists/jean-honore_fragonard.

"Jacques-Louis David Artist Overview and Analysis". [Internet]. 2021. TheArtStory.org

Content compiled and written by Jessica DiPalma

Edited and revised, with Summary and Accomplishments added by Sarah Archino

Available from: https://www.theartstory.org/artist/david-jacques-louis/

First published on 25 Jul 2017. Updated and modified regularly

[Accessed 15 Mar 2021]

Baroque Art

The Calling of St. Matthew by Caravaggio (ca.1599)

         The baroque period features artwork that is very similar to Renaissance artwork, however it is darker in both colors and themes depicted. In various examples, such as the one above, you will see that people seem a little more distraught in the face, or the overall piece will have a feel of melancholy. It has a theme around people, not unlike the Renaissance period, but this time around I feel it revolves more around the darkness in the individual instead of the general humanism and power of people. It has an aura of mortality.

    In Baroque artwork, you will see a lot of biblical references, such as the work from Caravaggio. After the reformation, the Counsel of Trent (also known as the counter-reformation) started encouraging artwork that depicted religion as kind of a propaganda for the Catholic church. Caravaggio, himself, was actually commissioned by a Catholic cardinal. Caravaggio used a style called chiaroscuro, which uses very deep contrasts.  

    

works cited:

Pioch, Nicolas. “Caravaggio, Michelangelo Merisi Da.” WebMuseum Paris. BMW Foundation, 19 Sept. 2002. Web. 25 Feb. 2021.

“Art and Theory in Baroque Europe.” Art and Theory in Baroque Europe: Anti-Mannerism and the Council of Trent. Christopher L. C. E. Witcombe, 24 Oct. 1995. Web. 25 Feb. 2021.

Humanism and Renaissance Art

    Humanism is the resurgence of thinking of people as individuals who can have a personal understanding of ethics, and science without religion fully dictating the way of life and thought. The world could no longer be defined by the church. In my own understanding of the time period, it was truly when free thought was able to emerge and the common man would be able to flourish as the Greek ideals resurged through Italy. But how did this affect art?

School of Athens by Raphael 1509-1511

    The word "Renaissance" translates to the English word "Rebirth." While from a simple standpoint, it can seem like arts and literature had resurfaced after a long time of it not being as culturally prevalent, it also brought back ancient classical era schools of thought, which influenced artwork of the time. In some artworks, it is fairly obvious, such as School of Athens by Raphael. It is a fresco that incorporates linear perspective, incredible detail, and a plethora of alliteration. It features Greek Philosophers such as Socrates, Pythagoras, Euclid, and Ptolemy. The whole painting is slightly chaotic, however the figures in the center are calm and relaxed. On each side of the painting are statues: One of Apollo, the god of music and art, and on the other is Athena, the goddess of wisdom.

    To understand the artwork in itself, one has to understand the figures and ideas behind the people and figures. To me, it signifies an appreciation of both art and knowledge, combining the two into something that can work harmoniously. I believe that to be a successful artist, you do have to be knowledgeable in many things. In order to be the best at figures, you must have an understanding of human anatomy, and you need to know proportions, lighting, and so many other things in order to bring something so delicate to life. If I were to have an office, I would more than likely have a copy of School of Athens hanging in it, in appreciation that art and education can have with one another.

SOURCES:

 "Renaissance Humanism Definition Overview and Analysis". [Internet]. 2021. TheArtStory.org

Content compiled and written by Rebecca Seiferle

Edited and revised, with Summary and Accomplishments added by Kimberly Nichols

Available from: https://www.theartstory.org/definition/renaissance-humanism/

First published on 19 Oct 2019. Updated and modified regularly

[Accessed 15 Feb 2021]

An Analyzation of an Anxiety Portrait

Drowning by Charles Chapman

        Charles Chapman is an artist that I hold in very high regard. He is a tattoo artist who inspired me to seek a formal education in art. He is not afraid to experiment, but also keeps several educational resources on hand. Charles is frankly, in my opinion, a phenomenal artist. This is why I decided to analyze one of his traditional art pieces.

    In Charles' work, you will see that he does not rely on heavy lines for his work, especially when it comes to realism. Instead - like this piece - he relies form, value, and texture to tell a story. The vibrant use of colors, the asymmetrical break halfway down the canvas giving way to a new texture and reflection, speaks to me as someone who has been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. This piece goes from smooth and almost sad looking to chaotic and disconnected. It is almost as if this woman has an alter-ego.

    The use of texture in this piece can make this piece feel as if it is a vessel for the emotions anxiety can invoke. When the canvas breaks, to me it appears as if it is cracked ice that could break at any moment. You could walk on the "ice" and you could fall through, but you will never know. In the "ice" is the reflection of the woman, however it is distorted. The reflection includes two eyes, and the rest of the face is pointing slightly downward.

    The only natural coloring in this piece is the eyes which are colored blue making the emotion she is protraying feel real and significant. The eyes do not reflect the warm tones in the piece, causing them to feel disconnected. The warmth of the reds, oranges, and yellows catch the eye while the blue and black of the hair frame the face with contrast to form a focal point.

    In my opinion, the use of these main elements convey exactly what I feel Charles was trying to - the emotion of extreme anxiety. The chaos that comes along with self doubt, paranoia, and the way things tend to not make sense in your mind when experiencing these things.

You can view Charles' other works, as well as his tattoos here.

My Introduction

 

    Hello, everyone. I am Robert Jefferson Stewart IV. I am 25 years old. I was born in Japan and lived in many places growing up, but primarily was raised in Texas. This is my second time living in Alaska, and I don't plan on leaving for a long while. I am currently in the Army at just under 8 years in. I am satisfied with my career, however I am pushing my focus into school because it's about time for me to make changes in my life and move on to something new.

    The moose image above is a digital drawing I did a few months ago. I was impressed with my own ability to do this (and no, this is not a brag, I sometimes don't know how I can pull off some drawings). Nature drawing isn't exactly my specialty, but every now and then I will move outside of my comfort zone. For that particular drawing, I did the initial sketch on paper, scanned it, and then inked and finished it on my iPad with Procreate. I am primarily a pop artist, however I will avoid posting that artwork to keep myself from facing the wrath of Blogger.com's copywright policies. 

    In 2017 and 2018, I did over 150 drawings for Topps Star Wars trading cards. It was my favorite venture to date. I have not been added onto any other sets because in 2018 and 2019-2020 I was deployed to Iraq and Syria. I have also worked on art for Vampirella and Fallout. 

    I have no real formal artistic education, but I want to be a middle or high school introductory art teacher, so I want to get as much experience and knowledge as I can. On my last deployment, at the end of the day, I would practice figure drawing with Quickposes. It is a great resource for some figure tutorials and timed drawings. It does have some adult content as many of the models are nude. If you are interested in checking it out, click here.

I am looking forward to exploring the history of art in this class, and sharing thoughts and artwork with other students. 

Thanks for reading!

Robert J. Stewart IV.