Non-traditional Art

This week I got to explore some non traditional art pieces that I found interesting and that caught my eye. I wanted to stay away from what is familiar and explore other cultures artist and artwork. I choose three different art pieces by artists of Mexico, West Africa and Iraq.

Frida Kahlo was an artist from Coyocan, Mexico who is well known for her mesmerizing self-portraits. Although she never achieved fame during her life, her portraits are well known and celebrated to this day.

Below is an oil on canvas painting by Frida Kahlo entitled, "The Two Fridas" painted in 1939.

This painting was created shortly after her divorce with her partner Diego Rivera. It depicts two Frida's, one in which she is dressed traditionally and one in which she dressed modernly. These represented different sides of her personality. Both have their heart exposed, but the traditionally dressed Frida's heart is cut open and you can see that she holds the pinchers in her hand as well as the blood dripping onto her attire.  

I really enjoy this painting because it feels so raw and unashamed. The Frida's glare directly at you with their hearts on display. The unibrow and slight mustache is not covered or altered to fit the standards of beauty, and the modern Frida sits unabashed with her legs opened. There is no drawing in at the waist or painting herself in a different more flattering angle. She is portraying herself fully.

Though they do not show emotion in the face, the clouds in the background set an agitated and dreary scene that may have reflected Frida's grief and mixed emotions. They also hold hands, and are connected at the heart, this may symbolize that they both are a part of her.

Below is a sculpture created by El Anatsui in 2003 entitled, "Wastepaper Bag" It is made of aluminum plates and copper wire. 

This sculpture is 8 feet tall and highlights the issue of waste in countries in which there is a very limited capacity for recycling. The aluminum plates were previously used to print obituaries, subtly making a statement on the disposable nature of human life. Many other tragedies and stories of crime and corruption fill the plates in which this sculpture is made. 

I enjoy this sculpture because of the message behind it, and the fact that he was able to manipulate aluminum to look as if it is fluid and pliable. If you look closely you can see this bag that is slightly crinkled as it is placed on the ground. 

Also there are parts of this sculpture that look similar to African masks, for instance, directly in the center you can make out the eye sockets, nose and downturned mouth. On the left hand side kind of in the middle and closer to the top, I see what looks to be a head connected to a neck and a small body. The head is tilted slightly to the side. 

There are many ways to dissect this sculpture and I enjoy that everyone has a different experience or may see different things in it. 

Lastly is an oil on linen painting done by Hayv Kahraman in 2009 entitled "Folding Sheet." 

Hayv Kahraman is an artist originally from Bagdad, and settled in Arizona in 2006. This piece is a part of a series called Marionettes which explores the war in the Middle East and the oppression of women. 

I was automatically drawn to the graceful movement of the women in this painting. It almost looks to me that they are dancing and holding this cloth together at the same time. The hair is dark and long and the face pale in stark contrast. 

Strings attach to different parts of the women's body, symbolizing the enslavement that women are subjected to. The women continue on doing their housework, and it seems that the strings do not bother them. They have accepted their fate or have learned to live with it. The strings help to bring this painting into 3D.

I love mix of traditional attire and more or a modern cut and style. It's as if she is saying that it is okay to practice or believe in some parts of your culture and reject others. 

Due to the movement and the strings, your eye is kind of drawn around in a loop, without resting in one particular place. The women are placed so that they are both in the center of this painting. I wonder what the red mark is on the left hand top of the painting, I did some research and was not able to find anything explaining that mark. 

References

https://africa.si.edu/exhibits/gawu/artworks.html

https://www.fridakahlo.org/the-two-fridas.jsp

https://hayvkahraman.com/project/marionettes-2009/

Post Modern Art

Post modern art was a break from the earlier modern art. While modern art was revolutionary in its emphasis on reason and idealism, post modern art questioned the notion of universal principles. Inspired by the earlier forms of modern art, this art did not focus on subjects, but rather, form, processes and technique. 

Much of post modern art took a skeptical, humorous or ironic approach to art. It also blurred the lines between "high" and "low" art by utilizing popular culture, comic books and other media in their art pieces. Post modern art embraced non-traditional art forms and materials and pushed the viewers opinion on what art is. 

While the country was going through so many changes from the civil rights and women's rights movement, the Vietnam war protests and the unprecedented advancement of technology. Art too questioned authority and tradition and brought light to different environmental or social issues of that time.

The first artist I will be showcasing is Robert Rauschenberg, an American artist whos early art pioneered the way for pop art. Below is a screen print collage created in 1970 entitled "Signs." 

In this piece Rauschenberg uses prints of popular people and events that had occurred

in this time period. You can see some references of the war and protests in the back as well as John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King. In the front you see an astronaut as homage to the 1969 moon landing. 

The first impression of this piece that I get is strife and turmoil. I can feel the chaos of this collage, your eyes are drawn in all different directions as the prints are turned different ways. The red used also just reminds me of violence.

I feel that this piece is a call to justice. Upon further inspection you see right above Martin Luther King is a black man on the ground. This reminds me of police brutality against minorities. The woman at the top also sets the stage for this piece. I feel like I can screaming for it to just stop. 

Below is another piece created by Robert Rauschenberg entitled, "Canyon."

This art piece is one of the most famous and controversial works that Robert Rauschenberg has created. It was made from wood, a pillow, a stuffed eagle and many other odd materials. Again, Post modern art pushed the boundaries of what we define art or beauty to be. This is the perfect example of just that. 

This piece was actually started in 1954, Rauschenberg collected interesting items throughout his day to incorporate into this piece. He incorporated items that would usually be overlooked or thrown away into his art exploring the connection between art and everyday life. 

The eagle protrudes out toward the viewer and I'm not quite sure, but it appears to be missing its head. This work of art feels gloomy and moody. The muted colors and the way that the paint drips down from the black paint gives off a kind of dark and ominous feel. You can see the collage effect from the different paint and objects that don't fit neatly within their boxes. 

The next artist I would like to spotlight is a well known but unknown graffiti artist that goes by, Banksy. 

Below is a piece created in Brighton, England in 2004, with spray paint of course. It is entitled, "Kissing Coppers."

This artwork for obvious reasons was controversial to say the least. You can see this art work as very pro-gay, depicting people of high authority openly embracing and sharing their love. Or you can see it as poking fun of police officers. I think that that may have been the intent of this piece. To question your own ideologies and why you may think a certain way. 

I do like the meaning and intention behind this piece however visually it is not by favorite. The shadows help to create movement in the shirts of the police officers and create a little bit of a 3d effect. Towards the feet of the officers is where tyou can tell that this is spray paint. The other parts look to be painted with a stencil because it is so crisp and within the lines. 

I like this work because you are used to seeing police officers very put together and often emotionless. I think that we forget at times that they are just as human as you and I and this piece highlights just that. It challenges the way that we see police officers, and people of the gay community. 

The next graffiti art work was created in 2005 on the Israeli-Palestinian West bank wall. It is entitled, "Unwelcome Intervention." 

My thought of this work was that it was highlighting how the grass was greener on the other side. That technology and the modern world was reality, and the tropical scene represented nature and living sustainably. I was suprised to find the meaning of this work of art. 

This was painted on a barrier in which the Israelis consider to be protection, and the palistineans consider to be a physical barrier to keep the people segregated. 

I am in awe of how realistic the landscape is in this piece. I am curious as to what Banksy used for that part of this piece. Also the children below the landscape have some great details and shadowing. Upon further inspection you can see that one of the children is wearing a bullet proof vest. 

The lines surrounding the landscape are jagged and create cracks. I feel that this symbolizes that they need to tear down the barrier to get to that greener side. 

The last artist I will spotlight is Robert Smithson, an American Sculptor. 

This first work is actually a drawing, and it is ink on paper created in 1962 and entitled, "Blind in the Valley of Suicides."

This artwork was an early drawing that Smithson created which explores vision and blindness and the relationship between human beings and nature. The message behind this piece is apparent. We all come from nature and to nature we will return. 

I really enjoy this piece because I enjoy seeing the way that the body is turned to wood and all the little groves that it has. This man is positioned perfectly centered for a clear message. Usually I think that trees symbolizes hope, however the lack of color, the onimous look of the head and the ragged lines gives this piece kind of a dark feel. 

The last piece by Smithson is likely his most famous. It is actually not an anything that is tangible but was created in nature, from materials native to the area. It is entitled, "Spiral Jetty" and was created in 1970. 

 In 1959 near the southern pacific railroad, a causeway was constructed which ultimately colored the water a red-violet color. Smithson used natural materials to create this spiral to bring attention to the environment. 

 The that looks like growth patterns of crystals or a primeval symbol. It looks historical and futuristic at the same time. I like the way that the lines are not perfect.  

       

Art and African American Influence

 In 1918 African Americans migrated by the thousands to northern states in hopes to escape the servitude and discrimination, this is known as the great migration. While many found themselves in Detroit or Chicago, a large amount of black individuals and artists made Harlem, New York their home. Harlem became cultural hotspot that would influence art, literature, theatre and music to this day. With this newfound freedom, African Americans were able to choose their career (of course the glass ceiling that systemic racism provides still limited that) and express their creativity, emotions and thoughts on their feelings about slavery and equal rights. 

These experiences undoubtedly shaped the art that came from this new cultural explosion of new art, music, poetry and style from African American artists, musicians and poets. Art was seen as an opportunity for African Americans to control their own narrative. After being portrayed as only being useful for labor, African Americans were free to showcase their creativity and skill breaking that one dimensional view of them. 

Here is an oil on plywood painting done by William Johnson in 1838 entitled, "Chain Gang."

It is speculated that this painting may have been inspired from Johnson's previous work as an archivist with the Works Progress Administration, or a memory of his during his childhood when Jim Crow laws were legal. Either way this painting is a clear outcry against the systematic oppression of black people. The men in the painting are prisoners, but being used as laborers in chains. This abuse has been systematically implemented in African Americans lives since being torn from their home and forced into slavery by colonists. 

William Johnson had studied Art in Europe as an adult, he lived in Europe for almost 20 years and returned to America before the start of WW2. This piece was made during this time frame, so you can imagine the intention and emotion that he would like the viewers to get from this piece. He also may have been connecting back with what it means to him to be African American or reflecting back on past experiences.

 The bold colors really give that shock factor and highlight the bold message behind the painting. The colors used are flat and 2 dimensional. I can see the influence of the Avant garte movement in the distortion of the bodies of these men. The hands and feet are very large and out of proportion with the body. The bending of the figures backs and limbs is exaggerated. 

Looking at how the man in the front has his shovel down and the man behind him has his pick ax held up reminds me of in films, how slaves sang and swung their tools to the rhythm of the song. Similarly this painting gives off that sort of rhythm.

Aaron Douglas is known as the father of African American art. Below is a oil on canvas created by Douglas in 1936 entitled "Into Bondage." It was one of four canvas' that he made for the lobby of the Hall of Negro life in the 1936 Texas Centennial exposition. The Hall of Negro Life was the first celebration of Black culture by a worlds fair in the United States. It was also dedicated to celebrate Juneteenth, the anniversary of the date that African Americans were freed.

The focus of this painting is on the boats sailing into the distance, and from which light is radiating off of. This image is heartbreaking, but has this light beam of optimism and hope. The men off in the distance, closest to the water, their heads hang low in knowing what's coming, yet the man in the front holds his head up high as if he is portraying his resilience. 

I enjoy the influence of cubism in this art piece, the man in the front and middle of the page is two dimensional at first glance, however after some inspection, the different shades of color give him a three dimensional appearance.

These figures are shackled and the woman on the right holds her hands up likely feeling hopeless. One thing that I thought of was the particular sense of danger for women. If women are not considered equal to men in their own race, you can imagine the injustices that African American woman who were enslaved had to endure. Her hands are held up, I cant help but wonder if only her hands are being held up as a sign to show mercy on her. 

The layered motifs give this piece depth and the colors seem very balanced and in some areas you cant really tell where one color begins and the other ends. The bright orange shackles stand out from the cool blue, green and brown palate. 

Lastly I have included an oil on linen painting entitled, "Les Fetiches" by Lois Mailou Jones in 1938. 

Jones created this art piece that features five traditional African masks dancing around rhythmically. This may have been her, a black woman reconnecting to her roots and African culture. It is speculated that this was an effort from Jones to use her cultural heritage as a place to draw strength in in the face of discrimination. 

The masks are very mysterious and ominous. The mask in the front kind of looks feminine to me. The lines surrounding it remind me of curly hair. There is also some lines around that mask that suggest movement or transformation. 

The intense black color in the background suggest that these masks are floating in the air. The different shades of color used in the masks highlight and shade different areas bringing some qualities out and pushing some back. I love the mask in the front. The abstraction in the face of the mask compliment the face and follow the facial structure. 

The hints of bold color and against the black background and the exaggerated facial expressions of the masks all bring a mood that is very unapologetic and in your face. 

References:

The Smithsonian Art Museum. https://americanart.si.edu/artwork/chain-gang-11598

Office of Arts and Culture. City of Dallas. https://dallasculture.org/1936hallofnegrolife/

Smithsonian Art Museum. (2006). https://americanart.si.edu/artwork/les-fetiches-31947

Impressionism and Realism

A variety of styles emerged and made their mark in the 1800s. From exotic and dreamlike paintings to objective and factual depictions. Capturing the artists interpretation of a moment to a completely new and modern style, art nouveau. I found that there wasn't really a style that I didn't like completely, rather that there were things to draw from in each style. I choose explore some paintings in realism and impressionism.

Automatically I am drawn to realism, the mastery behind such detailed and lifelike paintings is incredible. I appreciate that the subject of the art pieces is focused on human life and that there is a message behind the art. Realism would be my comfort area, it is my familiar however at times I wish that I could see the artists style and creativity. 

Realism allowed the artist to paint a raw and truthful picture of life often shedding light on injustices in the political, social and economical systems. These events depicted may not have been as thoroughly explored if they hadn't been created. The artwork shed light on events and the lives of human beings and produced emotion/ 

Below is an oil painting on canvas entitled. "The Third of May" (1814-1815) by Francisco de Goya. 

This was done six years after the French came in and occupied Spain. The Spanish attacked the French soldiers on the 2nd of May and in response, on the third of May the French went into towns and killed suspected rebel Spanish citizens to assert their power and domination. Francisco de Goya was a Spanish artist and this art piece was a cry against war and a celebration of the rebellion. Your eye is drawn to the man about to be shot in white. The white and yellow attire sticks out from the muted palette of the rest of the art piece and I noticed that the light seems to be radiating from him. The man has indents on his hands and holds his arms up in the same position as Jesus did on the cross. This was revolutionary in the art world, giving people God like characteristics. 

In contrast the French soldiers are wearing dark colors and are on the darker side of the art piece. The soldiers are lined up in an upward diagonal line that gives the figures the two dimensions. Their faces are the only ones who are not visible giving a cold and heartless feeling. 

The fear and anguish is evident in the persecuted men's faces. Some cower over in prayer, others cover their face, not being able to see what is happening. Bleeding bodies are strewn out in the front closest to the viewer. This piece pulls at your heart and makes you feel anger after reading about the historical context of the painting. It also gives the piece more meaning and value.

Here is another realistic art piece, an oil on canvas entitled "The Hay Wain" by John Constable in 1821. It is one of the most popular paintings in British art and was very influential for its clouds and use of green for the vegetation, which the masters had been accustomed to using browns for. 

I noticed first the beautiful clouds. The direction of the brushstrokes and the colors and values used gives the clouds a very realistic quality. Directly below you can see in the grass and on the water a reflection of the patchy light casting from between the clouds. The blue behind the clouds gives the sky a vast presence.

If you look up close at the trees, you can tell that the leaves are not individually painted. But rather, bigger areas of paint were used. The lush green is refreshing, and many other hues of green are there to give dimension and show where the light is hitting or shining through the leaves.

In stark contrast to the natural shapes of the landscape, the houses shapes are angular. The red used compliments the earthy colors. Upon further inspection, you can start to see the red used in the roof of the house, down to the mud, and just a hint used in the trees. 

The Hay Wain was based off of a scene on the river Stour in Suffolk, England. In fact, this scene was from the neighboring property of Constable's father, Flatford Mill. While I appreciate the new use of lush green and the beautiful clouds, this piece doesn't quite resonate with me like Francisco Goya's piece.

While realism focused on the objective reality, impressionism focused on the responses that the art had on the viewer.

I am drawn to the imperfection in impressionistic art, which in my opinion gives character and personality to an art piece. I think this requires a huge amount of creativity and trusting the process which I admire. I am such a concrete and practical person, that it is such a breath of fresh air to experience a new way of seeing things. 

 

This is an oil on canvas entitled, "Impression Sunrise" painted by Claude Monet in 1872. This painting is what largely inspired the impressionist movement. The loose brush strokes were the total opposite of traditional arts rules, one of them being that brush stokes would be smoothed out and finished so that you couldn't tell that it was a painting. 

Claude Monet painted this outside at the port of Le Havre. He painted with a new style that for many, was not seen before, painting freely and quickly. In fact, an impression was like a sketch or a first draft. Claude Monet utilized this technique to capture a quick moment, the movement evidently seen with quick brush stokes.

The different gradients of color brings the dock and tree line into the distance and suggests a haze lingering about. In contrast the sun is a blazing orange that cuts through that haze and reflects beautifully on top of the sparkling water. The haze or mist in this piece is my favorite part of the piece, to think that this was achieved through different colors is amazing. I can feel the cool crisp air that is felt during misty mornings. It is also just impressive that this is all done in oil paint. The mist looks like it is done with water color

The loose brush strokes allow you to kind of piece together where everything is on your own, allowing the viewer to interpret the painting. They also give the water in the harbor motion. Looking at the brush strokes individually is not very pleasing, but given the big picture it works well. 

I definitely admire the raw talent and creativity that it takes to create impressionistic art, however this style would not be something that I would be able to do comfortably or with any kind of confidence. However I praise and am happy to appreciate the liveliness and uniqueness that this style brings.

Here is another impressionist painting, it is a oil painting on canvas entitled, "Bal du moulin de la Galette" by Pierre-Auguste Renoir in 1876. 

This scene depicts a cheerful and exciting scene of a popular dance hall in Paris. Pierre-Auguste Renoir liked to depict everyday life, and during this time it was common for middle class individuals to dress up and enjoy their time. This painting reflects a moment captured from the artists life. Some of Pierre-Auguste Renoir's friends are included in this piece. 

I can imagine that this moment was during or right before sunset when the sun gives off more of an orange color. You can see the simmers of light scattered through out the painting. The faces of the men and women also reflect off that golden sunlight. 

I also see the social factor reflected in this piece. The men and women are dancing and interacting with one another. In the front the woman in the in the black comfortably leans over the woman in the stiped dress talking to the man to the right. The feel of this painting is very light and fun which to me is evident by the blues, the movement of the people and the natural light reflected in this piece. 

Looking at the painting, besides the woman in the striped dress who seems to almost be looking at the viewer, your eyes don't really fall into one specific area. Rather, you see a few different movements throughout the painting. The fluid brush strokes gives the dancing figures a swinging movement. The dancing woman on the left in the white dress. The under part of her skirt is showing which gives me the impression that this was really taken in a fleeting moment.  

I find the only overall line structure to be the bench in the front angled slightly diagonally. I don't enjoy not having like a baseline, or line structure. I think that this painting is all over the place, which is cool in its own way, but not the most appealing to me. 

References

R. K. (7 July, 2019). My Modern Met. The First Exhibition of the Impressionists. https://mymodernmet.com/claude-monet-impression-sunrise/

Z. C. Goya, Third of May, 1808. Khan Academy. https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/becoming-modern/romanticism/romanticism-in-spain/a/goya-third-of-may-1808

P. N. (16 July, 2002). Webmuseum. Renoir, Pierre-Auguste. https://www.ibiblio.org/wm/paint/auth/renoir/moulin-galette/

The economic growth of the middle class and art.

The arts were shaped by the cultural, intellectual and political movements in the 1700s. The American, French revolution as well as the Enlightenment period all set the stage for new thinking. Religion was no longer at the forefront of art nor carried definitive power in politics. The Age of Enlightenment emphasized reason and science, which at times directly contradicted teachings of the church. So this was a period of immense change.

The industrial revolution, the Enlightenment and an increase in trade and travel shifted the economy from the monarch and the church to the middle class. This is apparent in the shift from Rocco style to the somber Neoclassical style. 

This painting by Johan Joseph Zoffany entitled, "The Gore Family with George, third Earl Cowper reflects a change in the music scene during this period. Historically, music was a luxury for the upper class, however soon the middle class was able to acquire and learn musical instruments. This oil painting was done on canvas, and was created in 1775. 

I see the influence of the Rocco style in this painting, reflected in the pastel colors in the women's dresses', the natural landscape in the back, and the leisure aura of the setting. There is also a conflicting feeling that I get from this painting. Upon researching the backstory of this painting I learned that the woman on the left is to marry the groom who is in the green jacket in the middle of the painting. There is this tension between them that is felt. 

References:

Yale Center for British Art. https://collections.britishart.yale.edu/catalog/tms:5013

Frary, P,. K. "Music in the Age of Enlightenment."  https://fraryguitar.com/history_frary73/Classical05.htm

The Dancing Lesson

 This piece is entitled "Teaching a Cat to Dance", but is also known as, "The Dancing Lesson" created by Jan Steen from 1665-1668. Jan Steen created this art piece through oil painting on panel. 

This piece depicts children playing with a cat, gleefully laughing and playing the clarinet while an older man peers through the window, likely telling them to pipe down. 

I love this painting because it elicits a feeling of joy, I feel as though I can hear this little boys laugh, I can hear the cat screeching, and can imagine the dog barking and jumping with joy. This art piece does not need too much explaining, you can already guess what is going on in this painting. 

The emotions are depicted beautifully in each of the faces in this painting. Unlike the stoic or blank expressions found in Renaissance art, the artist brought these characters to life. And you, the viewer are enticed into the painting. Wilcox, whos article I have referenced below, states that Baroque art tries to draw the viewer into the scene. I can see this influence in this painting. 

True to Baroque style, this painting seems as though it was a photo, capturing a fleeting moment as the boy on the left laughs and the dog braces to leap up with joy. Even the way that the girls legs are positioned, it seems as though she just sat on the table and is pulling her legs up into a comfortable position. 

I can see the diagonal lines throughout this painting. From the lines in the floor board to the way that the girls legs are positioned to the little arch in the laughing boys back. These give the painting a more natural feel. The characters are comfortable in each others presence and are interacting naturally and not within confined lines. You can see how the children are leaning in toward each other and the glances that they are giving each other. 

There are beautiful gradients between the colors that transition perfectly. The dark colors, like the shadows underneath the table are extremely dark. While the white colors are very bright, like the girls skirt or the table cloth that is draped over the right side of the table. This gives the painting a dramatic feel. Wilcox highlights the dramatic contrast between light and dark as characteristic of Baroque style.

References:

Rijks Museum. Children Teaching a Cat to Dance, know as "The Dancing Lesson', Jan Havichsz. Steen, 1660-1679. https://www.rijksmuseum.nl/en/search/objects?p=1&ps=12&f.principalMakers.name.sort=Jan+Havicksz.+Steen&st=Objects&ii=5#/SK-A-718,5

Wilcox, M. (2019). How do you identify Baroque. Colors-New York. https://colors-newyork.com/how-do-you-identify-baroque/

The School of Athens

'The School of Athens' is a fresco painting created by Raphael from 1509-1511. It still stands today located in the Vatican museum. 

The School of Athens symbolized philosophy, depicting the most respected philosophers, astronomers, scientists and mathematicians gathered together and engaged in dialogue of such matters. These areas of study are integral to philosophy and it is believed that a mastery of all of the named subjects are needed to have a complete understanding to be able to adequately debate philosophy. 

The conversations of philosophy were no longer focused on God or a higher power, but a more Humanist approach.

Although names were never assigned by Raphael, the books that the two figures in the front and center are holding are labeled, "Timaeus" and "Ethics." Giving a inkling that the center figures are Aristotle and Plato. 

You can see Plato on the right pointing upward and Aristotle on the left pointing down. This is believed to be incorporated into this art piece because Plato believed in a true and pure reality that transcends physical factors and time (hence he is pointing up,) while Aristotle believed that the only reality is one that you can experience. There is a clear division in the group on either side of Plato and Aristotle. 

The linear perspective of this painting gives depth to the painting and gives this painting a 3d appearance. It also brings attention and focus to Aristotle and Plato's beliefs. 

The figures are modeled well depicting dialogues, a man swiftly writing, and figures in deep thought. There is meticulous details like the jewelry, the folds on the clothing, and the hair on the figures. 

In the back of the School of Athens, you can see the sky and clouds floating beautifully. This and the natural anatomy and features of the figures shows the Naturalism within this work of art, a key . There is a clear mastery in conveying the body, the figures look graceful and perfectly posed. As if this was a picture that was snapped without anyone's knowledge.

I love the man sitting at the bottom of the stairs by himself. I noticed him immediately because he is the only one who is not engaged with someone. He seems to be reflecting and listening quietly. I wonder why he was put in the front of this piece instead being placed in the background. 

References.

    Richman-Abdou, K. (December 17, 2017). "The Captivating History and Enduring Influence of Italian Renaissance Art." mymodernmet. https://mymodernmet.com/italian-renaissance-art-definition/

    Harris, B., & Zucker, S. (February 2, 2017). "How to Recognize Italian Renaissance Art." Smarthistory. https://smarthistory.org/how-to-recognize-italian-renaissance-art/

    Khan Academy. "Raphael, School of Athens." https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/ap-art-history/early-europe-and-colonial-americas/renaissance-art-europe-ap/a/raphael-school-of-athens