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

    

 

Sketch in the Shade

 

I choose to write about Mark Rothko's oil canvas painting entitled "Sketch in the Shade." I was browsing through the National Gallery of Art's website and was immediately drawn to this piece because the sense of peace and fluidity that radiated off of it. 

Mark Rothko was born Mark Rothkowitz in Latvia in 1903, and immigrated to America in 1913. This work of art was created in 1925, relatively early in his artistic career. During this time he was interested in surrealism, which is my favorite style of art. However he is most known for his color field paintings which emerged in 1947. He loved to create art that expresses emotions and brought the viewers to tears. 

The brushstrokes in the trees are not all uniform, this natural pattern makes this piece interesting. Like real leaves and bushes, they grow in many different directions. I believe this also gives some movement to this artwork. 

I love the tones used in this piece. The contrast of the light and dark shades gives this it depth and shadows which makes it look more realistic. 

The colors are vibrant and varying. The green hues radiate a sense of peace and calmness. I also love that Mark did not neglect to include the pieces of skyline in between the trees. Also the different colors in the sky. The layering of those colors really add value to this piece. I love all the little details that round out this artwork and make it complete. 

References. 

National Gallery of Art. "Mark Rothko." https://www.nga.gov/collection/artist-info.1839.html

Kedmey, Karen. "Mark Rothko." Museum of Modern Art.  (2017).  https://www.moma.org/artists/5047#fn:1