Classical Blog 10/21/2021
Classical Blog Exhibit
Morality and The Art of the Classical Era
1. The Death of Seneca, Jacques Louis David
Art Elements and Thoughts
The art elements in this painting include the use of light, references to Roman history, and shallow space. I personally would not own this piece but the artist evoked strong emotions from me, and I can say that confidently about the others as well. The dimensions, emotions of the people in the painting, and chemistry all work quite well together.
2. The Abduction of the Sabine Women, Nicolas Poussin
History and Connections
The Abduction of the Sabine Women was painted in 1634 by artist, Nicolas Poussin in Paris, France. The background behind the story of the painting is that the Sabine women were invited to a festival where they could meet potential husbands and socialize. When the Roman Emperor, Romulus lifted his cloak, the Roman warriors began to seize the women and kidnap them. After this tumultuous event, Sabines and its allies declared war, which resulted in Sabines uniting with Rome. The connection to influence is simply the vicious acts of the Roman emperor and his warriors. This act was pre-meditated and put together so they would be able to capture the Sabine women in a vulnerable state.
Art Elements and Thoughts
The art elements of this work include light, references to the Roman empire, and emotional cues. I would not own a piece of this art, though it was executed very well simply because I can sense the pain and terror through both parties. Initially, when I first found the painting, I was shocked at how vivid and intense some of the paintings are from this era. They truly depict some of the harshest events.
3. The Musical Contest, Jean-Honore Fragonard
History and Connections
The Musical Contest was painted in 1754 by artist, Jean-Honore Fragonard in Paris, France. Fragonard won a scholarship to study at the Royal Academy and composed this work. This painting simply portrays a young woman being swooned by two potential suitors who both attempt to impress her with their musical abilities. The aspect of morality in this painting is that there is an absence of morality; it really is nothing more than a pleasurable atmosphere and "caters to wasteful living" (Dhansen13).
Art Elements and Thoughts
This Rococo-style painting includes art elements such as its warm color palette, light subject matter, and the use of light. This painting is an example of fetes galantes, where men and women are in a park setting in elegant clothing. This painting is definitely the most relaxed out of the three since its setting is in a peaceful place and they are enjoying each others' company.
"Abduction of the Sabine Women, Nicolas Poussin: Analysis." Visual Arts Encyclopedia, www.visual-arts-cork.com/famous-paintings/abduction-of-the-sabine-women.htm
"The Death of Seneca by Jacques Louis David." Jacques Louis David Artwork, www.jacqueslouisdavid.net/death-of-seneca/.
"The Death of Seneca." Petit Palais, 6 July 2020, www.petitpalais.paris.fr/en/oeuvre/death-seneca.
Dhansen13. "Morality in the Arts: A Goal of Neoclassicism." Thoughts a La Destry, 6 Mar. 2013, destrysrambles.wordpress.com/2013/03/01/morality-in-the-arts-a-goal-of-neoclassicism/amp/.
"Jean-Honore Fragonard: The Musical Contest." Art History, 29 Feb. 2012, lesiksarthistory.blogspot.com/2012/02/week-9.html.
"Nicolas Poussin | The Abduction of the Sabine Women | The Metropolitan Museum of Art." The Metropolitan Museum of Art, www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/437329.
I really like the first piece of art you chose. I think that the lighting and shadows used in this piece are incredible and really show how they impact art. It’s really neat how the theme in this piece is still relevant to the present time. I agree with you that this piece evokes a strong emotion from the audience. For the second painting, It’s definitely not one of my favorite pieces because the meaning behind it, but the colors used in it are amazing and it is important to capture the good and bad as well in art. The last painting I think is really pretty. The use of light is very prevalent in this piece. I think that the painting itself is amusing and not one I would own, but one that’s fun to learn about.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Iona! I really enjoyed all of your selections. The second piece stood out the most to me for a couple reasons. The first reason is the specific use of lighting amongst the chaos taking place. Most of the damsels being abducted in the forefront have been "lighted" in a way that makes the viewer visually observe their distress. Poussin also does a fantastic job in his use of colors, notice that the Sabine women and children are all in blue, which generally invokes a calm feeling of peace, whilst the Roman emperor and warriors are clothed in red which signifies an alarming feeling. Poussin did an amazing job capturing the essence of pandemonium in his piece.
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