Romantic Blog 10/28/2021

 Romantic Era Exhibition

1) Impressionism Art

The Poppy Field near Argenteuil, Claude Monet

History and Artist's Intentions

The Poppy Field near Argenteuil by impressionist artist, Claude Monet, was painted in 1873 in France. Monet painted this potrait after a trip from the United Kingdom. In this era of his life, painting was the ultimate comfort and fulfillment for Monet when his wife, Camille Doncieux's health was declining. Doncieux was the subject of many of Monet's paintings; she was seen as his muse and inspiration. This painting depicts a mother and her young son walking through a field of poppies (theoretically, Doncieux and their young son, Jean) on a clear day. Monet simply found satisfaction and solace in composing this piece. 

Aesthetic Reactions

One of the main elements in this painting is the typical subject matter; it encapsulates a pleasant event between a mother and her child, as well as an eyecatching landscape. This painting also includes blended colors, a common aspect of impressionist work. This work in particular is not as blended in comparison to Monet's other paintings; the flowers and trees are easy to distinguish and there is more contrast in what is featured. Monet also uses loose brush strokes in the grass and sky, but more refined strokes toward the people and flowers. I think that this painting evokes quite joyous feelings since it exhibits a peaceful landscape with bright colors. This work immediately caught my attention with the contrast between the flowers and grass.

Children Playing in the Snow under Plum Trees in Bloom, Yoshu Chikanobu

History and Artist's Intentions

Children Playing in the Snow under Plum Trees in Bloom by artist, Yoshu Chikanobu was painted in 1887 in Japan. This painting takes place in the Meiji Era, which was a significant era of modernization in Japan. There were several transformations in the economic, political and social aspects, one being the abolishment of the traditional social hiearchy. This painting reveals young Prince Haru wanting to play with the other children nearby his home. However, Prince Haru is unable to leave his home due to an illness he has. Chikanobu's influences in composing this piece was presenting the lifestyle of Japanese citizens during the Meiji period; perhaps emphasizing the strong military presence (Prince Haru is wearing a military uniform) and even discrimination between classes of different social classes.

Aesthetic Reactions

I have always been so fascinated by Japanese art; I think it is quite beautiful and there is so much history behind the piece. In this painting, there is a presence of decorative color where colors of a certain theme are used to highlight specific attributes. There is also the art element of perspective in this piece since Japonism style art tends to have a more 2D, flattened appearance. The linework is quite pristine; there is use of more diagonal, sharp lines in comparison to organic shapes.

2) Romanticism Art

The Kiss, Edvard Munch

History and Artist's Intentions

The Kiss, by Edvard Munch was painted in 1897 in Olso, Norway. Munch had his own art exhibition titled, "The Freize of Life" where he showcased his work with various themes from love, death, anxiety and more. This painting represents Munch's uncertain and ambigious insight toward love; he had never been married in his lifetime. Art historian, Reinhold Heller claims Munch's hidden intent was that the intertwined couple in the painting represent a "loss of individuality", since two people in a relationship become lost in each other. 

Aesthetic Reactions

This painting elicits feelings of mystery and confusion for me even though I can obviously tell they are two people kissing. After researching the history of this painting, I gained a deeper understanding of what Munch was attemping to portray in the painting; two souls can become one, but to what extent? Munch uses wide brush strokes in blending the colors, as well as darkness to set the eerie tone. He also uses subject matter in showcasing the couple.

Modern Rome - Campo Vaccino, Joseph Mallord William Turner

History and Artist's Intentions

Modern Rome - Campo Vaccino was painted b.y Joseph Mallord William Turner in 1839. This painting present's Turner's envisionment of the Eternal City (a nickname for Rome). He painted this piece ten years after visiting Rome for the last time. It is a replication of the Roman Forum, which was formerly Rome's epicenter for significant occassions, such as public speeches, elections and criminal trials. This piece was a replication of the Eternal City in Turner's eyes and what he recollected from his experiences in Rome.

Aesthetic Reactions

Turner uses a quite subtle, light color palette using very minimal color in his execution. However, towards the bottom of the painting there are more solid, dark colors that are not very uplifing. He evokes very tranquil, harmonious emotions in his work. He depicts an image of scenery from his own perspective and emphasizes the stunning unexcavated architecture of Rome's history. This piece captivated me because I was able to see through Turner’s lens of how he greatly admired Rome, especially being able to recall such specific details after ten years.

Works Cited

"Japonism movement overview." The Art Story, www.theartstory.org/movement/japonism/.

"Meiji period in Japan." Facing History and Ourselves, www.facinghistory.org/nanjing-atrocities/nation-building/meiji-period-japan.

"The Kiss, 1897 by Edvard Munch." Edvard Munch - Paintings,Biography,Quotes of Edvard Munch, www.edvardmunch.org/the-kiss.jsp.

"Modern Rome - Campo Vaccino (Getty Museum)." The J. Paul Getty in Los Angeles, www.getty.edu/art/collection/objects/251762/joseph-mallord-william-turner-modern-rome-campo-vaccino-british-1839/.

"The Poppy Field Near Argenteuil, 1873 by Claude Monet." Claude Monet: 100 Famous Paintings Analysis, Complete Works, & Bio, www.claude-monet.com/the-poppy-field.jsp.

"Yōshū (Hashimoto) Chikanobu | Children Playing in the Snow Under Plum Trees in Bloom (Secchū Baisō Gunji Yūgi Zu) | Japan | Meiji Period (1868–1912) | The Metropolitan Museum of Art." The Metropolitan Museum of Art, www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/55500.