Chaos, rich pastel colors, and a story waiting to be told. That is the first thing that comes to mind when one see’s The Judgment of Susannah by Francois Boucher before their eyes. While at first glance, the painting is a beautiful chaos, when looking closer one begins to understand that story that comes along with the magnificent art piece. The painting was started in 1720 and finished production in 1721 and is done in oil on canvas. The painting depicts the story of “Susanna and the Elders” which is located at the end of the Book of David in the Old Testament. The story acts out the events of a young woman-”Susanna” being wrongfully accused of adultery by two Elders. Yet, before she is sentenced to death a young man, Daniel, interrupts and …show more content…
insists that the woman is innocent. In the painting, it is clear that the woman in the center-in blue robes- is Susannah, the young boy seen running to her aid from the right corner is Daniel, and the Elders are placed close to the left of Susannah- in blue and red robes, respectfully. The painting evokes several emotions within the viewer yet the most prominent ones are; despair and commotion. At first glance the viewer cannot help but notice the despair on the subject-Susannah’s-face and the commotion of human bodies and motions around. While there are many different aspects to The Judgment of Susannah, those aspects all add to a cohesive idea, which benefits the viewer, and helps them understand and experience the painting to its full potential. There are many things- that seem small-that positively contribute to the overall cohesiveness and understanding of the narrative that The Judgment of Susannah is trying to present. Although it may seem unrelated, the size of the painting contributes to the amount of Atkinson 2 detail that Boucher included. The fact that the painting is so wide, allowed him to use lighting and shading to add depth within the piece. It also allowed him to use fine detailing within the subjects robes’ to make them look like they were flowing with the movement in which their bodies were moving. To continue, the size of the painting contributes to the overall experience that Francois Boucher intended for the viewer to feel. The size of the painting- 82.5 x 145.2 cm- is the perfect size to display such a chaotic event as the one that unfolds within the narrative of “Susanna and the Elders.” The painting is displayed in a rectangular shape which accentuates the overall chaos that Boucher is trying to bring to light, due to the width of its size. The size also allows the painting to show all the major characters of the biblical story, and doesn’t shy away from making it obvious who those characters are. This helps the viewer visualize how all the subjects are reacting to the event. The size of the painting also allows Boucher to display how chaotic of an event this narrative was. Although, it is wide it feels slightly claustrophobic, due to the obvious commotion that is taking place. Also, the size of the painting adds to the depth of the painting, rather than if it was more of a square shape, which would also take away from the richness of the narrative it is trying to display. To conclude, the size of The Judgment of Susannah contributes to the details within the painting, and adds to the overall experience, due to the fact that it is so wide and inviting, that you cannot take your eyes off of it. Secondly, the use of color in The Judgment of Susannah is one of the most stunning things about the painting. When first viewing the painting the pastel and rich colors are so enticing, you want to reach out at them. One of the first things noticed, is the colors of the Atkinson 3 subjects robes. The robes’ on the people in the presumed courtroom come in an array of shaded, but most stay within the lines of blues and reds. The robes are more rich red tones towards the left of the painting, and pastel and blue colors towards the right. These colors are perhaps used to portray how each individual is feeling about the event that is occurring. The reds are perhaps used to symbolize anger, and the blues are perhaps used to portray despair and sadness. Although, the majority of the robes are red and blue, there is a certain individual whose robes are neither of those predominant colors. Daniel- the young prophet who helps clear Susanna’s name in the biblical tale- can be seen in the lower left corner, dressed in a pink robe. The color of Daniels robe stands out because it is the only pink thing in the whole painting. This is done for a reason that is not clear to me. The reason for this must be to symbolize innocence, because pink is a very innocent and pure color. It is also possible that it is for the sake of that color popping within the reds and blues of the piece, to draw the viewer's attention to Daniel, because he is one of the most important characters in the biblical story of “Susanna and the Elders.” While the portrayal of colors within the painting, mostly reds and blues, is most evident within the colors of the subjects robes, the blue and reds are also found in other places. This is found beyond the robes-yet on the same sides as their respective sides- the colors are present in the red curtain hanging in the top left corner of the painting, and the blue sky that is seen peeking from behind the archway and further along the top right corner. To conclude, it is no doubt that the colors in The Judgment of Susannah are used to portray the emotions of the subjects within the painting, as it helps the viewer fully understand what emotion state the subject where in. Atkinson 4 Thirdly, the use of perspective and the use of light within The Judgment of Susannah helps the viewer determine the most important part of the biblical story of “Susanna and the Elders” and also the painting itself.
To begin, the obvious focal point of the painting is Susannah herself. Her body is shown, cascaded in the arms of a man who seems to be carrying her out of the court- and to her death. Her arms are spread as if asking for help, and her eyes seem to roll into the back of her head with despair. Making Susannah the focal point, helps the viewer study her physical state, which helps determine her mental state as well. She is filled with obvious despair, which is evident in her posture, as her body is currently in mid-fall, and her eyes are rolled back as if she is going to faint. This displays a woman wrongly convicted of a crime she did not commit. This is important because that is the purpose of the biblical story in which she is present. She has been wrongly accused, so undoubtedly she would be in shock when confronted with her own death. Directly behind Susannah, is an archway with a bright blue sky behind it. This is likely to symbolize the heavens, which is where she would have gone if she was indeed killed, because although she was sentenced to death for adultery, the accusations were false, so she would not have gone to hell in the end. Linear perspective, is also used within the painting, within the staircase under Susannah. To continue, the use of light is also a prominent factor in the painting, in regards to perspective and also alone in its own right. Again, Susannah is the focal point when it comes to light in the painting. Again, directly behind her is an archway, which shines light upon her whole body and Daniels’ face. This presents itself as symbolizing the innocent beings within this photo. This is even more clear, as the viewer notices that as Daniel is running towards Susannah, he is running out of the shadows, as if he is escaping the
darkness Atkinson 5 and running towards the light. To conclude, the perspective and light used in The Judgment of Susannah helps the viewer have a better grasp on how Francois Boucher wanted the subjects of the painting to be viewed, and how the biblical tale portrayed them. Finally, the physical gestures and the characters looks and glances within The Judgment of Susannah contribute well to the overall mood of the painting and the feeling that Francois Boucher wants the viewer to feel. To begin, the physical gestures in the painting help portray the franticness that the characters are feeling about the chaos that is occurring around them. The focal point of the painting, Susannah is shown sprawled in the arms of a man who seems to be carrying her out of the courtroom, with her arms open wide and her eyes rolling into the back of her head. Her whole demeanor portrays shock, despair, and a calling out for help. While Susannah is reaching out, most of the individuals in the painting are reaching in toward her. They are reaching towards the middle, whether to get their hands on Susannah to stop her death, or to abuse her before she leaves the courtroom, is not certain. The most prominent figure who is reaching towards Susannah, is Daniel. He is seen running out of the shadows and into the light, with his mouth open as if yelling that she is innocent. His one hand seems to be up in a calming motion, as if he is trying to stop all the commotion around him and calm the other characters down. Furthermore, there is one woman who seems to be grabbing at Susannahs’ feet, as if to stop her removal from the courtroom, symbolizing the womans’ loved ones, who didn’t believe the accusations against her. There is also a woman beside her who is crying and evidently upset. To continue, the looks and glances of the characters are also symbolic and important. While the faces of the main characters of the story are clear and precise, the faces of the subjects in the foreground, are blurred. This is so the viewer can make out how the other subjects are reacting, while not straying too far away from the important characters. To conclude, The Judgment of Susannah does a fantastic job at using the physical gestures and looks from the characters to portray the chaotic scene as if it were happening before the viewer's eyes. To conclude, there are many different aspects of The Judgment of Susannah by Francois Boucher that contribute to the understanding of the painting, and the overall theme of chaos that is present throughout the piece. The biblical story of “Susanna and the Elders” is a story of betrayal and wrongful conviction, and The Judgment of Susannah portrays that story beautifully. When seeing the painting, I was in awe at how rich the colors were, and how there was evidently a story to be told. The painting was the first painting that I sat in front of for more than thirty minutes, just so I was able to take everything in. Francois Boucher did a beautiful job using, the size of the painting to his advantage and leaving no part of the giant canvas untouched. The use of rich and pastel colors that flow throughout the painting are evidently there to symbolize the tone of the story and the feelings of the characters in the painting. The use of perspective and light, makes sure that the viewer is focusing on everything, but the most important things are in the focal point.
Wayne, transforms this painting into a three dimensional abstract piece of art. The focal point of the painting are the figures that look like letters and numbers that are in the front of the piece of art. This is where your eyes expend more time, also sometimes forgiving the background. The way the artist is trying to present this piece is showing happiness, excitement, and dreams. Happiness because he transmits with the bright colours. After probably 15 minutes on front of the painting I can feel that the artist tries to show his happiness, but in serene calm. The excitement that he presents with the letters, numbers and figures is a signal that he feels anxious about what the future is going to bring. Also in the way that the colors in the background are present he is showing that no matter how dark our day can be always will be light to
At the top of the artwork the upper part of the cross extends beyond the altarpiece. The edge of John the Evangelist’s red robe on the left of the altarpiece and the edge of Mary Magdalene’s pale blue skirt on the right are cut off when the panel ends, giving the viewer the feeling that, rather than looking in on the scene, the viewer is actually taking part in the scene. This, added to the empathy invoked through the delicate, heart-wrenching rendering of the figures in the artwork, let the observer directly interact with the painting and places him/her within the narrative.
Joseph Hirsch’s painting Daniel was painted in 1976-1977. In 1978 during the153rd Annual Exhibition of the National Academy of Design, it won the First Benjamin Altman (Figure) prize. It measures 38 inches by 45 inches (96.52 cm x 114.3 cm) with a five inch gold wood frame surrounding it. The medium is oil on canvas. Everything within the painting is centered to draw your eyes to the action of the turned head and the pointed finger. According to the placard next to the painting this is a modern day version of the biblical story of Belshazzar’s Feast following the sacking of Jesualism from the Book of Daniel. From this point on, each figure within the painting will be addressed as Hirsch intended. The painting depicts a seated king, a dozing courtesan and Daniel. The three figures are the focal point of the composition. Hirsch uses a strong color palette to give the painting a luxurious and wealthy feel. Although the detail is not miniscule, the composition as a whole is easily understood. The use of oil paint allowed Hirsch to play with the composition as it was created.
By the presence of the public in scenes three through eight and by the depiction of a prominent judge in the final scene. Just judgment seems undeniably at the iconographic heart of the Susanna Crystal and the key to it’s message.
My initial thought about this painting is that it seems to be incorrect. The reflection in the mirror shows that the lady is looking in the direction of the man standing in front of her. If the lady is looking at the man their reflections should not be off to the side. The second observation is the lady is sad or disappointed and is looking past the man standing in front of her. My last observation is there are three sections from left to right; bottles and the audience, the lady, and the reflections of the lady and man. The most interesting concept about this artwork is how the reflections seem to be inaccurate. If the bottles and the reflections of the lady and the man standing in front of her are at an angle, then why are the vertical lines perpendicular to each other?
The immediate background consists of natural mounds of dirt and a brick wall that enclose the Virgin, Child, and St. John, amplifying the protective effect that Mary’s figure has. The dirt mounds roll inward with a brick wall bordering them on the right, drawing the viewer’s attention towards the three figures. The background is painted in broad terms, with a simple, uniform depiction of tree leaves and smooth rock faces on the horizon. This contrasts with the fine-lined detail and texture of Mary’s hair, facial features, and veil, which further contribute to her elegance and highlight her
The painting is a large painting it is almost five feet tall and four feet wide. It is an oil painting on traditional canvass. The color choice is very dark and gloomy. It serves the purpose of putting the viewer in a somber mood. From the first glance you can tell that this is a sad setting. To some viewers Ida might bring a feeling of disgust, however, after closer inspection of the painting, the inner beauty seeps out. The black backdrop works to bring Ida out to the viewer. The fact that Albright was able to take a young and pretty model, transform her into an almost “Walking Dead” type creation from his own mind, shows that Albright had a very creative mind. The patterns of the carpet, along with a tear in the fabric beneath the chair she sits on give the carpet a life of its own, distinct, yet worn from time and abuse, much like Ida herself. The texture of the vanity behind her is duller. He gives no real definition to the outline of the lower drawers, there was nothing in there of any significance, but it works as a great background for Ida's leg.
Since she could not own, much less lose a realm, the speaker seems to be
The ability to create a picture of The Annunciation in one’s mind is a key factor in understanding the analysis of the work. Francisco de Zurbaran approaches the painting with a naturalistic style. The painting features a room in which a woman – like angel is seen at the left kneeling on the ground before the Virgin Mary. The figure of Mary is placed between a chair and a small wooden table draped with a green cloth. Mary disregards an open Bible on the table, as she appears solemn while staring at the floor. Floating above the two main figures in the upper left side of the painting are cherubs resting on a bed of clouds. They happily gaze down at Mary with eyes from Heaven.
Looking across the entire triptych certain visual elements can be seen. Lighting is carefully used to highlight many important details in the painting; the dramatic facial expressions of many of the people in this scene are clearly lighted and defined to illustrate the emotions felt by the witnesses. In the left panel of The Raising of the Cross, among the mourners appear to be St. John, another man that seems to be consoling St. John, Elizabeth (the mother of John the Baptist), St. Mary (the mother of Jesus) and Mary Magdalene (hoocher.com). One of the mourners is actually looking directly at the viewer with a very distraught expression on her face. The mourner that I suspect is St. John in the back appears to be almost nauseous and his face is surrounded by darkness and is subordinate and his face is being emphasized. Also, the rocky background is subordin...
The Awakening by Kate Chopin is the story of a women that is going through struggles and is trying to break free from her current situations. In this novel, Edna Pontellier releases herself from her deepest cravings, starts a relationship that rekindles her long sexual desires that jump starts her heart, and eventually takes over and Edna can see nothing else. As she goes through many changes Edna gets involved in many activities. One of these activities is painting; painting becomes one of her favorite pastimes and her artwork often reflects important people in her life. Edna’s emotions take charge in her paintings and helps Edna decide when and what she wants to paint, this is why the readers get a sense of strong passion when Edna paints.
The theme can be generally recognized in this piece through color, space, and especially through use of light. The colors used in this piece are mostly calm toned, whereas the robes and shawls worn are pale blues, corals, and beiges. There are however, some harsh colored objects such as Mary’s navy blue shaul and deep coral gown, as well as Christ’s coral necklace that stand out from the rest of the colors. Mary’s veil and the angel on the lefts’ hair are translucent in certain streams of light coming from the windows throughout the room. The artists suggests that the light is dedicated not to represent the divine but to rather represent a more natural juxtaposition on the piece. The space that the characters stand in is fully used by the subjects but also has a very interesting doorway with heightened perspecti...
I chose “The Martyrdom of St. Matthew” as the painting that best illustrates the baroque period. The reasons surrounding my decision are clear in Caravaggio’s painting. Here Caravaggio uses the entire canvas to illustrate complexity, flow, and chiaroscuro. The painting depicts the source of lighting to be coming from the left side of the plane. The brightest light focuses directly on Matthew’s executioner who intends to strike Matthew with an old balcanic hand weapon. Caravaggio masterfully illustrates the use of lighting by casting believable shadows. As an example, the shadow of the handle on balcanic hand weapon reflects on the executioner’s left thigh and knee. Another shadow appears on the executioner’s right inner thigh. The lighting source to the left of the executioner, the executioner, St. Matthews, the boy, the 2 observer’s bottom, right, and the fainter lighting upper left of the canvas illustrates the technique of visual movement. The lighting is placed strategically, causing visual movement within the piece. For example, the illumination of the executioner’s forearm directs my attention to the angel who appears to be handing St. Matthew a palm leaf. As a result, my eyes then focuses on the body of St. Matthew, lying on the bottom of the altar, then my eyes shifts up toward the Angle’s arm. The lighting on the angel's arm contrasted with the darkness of the palm leaf forces the viewer to look at the hand to see what St. Matthew is reaching for. The boy fleeing the scene further draws in the viewer. The two adult observers at the bottom right of the painting are illuminated but not as bright as the two main characters. Next, my attention is drawn to the man lying on the bottom steps, left side of the canv...
One Art by Elizabeth Bishop is a poem that explores loss in comparison to an art; however, this art is not one to be envied or sought after to succeed at. Everyone has experienced loss as the art of losing is presented as inevitably simple to master. The speaker’s attitude toward loss becomes gradually more serious as the poem progresses.
In the poem “One Art” the thesis statement declared in the first stanza, on the first line as “The art of losing isn’t hard to master” also repeating it again in line 6 and 12. The statement is better interpreted as “The skill of losing is not hard to attain”. Bishop speaks in the poem as if she has successfully mastered the skill of losing. She also goes around in circles admitting that the art of losing is not hard to master as if that is what she is making herself believe is true. She is also helping the reader create a habit as the reader reads and repeats the refrain of “The art of losing isn’t hard to master” not to mention the line 4 where she tells the reader to make it a habit to, “Lose something every day”.