131 R – Page 2 – Kelsea Vance

Honoré Daumier

A French painter remembered for his caricatures. Part of the romanticism and realism movements.

His witty caricatures were infamous in his day and even landed him in prison. Though he was a painter and a sculptor, much of this work was overlooked as his lithography. Considered a pioneer in realism for painting people from all walks of life confronting political issues of the time and capturing daily life.

A controversial piece of King Louis-Philippe consuming the taxpayers and pumping out bills to keep the wealthy happy. This directly addressing the amount of money the french government spends on itself. King Louis-Philippe’s salary was 150 times the amount of the American President; meanwhile, much of his people lived in poverty. This piece was censored by the Court and landed Daumier in prison for two months and a mental institution for four.

A very politically minded artist that really stood out to me among his peers of the time. His clear effective imagery speaks clearly upon the struggle of the people.

It’s unfortunate that his paintings were looked over at the time as they illustrate the working class in such a lovely way.

https://www.theartstory.org/artist/daumier-honore/

November 28, 2019 Add Comment

Jean-Antoine Watteau

Neoclassicism, Romanticism, & Rococo

Watteau began training with Claude Gillot around 1704 and influenced his style greatly. They split ways four years later after Watteau surpassed him. Soon after, he joined one of the king’s painters: Claude Audran III. These connections were essential to his success as an artist. These years progressed him as a decorative artist but after leaving Audran’s studio, he abandoned the style.

Jean-Antoine Watteau was a French painter in the Rococo period. He was born October 10, 1684 – Valenciennes, France and died July 18, 1721 – Nogent-sur-Marne, France though he didn’t begin painting till the turn of the century. This piece comprised of two panels was originally a commission of eight, and these panels are the only remaining pieces.

Studies of a Woman Playing a Guitar, or Holding a Musical Score (c.1717)

Watteau was an exceptional draftsman and completed many more sketches than paintings; his friends claimed that he preferred it of the two. My appreciation for paintings can only go so far as my experience with the medium is lacking; although, I marvel at his sketches as they speak to me more than his painted work.

The Pilgrimage to the Island of Cythera (1717)

Pierrot, formerly known as Gilles (1718-1719)

This piece stood out to me as the subject matter and composition are oddly presented. The Rococo style is often light and romantic where this piece contrasts that with a stale, rather sad expression that draws one in.

November 18, 2019 Add Comment

Giovanni Bellini

Early Renaissance/Late Gothic

Depicted is Christ’s time of prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane and Bellinis depiction is often compared to his brother in law, Mantegna’s interpretation of the same scene.

Christ is being held up by Mary and Joseph. this piece was a crucial turning point in Bellini’s work as he begins to move away from the traditional styles of Mantegna and the Paduan school.

October 9, 2019 Add Comment

Artemisia Gentileschi

High Renaissance & Mannerism

Artemisia Gentileschi was born in the Papal States in 1593, daughter to the painter Orazio Gentileschi.

She studied under her father as well as Angostina Tassi completing her first work *Susanna and the Elders* *(1610)* at the age of seventeen.

Both her and her father interpreted many of Caravaggio’s paintings and his dramatic realism is seen in both their works; although, her work was much more realistic than that of her father or Caravaggio and her compositions more dramatic. Artemisia was one of the few female artists to succeed in the 17th century. She made female figures the focus of her work giving the women depicted power and importance. Her experience with sexual assault as a teenager impacted many of the themes in her work, as she was likely working through her trauma this way.

*Danae (1612)*,
jewel tones were a statement in Artemisia’s work, and thought the subject of this piece is common she paints Danae in a rather unique way.

*Judith Slaying Holofernes (c.1620)*,
Another popular subject matter depicted. The power of the women in this scene is quite intense and more graphic than past depictions.

*Lucretia (1623-25)*,
Lucretia was a popular symbol of female defiance in the time. Artemisia paints the phycological journey Lucretia goes through rather than the rape or the pathos

*Cleopatra (1633-1635)*,
Cleopatra is not depicted by Artemisia as a sexual temptress, as many other male painters had. Rather her mistreatment by men has caused her death giving her agency in her life (a different take on female empowerment).

September 29, 2019 Add Comment

Paolo Vernoese

Paolo Vernoese painted biblical/historical scenes in large scale and colour. He apprenticed under Antonio Badile, later marrying his daughter: Elena.

Unusual for most artists of the time, his ‘mature period’ occured in his mid-twenties. The high demand for venitian paintings granted him many commissions. A highlight of his later work was the collaboration with renowned architect Andrea Palladio. Their work was “widely regarded as a triumph of art and design.” (Paolo Veronese – Biography and Legacy, Late Period)

Veronoese’s influence has been noted in many artist’s works, such as: Eugene Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People, Peter Paul Rubens’ The Descent from the Cross. Such trademarks as contemporary architecture and luminous lighting have snuck their way into our contempoary era.