Goya’s Artistic Evolution: From War to Black Paintings
Phase III (1808-1814): The War of Independence
Phase III (1808-1814) coincides with the Spanish War of Independence. Napoleon, through Godoy, sought passage through Spain to Portugal to enforce a blockade against England. However, Godoy realized Napoleon’s true intentions. This led to the Mutiny of Aranjuez, Charles IV’s abdication in favor of his son Ferdinand VII, and Ferdinand’s subsequent appeal to Bonaparte. This period also saw the creation of the 1812 Constitution, known as “La Pepa.”
Goya’
Read MoreAncient Greece: Physical Culture and Education
Mycenaean Civilization
In Mycenaean Greece, decorative themes often depicted action scenes and clairvoyance. This was a belligerent civilization, with activities such as chariot racing, spear throwing, and archery. They used games as preparation for war, including practices like sprinting and strength training.
Minoan Civilization
The Minoan culture had a pre-Hellenic origin. This stage was characterized by political fragmentation and the use of bronze metallurgy. Agriculture and maritime trade also
Read MoreCourbet’s Masterpiece: The Burial at Ornans
Predominance of Horizontal Lines
The predominance of horizontal lines, broken only by the cross. The contours are well-defined and very limited lineaments. The chromatic colors are limited to brown (the earth) and black (mourning), broken only by the white area of the church, the village women, and a dog. His treatment of daylight is particular to the hours of dawn when shadows are still not very marked. The loose brushwork and linearity prevail over the pictorial.
Composition
The composition focuses
Read MoreCervantes’ Masterpieces: Don Quixote and Literary Innovation
Cervantes: 18th Century Novelist
Cervantes’ literary contributions are foundational to the development of the modern novel. His works encompass a range of styles and themes, showcasing his mastery of narrative and character development.
Early Works and Influences
- La Galatea: This early work contains all the ingredients of the pastoral genre: idealized rural life, characters disguised as shepherds and poets, and a narrative framework centered on relationships. It also includes an extensive anthology
Bernini vs. Borromini: A Study in Baroque Architecture
Bernini and Borromini: Contrasting Styles
Bernini favored marble in his constructions, while Borromini often utilized brick, stucco, and plaster. Bernini embraced wild, open spaces with curves and counter-curves. Borromini, in contrast, created artificial spaces with small, complicated combinations of warping effects. Bernini polished facades and interiors to enhance the interplay of light and shadow. Borromini sharpened profiles, adding highlights and edges to create dramatic chiaroscuro effects.
Read MoreItalian and Spanish Renaissance Architecture
Cinquecento Architecture in Italy
Cinquecento:
In the 16th century, the fundamental center of Italian architecture was Rome. Key concepts included:
- Use of perspective as a method to organize vision and create visual hierarchies.
- Proportion: Establishing mathematical proportions to form a cohesive whole.
- Symmetry: Centralized plans that enclose the space within itself.
- Sobriety and clarity.
Bramante’s Architectural Innovations
Bramante
Born near Urbino in 1444, Bramante originated a new trend that emphasized
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