Modern Art Analysis: Moore, Chillida, Kandinsky & Fauvism
Analyses of Key Modern Artworks
Henry Moore: Reclining Figure (Example Analysis)
Formal Analysis
Composition
A representation of a woman reclined on a horizontal surface, exhibiting a large gap or void beneath the figure. While somewhat figurative, the woman is rendered schematically; for example, the face is disproportionate to the body. The artist emphasizes the upper part of the female anatomy.
Line and Form
A predominance of curved lines transmits calmness and rest, evident in both the solid, rounded
Read MoreThe Doubt of St. Thomas: Romanesque Relief at Santo Domingo de Silos
The Doubt of St. Thomas: Cloister of Santo Domingo de Silos
The monumental sculpture, now prominently displayed, once adorned the cloisters of the Monastery of Santo Domingo de Silos in Burgos. Santo Domingo de Silos and Moissac, nearly contemporary, were among the first to embellish architectural elements of cloisters with storied iconography.
“The Doubt of St. Thomas” Relief
“The Doubt of St. Thomas” is a celebrated relief found on the inner sides of the pillars within the cloister of Santo Domingo.
Read MoreCaravaggio’s Sicilian Period: Burial of St. Lucy and Resurrection of Lazarus
Caravaggio’s Sicilian Period: A Study of Two Masterpieces
In his Sicilian period (1608-1609), Caravaggio’s style evolved, reflecting the unique environment and commissions he received. This analysis focuses on two significant works from this period: The Burial of St. Lucy and The Resurrection of Lazarus.
In these paintings, the soil is well-defined, and figures appear smaller compared to earlier Roman works. The scenes are more intimate, lacking overt symbols of sanctity. The figures are frozen in
Read MoreBernini’s Ecstasy of Saint Teresa: Context, Analysis, and Interpretation
Bernini’s Ecstasy of St. Teresa
1. Context: The Baroque Era
The Baroque era, spanning the seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries, marked a significant shift from the Renaissance. This period witnessed a division of Europe into Catholic and Protestant regions, a crisis of humanism, and a renewed emphasis on traditional and religious values.
The Baroque style is characterized by its propagandistic purposes, rhetorical formal language, and diverse aesthetic trends.
2. Identification: Ecstasy of St.
Read MoreMercantilism and Baroque Art: A Historical Overview
Know …..( 1)
The new economic system known as mercantilism defended the wealth of a country, which was based on the amount of precious metal (gold and silver) that it possessed. Therefore, it was necessary to promote domestic industry and trade, to sell much, buying abroad and earn some money. To maintain the new system, state aid was necessary, so mercantilism helped the power of European monarchies. Jean-Baptiste Colbert (1619-1683).
Know …..( 2)
Monarchy Types
In the feudal monarchy, the king
Read MoreRussian and Victorian Literature: Realism and Social Critique
Russian Realism and the Victorian Novel
Russian Realism focused on:
- Social awareness.
- Development of novels.
- Presence of God.
- Deep psychological analysis of the characters.
The Victorian Novel (1817-1891) explored:
- Middle-class morality.
- Hypocrisy.
- Religious feelings and the crisis in faith.
- Darwin’s The Origin of Species and its impact.
- Defense of the family.
Gogol
- Reflects and criticizes habits and characters.
- Omniscient narrator.
- Descriptive writing.
- Linearity in the action.
- Unique use of humor and irony.
- Fantastic