Explorations in Art

Impressionism: This artwork is called, "The Ball at Moulin de la Galette," by Pierre-Auguste Renoir. France, 1876. This artwork is called, "Rue Montorgueil in Paris. Celebration of June 30, 1878," by Claude Monet. Paris, France; 1878. Both of these pieces capture the vibrancy of life during that century. The artists of these paintings use loose brush strokes and really use light and color to create an uplifting and joyful feeling regarding the environment these paintings convey. Both paintings perfectly elicit a sense of celebration and excitement.  These paintings evoke emotions of happiness, excitement, joy, confidence, love, and provides a sense of togetherness and freedom.  The intention of these artists is to capture the experience and the moment in which these paintings are taking place. These artists seek to show life, celebrations, etc. They sought to provide a fresh visual experience which I appreciate because I love the emotions these pieces elicit, and I ...

  This piece is called, "The Tennis Court Oath" by Jacques-Louis David (1791). France. This painting showcases the famous Tennis Court Oath, which is an event during the early stages of the French Revolution where members of the Third Estate swore not to disband until a new constitution was established. It symbolizes the revolutionary spirit and the commitment to political change. The dimension in this painting provides us with the illusion that there are many people in this square elongated room, that we now can recognize as a tennis court. There contrast in this photo brings out the man in the front dressed in white as well as the man to the right that is propped up and pointing forward. It really brings your eye to the center of this painting. The man standing tall in the center also helps to create this effect and assists in bringing the eye to the ceiling helping to give the effect that the room is very large. This painting is relative to the classical era because of the...

  This artwork is named, "The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp" by Rembrandt van Rijn (1632) This painting shows a lesson being taught by Dr. Tulp, who is a prominent physician of the Amsterdam Guild of Surgeons. The others shown in the painting are his colleagues.  This piece elicits many emotions. The harsh lighting used in this painting gives the piece a very dramatic feel. It really brings your attention to the body and the faces of the people there. There is a sense of curiosity and and interest in the lesson based on the faces of the colleagues. The detail of the faces in this painting adds to the seriousness of this piece. The blue/grey hue that Rembrandt gave the corpse helps emphasize that he is indeed deceased. There is also a strategically placed shadow over the face which can be considered "the shadow of death" which gives the same effect.  This piece of artwork is connected to the expansion of scientific knowledge because the painting represents the ...

  This artwork is "The Sistine Chapel Ceiling" by Michaelangelo. It was commissioned by Pope Julius II in 1508. This piece took four years to complete, with only help doing laborious work such as mixing paint, etc.  This painting depicts separate scenes from inside the Book of Gennesis.  I think this artwork certainly inspires awe through the elements. The center of the piece really grabs the attention of the viewers as it shows the outreach of God and Adams finger which creates a sense of connection. His use of color and light certainly adds depth and drama to the entirety of the piece. It also helps define the characters shapes and makes them look and feel more realistic. Michaelangelo is able to depict human anatomy perfectly which gives the painting a sense of realism and humanism. This piece truly inspires humanism because of the emotional depth he is able to portray as well as the anatomical features of these characters.  I wouldn't own this piece of artwork, o...