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 concepts of reason, liberty, and equality this painting symbolizes. I do not think that I would display this in my home.
This piece is called, "George Washington at Princeton" by Charles Willson Peale (c. 1779). United States.
This piece shows General George Washington leading troops to victory at the Battle of Princeton during the American Revolutionary War. It symbolizes the struggle for Independence and the role of art in commemorating historical events that shaped the birth of a new nation. The warmth in this painting gives off a humid/hot feeling, and the way that he is standing makes me feel as though he is confident. The contrast makes it feel like it is either evening time or it is daytime, but the sky and surrounding area is dark due to the war. This painting embodies the classical idea of using art to preserve moments in history. I do not believe this is something I would display in my home.
This piece is called, "The Death of Marat" by Jacques-Louis David (1793). France.
This painting showcases the murder of the Revolutionary leader Jean-Paul Marat during the French Revolution. He is shown in a bath, where he sought relief from a skin condition. He was assassinated, and this symbolizes how violent this era truly was. The contrast of this painting brings great attention to Marat's face, the letter, and the blood on the fabric. The light casted on these items and his figure make them stand out more than the water he is in or the background. The blood shown helps depict his assassination. He looks as though he has a slight grin on his face, which from my perspective could mean many things, but the first thing that came to my mind was peace. Given the era, his expression could symbolize peace after the end. This, accompanied by the warmer tones in this painting presents to me as a calm, peaceful, and maybe even warm feeling. This art style was inspired by the days of Greece and Rome as it aims to tell stories with strong lessons and create a sense of greatness. I really enjoy this painting and I do think that I would display this in my home.
Charles Willson Peale, “George Washington at Princeton” (1779): Pafa - Pennsylvania Academy of the fine arts. PAFA. (2014, December 28). https://www.pafa.org/museum/collection/item/george-washington-princeton
“The death of marat” by Jacques-Louis David. Joy of Museums Virtual Tours. (2020, September 20). https://joyofmuseums.com/museums/europe/belgium-museums/brussels-museums/royal-museums-of-fine-arts-of-belgium/the-death-of-marat-by-jacques-louis-david/
French, J. L. D. (1791, January 1). Jacques Louis David: The oath of the tennis court. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/785717
I quite like the tennis court oath. The way all the people are crowded together really gives the feeling that this is an entire movement, and not just the actions of a few. The way everyone's arms are pointed up and to the center is a pretty cool compositional element. I find it interesting how the revolutionaries are in a tennis court instead of a court hall or something, really makes me think about the meaning of opposing the powerful.
ReplyDeleteI am not the biggest fan of the George Washington painting. The anatomy is a little off to me, and I can't tell if the colors are like that on purpose or because of age. He is clearly depicted as the leader of the revolution though, as he is standing confident on the battlefield in an intricate uniform.
the funny thing about the Death of Marat is that I couldn't tell it was a dead person at first. He seemed to be reclining to me until I caught the blood. It's a cool painting and I like the contrast. It really shows the spirit of revolt. After all, what is a revolution without a martyr?