Art Appreciation
Hokusai The Great Wave of Kanagawa 1832
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Gros Napoleon visiting the Plague-Stricken in Jaffa, 1804
Made by: Antoine Jean-Gros Title: Gros's Napoleon visiting the Plague-Stricken in Jaffa, 1804 Art Style: Romanticism General Background Information: This painting was created in 1804, the event took place in 1799 in which Napoleon was fighting the British and so came into contact with the plague. As a result, Napoleon decided to put all of the infected soldiers in a Mosque in Jaffa, some reports claim that Napoleon had some soldiers drink laudanum to kill them and had some bayoneted Napoleon knew that art can serve as propaganda, so he decided to be painted Christ-like visiting the hospital without protection, glowing, and even touching one of the plague stricken victims in order to show himself as the rightful and anointed emperor of France.
Monet Impression: Sunrise 1872
Made by: Claude Monet Art Style: Impressionism General Background Information: Claude Monet drew the sunrise of a harbor in the upper Normandy region. This painting demonstrate not only the beginning to impressionism but also the beginning of industrialization. It is an oil canvas that foreshadows the future of mankind.
Degas The Tub 1886
Made by: Edgar Degas Art Style: Impressionism General Background Information: Inspired by Japanese wooden blocks, Degas depicts a woman bathing and is unaware that she is being watched during her bath. This is, to some, a dehumanizing misogynist painting due to how she is being drawn without her consent.
Lewis Forever Free 1867
Made by: Edmonia Lewis Art Style: Realism/Neoclassicism General Background Information: The sculpture seems to follow a neoclassical and romantic art style but it's subject is that of black independence. The sculpture represents abolition of slavery in the US as seen by their chains and physical appearance. The figures are both looking up to the sky at a God to show their grace for their freedom.
Manet Olympia, 1863
Made by: Edouard Manet Art Style: Manet and Impressionism General Background Information: Manet drew a nude model of a high class prostitute. This was a controversial painting because at this time it was uncommon and almost wrong to paint a naked woman who wasn't a goddess. This painting captures a real woman, her features are not idealized Manet drew her as authentically as his perspective allowed him to.
El Anatsuis Bleeding Takari II
Made by: El Anatsui Art style: African Aesthetic Traditions: Leadership and Power General Background Information: El Anatsui, is an artist from Ghana and now works and lives in Niger. El Anatsuis is renowned for his work with making simple everyday materials into large scale art. El Anatsui believes in making everyday objects into a contemplation rather than a simple meaningless object.
Delacroix Women of Algiers, 1834
Made by: Eugene Delacroix Art Style: Romanticism General Background Information: Eugene Delacroix visited Morocco and was able to look into one of the harems and was allowed to sketch and created the painting. This painting gives us the perfect synthesis, the exact point of equilibrium between Romanticism and Classicism. It's known for its attention to detail from the tiles on the floor. The slippers on the women's foot shows how inspired and moved Delacroix was of this simplistic scene. Delacroix's painting allowed for the French audience to experience a foreign perspective, to them what intrigued them the most was the clothing style. Delacroix does not miss a single detail and gives an authentic romanticized scene as to almost display the women as something intriguing to the French.
Goyas The Third of May, 1814
Made by: Francisco Goya Art Style: Romanticism General Background Information: The Third of May 1808 is a painting completed in 1814 by the Spanish painter Francisco Goya, now in the Museo del Prado, Madrid. In the work, Goya sought to commemorate Spanish resistance to Napoleon's armies during the occupation of 1808 in the Peninsular War.Goya's painting has been lauded for its brilliant transformation of Christian iconography and its poignant portrayal of man's inhumanity to man. The central figure of the painting, who is clearly a poor laborer, takes the place of the crucified Christ; he is sacrificing himself for the good of his nation. The lantern that sits between him and the firing squad is the only source of light in the painting, and dazzlingly illuminates his body, bathing him in what can be perceived as spiritual light. His expressive face, which shows an emotion of anguish that is more sad than terrified, echoes Christ's prayer on the cross, "Forgive them Father, they know not what they do." Close inspection of the victim's right hand also shows stigmata, referencing the marks made on Christ's body during the Crucifixion.
Courbet Burial at Ornans 1849
Made by: Gustave Courbet Art Style: Realism General Background Information: At the time of its creation, Courbet's Burial at Ornans created a controversy with his painting. The painting is large and has no significant renowned figures, ancient history, mythology, nor biblical meaning. It's a democratic painting since it shows that everyone is equally important and not just the renowned figures of their time period. Courbet wanted to capture what life looked like for the common folk with his painting and the realities of everyday life.
Tanner The Thankful Poor 1894
Made by: Henry Osawa Tanner Art Style: Realism General Background Information: This painting depicts an African America tradition of giving grace before a meal. This painting served to combat racist stereotypes that had been set upon the African American community in the late 19th century. The painting shows how they are grateful and humble with their beliefs; moreover, Tanner uses a warm and dark color scheme to set a relaxing mood. The grandfathers face is darkened out and the little boy is lightened up to represent the teachings that are passed down by generations in cultures.
David Coronation of Napoleon, 1805-1808
Made by: Jacques-Louis David Title: Napoleon Crossing the Saint Bernard. Art style: Romanticism. Art Movement: Propaganda General Background Information: This painting portrays the coronation of Napoleon (he declared himself emperor on May 18, 1804) along with his empress Marie Josèphine Rose Tascher de la Pagerie. Bonaparte manipulated David into painting in Letizia Bonaparte, who did not attend the coronation due to her disapproval of the marriage (it was disproved by the whole family). Napoleon has been described as a master manipulator and it is obvious with how he portrays himself. He shows this in this image by shinning the light on him and the religious men to show their spiritual importance.
David Napoleon Crossing the Saint-Bernard, 1800-1801
Made by: Jacques-Louis David. Title: Napoleon Crossing the Saint-Bernard. Art Style: Neoclassicism Art Movement: Propaganda General background information: Napoleon Bonaparte hired Jacques-Louis David, the artist, to paint him as a handsome heroic like figure. In reality, and now known as propaganda, Bonaparte arrived two days late on a mule; moreover, Bonaparte was described as a short and unattractive man who did not meet any of the descriptions in David's paintings.
Ingres Grande Odalisque, 1814
Made by: Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres Title: Ingres' Grade Odalisque, 1814 Art Style: Romanticism General Background Information: This painting created by Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres who was hired by Napoleon's sister who was the wife of the king of Naples. The Grande Odalisque is a western french portrayal of an odalisque, a woman who lives in a harem. This painting was rather controversial in its time due to the nudity. This is because it was uncommon to see a naked woman unless she was a goddess such as Venus. Moreover, Ingres, a student of David, painted the ladies body in a slender form with slender spine and slender limbs as well. This painting shows how the French lived in an egotistical society and appropriated an odalisque to their ideal perception.
Turners The Slave Ship (1840)
Made by: Joseph Mallord William Turner Art Style: Romanticism General Background Information: This painting shows a slave ship on its way to a country in Africa. The captain of the ship decided to overthrow 50 sick and dying slaves along with several animals in order to get his reimbursed insurance money. This painting aided the abolition of slavery and for justice of the dead. Turner used intense brush strokes to form a beautiful scenery of nature, the sunset is what allows the audience to look deeper into the painting and discovers the horrifying scene of limbs, shackles, blood, and corpses.
Wiley's "Napoleon Leading the Army over the Alps" 2005
Made by: Kehinde Wiley Title: Wiley's "Napoleon Leading the Army over the Alps" (2005) Art Style: Neoclassicism General Background Information: This painting was created to demonstrate the affect of appropriation that art has on portraiture and power and privilege. This painting is a spin of Jacques-Louis David's painting of Bonaparte. It represents how some african american men have to view the world due to their unfortunate environments. This is represented by the mans war outfit to show the struggles of the streets that some of these young men face daily. Moreover, Wiley makes fun of masculinity by painting the background with a French fabric with sperms.
Casset The bath, 1892
Made by: Mary Casset Art Style: Impressionism General Background Information: This painting depicts an intimate moment between daughter and mother. It is something a lot of people can relate to in their lives. This painting stood out at the time because it was painted by a female artist and no one had ever drawn a mother and her child that were not of religious or spiritual significance
Osei Bonsu's Asante Akuba Figure
Made by: Osei Bonsu Art Style: African Aesthetic Traditions: Leadership and Power General Background Information: In the matrimonial Asante society, descent is reckoned principally from mothers to children. It is therefore crucial that women bear females, who will continue their line. For a young girl, an akua'ba figure is a special doll that is treated like a child in preparation for motherhood.Grown women carry the figure inside their wrappers to ensure fertility and the health and beauty of an expected child.
Osei Bonsu Asante Linguist Staff of two men eating
Made by: Osei Bonsu Art Style: African Aesthetic Traditions: Leadership and Power Proverb: Two men sitting at table - Food is for its rightful owner not for the one who happens to be hungry, Hungry man may lust for the power of the king / may not be fit for the important role of leader or that he is a rightful owner of the title. General Background Information: The staff of two men eating at a table is a staff for linguist which would sometimes be carried for translation of the kings rivals. The linguist would also be an adviser, historian, and an intermediate; moreover, the linguist was required to memorize thousands of proverbs and understand them with deep meaning to provide guidance and aid depending on the context.
Harunobu Evening Bell at the Clock 1765
Made by: Suzuki Harunobu Art Style: Japanese Woodblock Prints General Background Information: In this painting we see a woman drying off another one as she looks at the bells to show the illusion of sound, it is a representation of mindfulness and being in the moment (Buddhist imagery).
Gericault Raft of the Medusa 1819
Made by: Theodore Gericault Style: Romanticism General Background Information: Gericault depicts the raft of the medusa. 400 French people were on their way to Senegal to reclaim the imperialized land from the British. However, the captain had not sailed for a long time and the medusa ran into a sand bank. As a result, those of higher status were given the privileged opportunity to ride on the lifeboats while the rest were left to build a raft which was connected to the lifeboats. Then the people of the lifeboats decided they were going too slow and cut the line that connected them to the raft. The people on the raft were stranded for 13 days in the sea many died from disease, starvation, and cannibalism. With the painting Gericault is making an anti-monarchic statement to expose the corruption of monarchy. Gericault drew the painting as if the audience is almost invited or put into the setting to empathize with the stranded.
Eakins The Gross Clinic, 1849
Made by: Thomas Eakins Art Style: Realism General Background Information: Thomas Eakins wanted to change the popular fearful perspective people had on surgeons in the late 19th century. As a result, Eakins sat through Dr. Gross surgery class in which they performed surgery on a boys leg to repair the boys bone. This painting, however, was nearly unsuccessful with its intent since people described it as gruesome and horrifying due to its intense realism with blood and emotion. In an attempt to make the audience trust the surgeon he shines the light on the doctor to represent an enlightened like being that shows that he is saving people rather than hurting them.
O'Sullivan A Harvest of Death 1863
Made by: Timothy H O'Sullivan Art Style: Realism General Background Information: This picture was taken by Timothy H. Sullivan who was one of the first photographers of his time. He had the opportunity to capture an aftermath of one of the battles of the Civil War to show people the horrors of war.
Kinoyaga Two Women at the Bath 1780
Made by: Torii Kiyonaga Art Style: Japanese Woodblock Prints General Background Information: This woodblock print depicts two women bathing. These woodblock prints inspired several French artist and made an everlasting impact on art and in the French with their craze for Japanese lifestyle.
Asante Kente cloth
Made by: Unknown Art Style: African Aesthetic Traditions: Leadership and Power General Background Information: Known throughout the world; Pan-African symbol; Can be read as a text; patterns have meaning as well as color combo; Only worn by the elite; Made of cotton in the 16th century but silk was being imported in 18th century replacing cotton; Since WWII the cloth is made from rayon. Over 300 patterns each with its own name; Each Asantehene was expected to create his own design
Yombe Pfemba "Mother and Child" Figure 1890
Made by: Unknown Art Style: African Aesthetic Traditions: Leadership and Power General Background Information: The figure represents a woman and her child. The woman is of royal background considering her attire with wearing a cap which is a crown for her. The mother wears an indigo collar to represent her spiritual communication with their ancestors. In the Kongo culture in the 1890s the royal mother would replace the king in his absence and led with her title. She is also branded to demonstrate her beauty and importance; moreover, she has hollowed empty like eyes to represent her trans-like state which to them shows spiritual power.
Kongo N'kisi nail figure 1875-1900
Made by: Unknown Art Style: African Aesthetic Traditions: Leadership and Power General Background Information: These are dolls that were used by the Kongonese to seal deals and medicinal combinations called bilongo are sometimes stored in the head of the figure but frequently in the belly of the figure which is shielded by a piece of glass, mirrors or other reflective surface. The glass represents the 'other world' inhabited by the spirits of the dead who can peer through and see potential enemies. Elements with a variety of purposes are contained within the bilongo. Seeds may be inserted to tell a spirit to replicate itself; mpemba or white soil deposits found near cemeteries represent and enlist support from the spiritual realm. Claws may incite the spirits to grasp something while stones may activate the spirits to pelt enemies or protect one from being pelted. The N'kisi has hollowed like eyes to represent his trans-like state and connection to the ancestors.
Hiroshige Plum Estate 1857
Made by: Utagawa Hiroshige Art Style: Japanese Woodblock Prints General Background Informaiton: Hiroshige brings us face to face with the celebrated "Sleeping Dragon Plum" of Kameido. This tree, the most famous in Edo, was known for the purity of its double blossoms, which, according to one Edo guidebook, were "so white when full in bloom as to drive off the darkness." We are so close that we can almost smell the tree's powerful fragrance, reputed to have lured the shogun Yoshimune as he passed nearby in the early eighteenth century.
