17th-Century Europe: Imagery [CHRONOLOGICAL] Flashcards
When does the Facade of St-Peter’s Basilica originate? What does the piece provide to the context of 17th-Century Europe?
Carlo Maderna, Facade of St. Peters Basilica, c. 1602-12, Baroque (Italian)
- Catholic pope; use architecture to reaffirm their position (Counter-Reformation)–> encompassed religious subjects commissioned for public display. Modern (Artist) constructed the layout: Latin cross –> separated the central church of catholicism from earlier Pagan structures. Longitude plain reinforced symbolic distinction.
- Classical elements–> grandeur–> outside= colonnades–> perfect circle in favor of High Renaissance. Traditional area between secular spaces of the city and the spiritual spaces–> Counter- Reformation architecture.
When does the Gianlorenzo Bernini, David originate? What does the piece provide to the context of 17th-Century Europe?
Gianlorenzo Bernini, David, c. 1623, Baroque (Italian).
- Figures with vital, dynamic energy. Dynamism movement–> looking back to classical Greece but specifically from the Hellenistic period–> get the release of tension= more complicated pose.
- Leaning diagonal lines that visually convey energy, emotion, and drama, naturalistic but NOT idealized.
- Message: feel invigorated by your faith.
When does the Caravaggio, Entombment originate? What does the piece provide to the context of 17th-Century Europe?
Caravaggio, Entombment, c. 1608, Baroque (Italian).
- Caravaggio style: Stark contrast between light and dark (Tenebrism). Proximity of the figures and the spotlight effect of light, dark contrast, creates impression of theatrical event.
- Populates scene with these ordinary plebeian types–> naturalism, transforms a religious experience into a human drama–> harsh/ dingy setting of lower-class.
- Proximity of the figures invites the viewers to participated–> underscores a significance in Christianity doctrine–> Transmutation–> becoming into a physical space.
When does the Judith beheading Holofernes originate? What does the piece provide to the context of 17th-Century Europe?
Artemisia Gentiileschi, Judith beheading Holofernes, c. 1619-20, Baroque (Italian).
- Violent/ graphic imagery (Personal life)–> Caravaggio inspired, more visceral and realistically rendered –> Heightened struggle.
- Physical and psychological strength –> Victory of virtue over vice (Catholicism)
Where does the Elevation of the cross originate? What does the piece provide to the context of 17th-Century Europe?
Peter Paul Rubens, Elevation of the Cross, c. 1610, Baroque (Flemish).
- Baroque characteristics of action and emotion to inspire the Catholic faithful are on full display. Image emphasis trauma, struggle, and dynamic tension through composition features: strong diagonal lines, sharp chiaroscuro ( blending/ balance of light and dark.)
- Brings space/ scene to the viewer–> Italian influence: rich, vibrant colors. Classical antiquity (Michelangelo) through figures muscularity–> followed Counter-Reformation principles of creating enticing and persuasive religious arts to reinforce Catholic doctrine.
Where does the Surrender of Breda originate? What does the piece provide to the context of 17th-Century Europe?
Diego Valazequez, Surrender of Breda, c. 1634-35, Baroque (Spanish).
- Bloody/violent aspects pushed into the background (unusual)–> Dutch= disorganized/ youthful, Spanish= well-organized/ seasoned–> military competence.
- Emphasis in respectful gesture rather than dominance= departure from traditional iconography –> invented scene to show off ideas about the Spanish army and Monarchy.
Where does the Las Meinas originate? What does the piece provide to the context of 17th-Century Europe?
Diego Valazquez, Las Mienas, c. 1656, Baroque (Spanish).
- Virtuoso display of the act of painting itself (?)–> development of Valazquez style–> loose application of paint (textures and lighting) rather than tightly controlled
- Fast/loose perspective: vanishing point for the perspective system is distinct–> different locations rather than converging. Cohesion disrupted.
- Velazquez has physical prominence–> elevate painting and court status–> art and life are illusions–> playing with our understanding of reality.
Where does the Man Offering Money to a Woman originate? What does the piece provide to the context of 17th-Century Europe?
Judith Leyster, Man offering Money to a Woman, c.1631, Baroque (Dutch).
- Genre scenes were interpreted through a moralizing scenes–> in the absence of religious art, Genre scenes instilled morality–> served to demonstrated ideals and poor behavior–> presents a positive model that exemplified women (Addresses proper stages of a life for women)
- Reveals prosperity for sharp contrast of light and dark ( Caravaggio inspired).
Where does the Company of Captain Franz originate? What does the piece provide to the context of 17th-Century Europe?
Rembrant Van Rijin, the Company of Captain Franz, c. 1642, Baroque (Dutch).
- Static portrait– Narative. Inclusion of artist portraiture. Creates active movement and emotional response.
Where does the Table with Cloth, Salt Cellar, Gilt Tazza, Pie, Jug, Porcelain Dish with Olives and, Roasted Fowl originate? What does the piece provide to the context of 17th-Century Europe?
Clara Peeters, Table with Cloth, Salt Cellar, Gilt Tazza, Pie, Jug, Porcelain Dish with Olives and, Roasted Fowl, c. 1611, Baroque (Dutch)
- Still-life painting (carries meaning of implications of a wealthy household)–> pattern linen cloth, expensive export; silver salt cellar, silver/salt were expensive; olives/oranges, luxuries in Northern Europe; roasted fowl, hunting showed wealth and resources; piece indicated global connections.
Where does the Louis XIV originate? What does the piece provide to the context of 17th-Century Europe?
Hyacinthe Rigaud, Louis XIV, c. 1701, Baroque (French).
- Portrayed as an absolute monarch–> positioned himself at the center of the universe; art/architecture used to propagandize his rule and claim power= supremacy/divine authority
- Opulence consistent w/ Baroque excess, drama harnessed for religious purposes. Classicalism to align his rule with the might of imperial rule.
