Assignment #3 Renaissance & Baroque

Renaissance Art 

 

The Crucifixion, 1495
Gerard David

     The title of this artwork is called The Crucifixion and it was created by Gerard David in the year 1495. Gerard Davis is an early Netherlandish painter using the inspiration of the crucifixion of Jesus to establish a story about that particular moment. As you can see from the image above, Jesus Christ has been crucified while the surrounding mourn and watch as he suffers in pain. On the left, the person in red has this intense expression while looking at Jesus, this expression helps express the pain and anger that the person conveys. The women seem to be praying for forgiveness for what Jesus has done, displaying a message of sorrow and regret. The person on the far left and the woman in green are both looking in the direction of Jesus which when you view the image, helps your eyes maneuver toward the center. The man on the right seems to be blessing Jesus because after the torture of crucifixion, the body will be laid to rest. The sky has this dark tone with clouds that are forming because of sorrow and discomfort being felt by those in the painting. 

     This artwork is a good example of its style because it reflects that of the art of the Renaissance. Symmetry can be seen in this painting as the two halfs are in balance, one side seeking pain and sorrow, but the other side seeking forgiveness. The balance is within Jesus as he is put upon the middle, being a part of both sides. Although the painting seems to want to put emphasis on Jesus, there is humanism amongst the people around. The people are given expressions that help bring importance to the image. Individualism helps to bring potential to the expressions that are shown. 

Baroque Art

Samson Captured by the Philistines, 1619
Giovanni Francesco Barbieri

     The title of the artwork is called Samson Captured by the Philistines created by Giovanni Francesco Barbieri, also known as Geurcino, in the year 1619. Guercino was an Italian painter during the period of Baroque. Such painting was constructed during the early years of the Baroque period but shows off many distinct elements of that time. The painting depicts Samson, a judge who is given supernatural abilities by god contained in the locks of his hair. Delilah, seen as the woman on the bottom left, has just betrayed Samson by cutting of his hair causing him to lose his powers.The men in the photo, the Philistines, are restraining and overpowering Samson after the loss of his powers. You can see from the art that there is implied movement throughout, as if you had paused an action scene in a movie. The restraining of Samson is captured in this one moment that shows muscle movement and determination in the eyes of the men trying to subdue Samson. The scene packs realism and a dramatic scene that works of the Baroque period seems to display. The lighting of Samson followed by the dark background bring this overall balance within the picture.