Both Raphael’s and Rocco Marconi’s paintings are similar in terms of the subject matter since they both illustrate biblical scenes involving groups of people displayed at the center of the pieces. However, the pieces are different in the mood of the stories depicted. Raphael portrays a joyous occasion of Mary and Joseph’s marriage while Marconi refers to the scene of contradiction between adulteress’ shaming and Jesus’ blessing.
Handling of the Figures (proportions, scale, 3-dimensionality, etc.)
The two paintings are different in dimensions, although their overall sizes are approximately similar. Rocco Marconi’s painting’s dimensions are 45 3/4 x 61 1/4 in. (116.2 x 155.6 cm) (“Kress digital project slides,” n. d.); Raphael’s painting is 69 × 48 in. (174 cm × 121 cm). Both paintings portray human figures in scales and proportions that are realistic and correspond with other figures in the paintings. 3-dimensionality is achieved using different means in the two paintings. While both artists use light and shadow to create it, in Raphael’s painting, the perspective with the focal point in the center of the chapel creates the illusion of space and depth, but Marconi uses a darker background to provide shape in the front figures.
Composition
Symmetry is not particularly emphasized in both paintings. While the figures in both paintings are portrayed with equal distribution throughout the canvas, Raphael includes a symmetrical object of a chapel to provide order to his work.
Space
The spatial elements are partially similar in the two paintings. Both artists use lighter and darker shades of colors, as well as shadow and light to bring depth to the pictures. Raphael, on the other hand, utilizes the 3-dimensionality more vividly by enhancing the perspective through drawing a building in the distance.
Materials: Rocco Marconi’s painting is oil on canvas; Raphael’s painting is oil on panel. The shapes of the paintings are different because Marconi’s work is rectangular, and Raphael’s painting is rounded at the top, indicating more reference to the connection between art and church.
Reference
Kress digital project slides. (n. d.). [PowerPoint slides].