The Broken Column’ by Frida Kahlo: Analysis

Introduction Frida Kahlo painted The Broken Column in 1944. It is an oil painting on masonite, 13 inches wide, and 17 inches high, displayed in Museo Dolores Olmedo Patino in Mexico City. The picture is a self-portrait of a woman in considerable physical and mental pain, but in no way...

Miller’s Death of a Salesman: Thematic Analysis

Death of a Salesman is a 1949 chef-d’oeuvre stage play by Arthur Miller, which addresses various issues that were affecting American society at the time. Specifically, the theme of the American dream features prominently in this play. According to Mgamis, historian James Truslow Adams coined the idea of the American...

Damien Hirst: Biography

The attempts to capture life and death were ascribed to various artists throughout history. However, these subjects still attract the attention of contemporary creators who present their views on it. One of them is Damien Hirst, and his peculiarity is in not only in the emphasis of his installations on...

Photography Art: A Girl on a Bridge on Lake Garda

Reflection Photographs give information on what real-life scenarios look like away from human influence. In this case, a sketched photo of a girl on a bridge on Lake Garda is compared to that taken in real life. The picture shows a vast scene of an unending sea and a girl...

Art and Design in the 19th Century: Technological Change

The 19th century was a turbulent period in terms of the rapid technologic development that was marked by such prominent innovations as the camera, electric light, the typewriter, and other inventions. The key two innovations that transformed the lives of people were electricity and steam engines. They impacted artworks by...

The Definition of Art and Visual Art

I do not consider a beautifully made tool a work of art because the intention for its creation is dissimilar from producing an art object. In my view, art serves the purpose of communicating the author’s thoughts through the objects that he or she creates. I do not think that...

The Play “A Doll’s House”: Summary and Analysis

Introduction The play consists of three acts where the first act is an introduction to the event, the second act is an inclining of the affair by making it tenser, and the last act is a culmination of everything with finding the solution and answers. The play is focused on...

Frida Kahlo: Life, Experiences and Art

Introduction Frida Kahlo is often regarded as one of the most popular female artists and artists of Mexican descent in the world. More than sixty years after her death, Kahlo’s thought-provoking and honest works are still appreciated by those interested in self-expression by means of art. Given the stories behind...

Tattoos: From Social Taboo to Social Acceptance

Abstract The purpose of this research paper is to summary and comment upon the changes in perception with regards to tattoos by the society over the years. While the unanimous acceptance of tattoos in the society has not yet occurred, tattoos have moved from being a taboo subject to gaining...

Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein: Comparing and Contrasting Artworks

Introduction This article will compare and contrast two pop arts by different artists. The first art is by Andy Warhol with his art soup cans which was produced in 1962. This artist was from New York and was also a filmmaker and print maker. The other is by Roy Lichtenstein...

Shirley Gorelick and Principals of Design

Shirley Gorelick (1924-2000) was one of the most prominent female artists of the 20th century. This American painter developed a distinctive realist style that enabled her to create “penetrating psychological portraiture” (Hottle). Gorelick studied at Brooklyn College and Columbia University. The artist’s early work was affected by surrealism, cubism, and...

Paul Politis’ Black and White Photography

Introduction Photography has been a recognized and a distinguished form of art. Many renowned artists have worked as photographers each specializing in the different fields. This paper shall be discussing the works and the inspirations of renowned photographer Paul Politis who specializes in the black and white photography. Discussion Paul...

Jackson Pollock’s Painting “Convergence”

The creative activity of Jackson Pollock raised much criticism and doubts concerning its significance in the world of art and the level of professionalism and artistic talent included in it even at the time of Pollock’s life. The reason for such prejudice can be seen in the unique, individual style...

The History of African Total Theatre

Introduction African theatre has been described by Kennedy as that of “festivals and rituals share a common dramatic experience in a communal setting through group participation. They celebrate life and examine the survival scene. And in the midst of this communion of vibrations is the use of regalia, dramatic expression,...

Salvador Dali and Leonardo Da Vinci: Biography

Salvador Dali and Leonardo da Vinci were key figures in their historical epochs. The unfitness and significance of these men is that both Dali and da Vinci made a great contribution to painting, sculpture, graphic and design, created new methods and techniques, new vision of reality and the world around...

Criticism of the Painting by Pawel Kuczynski

The work is a painting depicting a boy or young man, with his head pressed against an open book lying on a desk with a vise. Other books are stacked on the desk; no labels are visible, and text in the two open books is illegible. The proportions are realistic,...

Mash-Up Technique in Art

A mash-up technique as an approach to art creation provides a lot of opportunities for an artist to use existing materials and rearrange their parts, thus reinterpreting reality. The advancement of technology and popular culture, as well as the development of media editing software, “have enabled a paradigmatic shift in...

Ansel Adams’s Photos’ Aesthetic and Philosophical Influences

Influential Photography Ansel Adams (1902-1984) was one of the most well-known landscape photographers and environmentalists whose works continue to charm art lovers nowadays. An ardent advocate of conservationism, Adams received his first camera in 1916, at the age of fourteen. At the time, photography had not even reached its first...

Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa Painting Analysis

Name of the painting: Mona Lisa Name of the artist: Leonardo da Vinci Dates created: 1504-1506 Mona Lisa Analysis: Essay Introduction Mona Lisa is one of the most prominent and recognizable paintings in the world and is considered the greatest masterpiece of its author, Leonardo da Vinci. Created in 1503,...

Harlem Renaissance: Impact on Religion, Family, Art, and Music

Tentative Research Question The following research question has been formulated for this paper: How did the Harlem Renaissance affect African American society? Reasoning: Effects of the Harlem Renaissance Religion and Family The research paper will answer the question of the influence of the Harlem Renaissance on the progress of African...

T. Sully’s Portrait of Sarah Sully and Her Dog, Ponto

Title: Sarah Sully and Her Dog, Ponto Artist: Thomas Sully Date: 1848 Medium: Oil on canvas Source: San Antonio Museum of Art Introduction When I visited the San Antonio Museum of Art, I became interested in the presented portraiture collection. I feel that the painting Sarah Sully and Her Dog,...

Georges Seurat’s Neo-Impressionism & Pointillism Impact on Modern Art

Introduction Georges Seurat is recognized as the pioneer of the Neo-Impressionist strategy, generally known as Divisionism, or Pointillism, an approach related to a flashing surface of little specks or strokes of color shades (Clancy 19). The works of Seurat include “Bathers at Asnieres,” “Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La...

Iconography Art: Understanding Symbols in Art

The subject for this week is iconography art. I have been really impressed by the subject because I have always paid attention to the icons or symbols in the art. Actually, in art criticism, iconography is defined as the description and systematization of typological features and patterns taken by the...

David Hockney: Art Medium Technologies Usage

Introduction Hockney used different forms of technologies to explore and hone his craft. He was adept at using different technological innovations from a pencil to photocopiers. He even experimented with fax machines and a device known as the Quantel Paintbox. Although Hockney utilized different forms of technologies as his mediums...

Avant-Garde Art, Urban Capitalism and Modernization

Introduction The avant-garde artists are significant to the modern society because they provided experimental and innovative arts, which transformed social, cultural, economic, and political aspects of the society. Essentially, the avant-garde artists formed the basis of modernism and post-modernism as their works focused on capitalism, modernization, and industrialization. Through their...

Paintings: The Baptism of Christ and Christ and the Adulteress

The two artworks representing the image of Christ I have chosen for my paper are (in the order of the pictures): (a) “The Baptism of Christ” by master of the Life of Saint John the Artist (National Gallery of Art, Washington), and (b) “Christ and the Adulteress” by Lorenzo Lotto...

Thomas Cole’s “View of the Arno near Florence”

Thomas Cole’s 1837 painting of the sunset at the Arno, near Florence, is one of the best artistic testimonies of the American painter’s love for Europe, especially Italy and particularly the city of Florence. Cole’s glad journey to Europe, which he made between 1829 and 1832, was probably one of...

The Starry Night: Van Gogh’s Masterful Use of Color and Emotion

Introduction The first impression of The Starry Night is one of awe and amazement. The artwork mesmerizes, with the bright yellow stars shining against the deep blue sky. The swirling lines add movement and drama to the painting, and the color palette evokes a sense of peacefulness and calmness. The...

Gender Role Representations in Art: The Woman of Willendorf and Kouros

Introduction Representations of gender and gender roles play an important role in modern society, but they have had a significant impact on societies even in the distant past. To examine the different kinds of representations of gender in the past, we can analyze works from different eras, such as The...

Lysistrata and Chi-Raq: Satirical Resistance Against War and Violence

Introduction Aristophanes’ “Lysistrata,” a classical Greek comedy penned in 411 BCE, and Spike Lee’s 2015 film “Chi-Raq,” set amidst the gang violence of modern-day Chicago, are separated by over two millennia, yet they share a striking thematic core: the intersection of relationship, war, and power. Both works offer a satirical...

Curated Exhibition: Exploring the Human Condition Through Art

Introduction I decided to have a themed exhibition instead of just showing all the art to create a cohesive and meaningful experience for the viewers. By focusing on a specific theme, the artworks will communicate with each other and provoke more profound thoughts and emotions in the audience. My preference...

Stylistic Features in Ancient Art: Expression Through Form

Introduction In this essay, the question posed is how stylistic tools and features express ideas in art. To answer this question, three works of art from the periods covered in the course must be analyzed. These works must be identified by their title, date, artist, place of origin, and medium....

Albrecht Dürer: The Pioneer of Printmaking and His Lasting Influence on Art

Introduction Albrecht Dürer, a 15th and 16th-century German Renaissance artist, profoundly influenced the art world through his prolific printmaking career. Known for his exceptional talent and dedication to the medium, he remains a pioneer in printmaking. This paper explores Dürer’s life, his contributions to printmaking, compositional analysis, and the lasting...

Henry Darger’s Art Brut and Outsider Art: The Paradox of Innocence and Darkness

Introduction Henry Darger’s Personality and Art Henry Darger, an anonymous recluse, rose to prominence as one of the most well-known figures in outsider art after his death. Darger’s life was complex; he was born in Chicago in 1892. He had a difficult upbringing in hospitals and orphanages after losing his...

Exploring Pipilotti Rist’s “Ever is Over All”: Art, Nature, and Feminine Power

Identification of the Work and Its Medium Nowadays, technologies allow artists to push the boundaries of art and communicate their messages and beauty to people through video and TV. One of Pipilotti Rist’s most famous artworks is Ever is Over All, an audio-video installation first shown in 1997. This beautiful...

Van Gogh’s “Irises” vs Monet’s “Sunrise”: Color, Light, and Line

Introduction Paintings of two outstanding artists in art history – Vincent Van Gogh and Claude Monet – are the treasures left to the world. Both impressionist painters became famous for their colorful and fascinating artworks that included their unique styles. While Van Gogh is recognized for his expressive brushstrokes and...

Chinese Art: Unique Attributes and Characteristics

Introduction It is important to note that Chinese art has a range of unique attributes and characteristics. A Thousand Peaks and Myriad Ravines is a painting by Wang Hui, which exemplifies this uniqueness by providing both the landscape tradition of the use of Chinese ink as well as a short...

Characteristics of the Statue of Buddha and Gandhara Art

Introduction Art is a very unique way for people to communicate and exchange different ideas and cultural customs. Buddhist art is a visual expression of Buddhism that originated in Gandhara and is reflective of the Gandhara style (Ullah et al. 379; Yasuda et al. 128). One of the prominent exemplars...

Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa & Van Skorel’s Mary Magdalene

Multiple people believe the Mona Lisa is an exceptional painting that was highly appreciated even when Leonardo was still working on it. Indeed, the Mona Lisa is a realistic portrait, and the painter devoted particular attention to the delicate skin of Mona Lisa’s palms (Keshelava, 2020). However, the details alone...

How the Story “My Life in Art” Influenced My Artistic Work

The narrative “My Journey to America” by Sassone, Marco Massimo, and Peter Clothier illustrates how the environment influences and directs the lives of individuals. How we define our careers and how we live our lives are influenced by our peers. After spending time with Silvo Reffredo, who encouraged him to...

The “Crack Is Wack” Painting by Keith Haring

Introduction The paper will consider the painting “Crack is Wack” which Keith Haring created. The artist used catchy slogans to make a quick and effective statement. One of the most prominent examples is “Crack is Wack”, a mural about the crack cocaine epidemic and its consequences in New York City...

Heaven, Hell, and Dying Well: Images of Death in the Middle Ages

Introduction “Heaven, Hell, and Dying Well: Images of Death in the Middle Ages” is an art exhibit presented by the J. Paul Getty Museum in 2012. The exhibit revolves around the topic of death, the afterlife, and their perception by artists of the 15th century. Comprised of nearly 20 artworks...

The “Saint Mark” and “David” Sculptures by Donatello

Saint Mark and David inspired humanism, an intellectual movement of the Renaissance. During the Renaissance, artists gave up on middle-age traditions in architecture, painting, and sculptures, mainly for church decoration, and adopted humanist beliefs. They shifted their focus from religious arts to capturing detailed human bodies; this was an art...

Analysis of a Visit to the Louvre

Introduction The Louvre is one of the most famous sights of Paris and one of the most famous art museums in the world. The trip to the Louvre took place at the end of May. The museum has an official website where the visitor can view all available information about...

Photographic Essay: The Key Advantages

Introduction It is important to note that using written or oral means of communication are highly useful when trying to deliver information, but they are rather weak when it comes to sharing an experience. Photos that tell a story are vital because they contain more depth on visual aspects of...

The “Pointing Man” Sculpture by Alberto Giacometti

Pointing Man or L’Homme au doigt is a bronze sculpture created by Alberto Giacometti. The figure represents a man with unrealistic proportions pointing with his right hand. At first look, the sculpture looks almost intimidating as the distorted man calls to action with his gesture. Experts interpret it in different...

The Royal Holland Pewter Coffee Pot

Provenance I remember seeing a weird steel coffee pot on the windowsill in my ninety-year-old grandmother’s kitchen and asking her where it was from. Proudly, the grandmother replied that it was the Royal Holland Pewter Coffee Pot, but nothing ringed a bell for me. I asked about it more, and...

The Culture of Civilizations: A Comparison of Chinese and Japanese Art

Introduction Today it is difficult to answer unequivocally the question of why man needs art. Some argue that art exists to beautify life: these people aim to discover beauty as an eternal law of being. Others believe that art should educate; they search for works for the good, the benefit,...

The Exhibition Christian Sorrow: Panorama of the Crucifixion of Jesus

Title: The Raising of the Cross. Author: Peter Paul Rubens; Medium: Oil Paint; Size: 15’2″ × 11’2″; Date: 1610-1611; (Getlein 393). (Rubens). Title: Trinity with the Virgin, Saint John the Evangelist, and Donors. Author: Masaccio Fresco. Size: 21’9″ × 9’4″. Date: 1425. (Getlein 368). (Masaccio). Title: Isenheim Altarpiece. Author: Matthias...

Beethoven’s Influence on Later Artists

Introduction Ludwig van Beethoven is one of the greatest German composers of the 19th century. Polyphony, which J.S.Bach and his contemporaries represented, was replaced by a bias towards homophony, mainly represented by Haydn and Mozart’s greatest symphonists. They created a new form that combines elements of harmony and counterpoint. Beethoven...

Understanding Frida Kahlo’s Artworks

To understand Frida Kahlo, one has to approach her work through the lens of personal perception, adding intimacy to the viewing, just like Kahlo immersed herself in each artwork. There is an inevitable consequence of such close viewing – endowing Kahlo’s work with many interpretations, and appropriately so. The integrative,...

Creativity and Its Importance for Art

Creativity is generally the ability to generate alternative ideas and possibilities crucial for solving problems, entertaining ourselves, and communicating with others. In architecture, creativity means putting effort into creating the physical framework that enables us to live the way we do instead of falling into the lifestyles passed through generations...

“The Creation of Adam” by Michelangelo as Inspiration

Rethinking the past is beneficial for idea generation, so turning to the universally recognized masterpieces for inspiration is a common practice. The Creation of Adam by Michelangelo, one of the key tourist attractions of the Vatican, is among such thought-provoking pieces. This paper presents a drawing inspired by Michelangelo’s painting...

Images of the Medicine Lodge Peace Treaty Signing

Two images depict the same occasion, which is the Medicine Lodge Peace Treaty signing. The first image demonstrates the USA government and the tribe leaders meeting at the special place. This place is considered as a traditional place for Native Americans. In the second image, there are colorful traditional clothes...

“Last Supper” by Leonardo Da Vinci: Iconographical Interpretation

The Last Supper mural was created by Leonardo Da Vinci in the years 1495-1498 and belongs to the High Renaissance period. The work is located in the Dominican monastery of Santa Maria Delle Grazie in Milan and depicts the last supper of Jesus and his Apostles. In particular, Leonardo portrayed...

The Natural History Museum in London

Background History of the Museum Located on the Exhibit road, along the south Kensington area, the main frontage of the Natural History Museum is on the side of Cromwell Road. The Museum has 70 million specimens gathered from earth and life sciences. The Museum is known as a center for...

Kandinsky’s and Matisse’s in Different Aspects of Art

Since the second half of the nineteenth century, the art of painting has evolved from photographic-like depictions of objects and people to complex representation of a more abstract nature. Explaining the new art forms, many painters set down their artistic concepts and principles in treatises and essays, among the most...

“Flaming June” by Frederic Leighton Analysis

Art has always been used as an instrument to create awareness, express emotions, and entertain the audience. Consequently, to appreciate an artwork accordingly, it is necessary to conduct full analysis on the artwork and its creator. Flaming June is a magnificent work of art created by Frederic Leighton, a British...

Art Conservation and Restoration as Ethical Issue

Introduction The role of museums, art galleries, and private collectors is to ensure that the art in their possession is well preserved. This is an ethical issue that is expected of them, and the aim should be to maintain the aesthetic value of the piece of art, though economic considerations...

Cultural Identity and Theater Aesthetics

Theater in the twenty-first century is characterized by the examination of various topics related to diverse aspects of human life. Cultural identity is one of the areas explored with the help of theatrical aesthetics. It is noteworthy that the issues related to identity have been recurrent throughout the history of...

The Problem of Poverty in Art of Different Periods

Artists have always been at the forefront of addressing social issues, by depicting them in their works, they attempt to draw the attention of the public to the topics which are often avoided by politicians. The problem of poverty affects many societies worldwide, and to this date has not been...

Gender Roles in Hung Liu’s Paintings

Hung Liu is one of the most famous painters of the 20th century who expresses Chinese and American cultures. She was born in Changchun, China, in 1948 and moved to the United States by the end of the 20th century (Nigris 192). Liu is known to often portray courtesans, entertaining...

“She Kills Monsters: Virtual Realms” by Nguyen

The Covid-19 pandemic has brought many issues to the world, while the theatre industry has demonstrated that it is possible to overcome every challenge with the help of creative decisions. Baylor University’s production of the play She Kills Monsters: Virtual Realms that have been staged in 2020 is a suitable...

The Works of Photographer Steve McCurry: Consequences of the War

Introduction The launch of Steve McCurry’s career occurred when he disguised as a native person and entered Afghanistan through Pakistan right before the Soviet Invasion was to happen. He saved photographic documentation of the event, and these images were published worldwide showing the conflict. Steve McCurry kept covering armed battles,...

“Starving Child and Vulture” Photo by Kevin Carter

Introduction The photograph “Starving Child and Vulture” made by Kevin Carter is one of the pictures that impress the souls and influence the minds of people. Since 1993, when it has been made, it remains a subject of discussion, referring not only to political issues, but also to deep social,...

Reflection on Photography: An Art Piece or Mass Entertainment?

Photography has become a true art like cinema, theatre, sculpture, and others. However, it has its own particularities: for example, it is possible to immortalize no more than a second, and there is no way to make any changes in the shot. What is more, it is necessary to mention...

Renaissance. Man with a Red Turban by Jan van Eyck

Introduction This is an oil painting purportedly, a self-portrait drawn by Jan van Eyck in 1433. It is evident through the inscriptions which have been translated to English and mean “Jan van Eyck Made Me on October 21, 1433″. Jan van Eyck was one of the pioneers of the early...

The School of Athens as Renaissance Art Embodiment

The Renaissance is the period of European history, characterized by significant progress in sciences and humanities, as well as philosophy. This has been reflected in all forms of art, including music, painting, literature and architecture. Originating in Italy, the Renaissance took inspiration from the Greek and Roman antiquity and coupled...

The Renaissance of the 12th Century: History & Culture

Introduction Renaissance is a name given to a period in history where many changes were witnessed in an otherwise stagnant society. It is a French word which can be construed to mean a new start or a rebirth (Klaus 4). Renaissance means many and diverse changes that happen at a...

Duke Ellington and Francis Bacon: Comparative Analysis

Duke Ellington Duke Ellington was an American composer and performer. He was born on April 29, 1899. At this period of time, the Wright Brothers were trying to build the first sustained flight with a powered, controlled aircraft. Aviation history can be found online Aviation history, no date. Black people...

Opera in 19th Century

Opera in America’s past often conjures up old-fashioned, Victorian images of ample divas poised in extravagant settings. This larger than life musical genre elicits memories of a Tristan and Isolde singing their glorious love duet but too fat to embrace convincingly; an Aida richly costumed despite her slave status; foreign,...

Tracey Emin as a Post-modernist Feminist Artist

Introduction Tracey Emin is a well know feminist artist of the late 20th century and she is ambidextrous in the field of art. Her versatile genius covers a wide range of artistic mediums like Films, Installations, and Found objects, Fabric, Neon, Photography, Painting, sculpture and Monoprints. She is also a...

Alexander Rodchenko: Russian Constructivist

Introduction Photography is the world that is absolutely different form painting, sculpture and architecture. It may seem that photography combines the features of all above mentioned trends in art and integrates them all while creating the pictures of different object. There are many of artists who shifted from different types...

Italian Renaissance: Art and Architecture

Italian Renaissance is well known for its cultural and societal achievements which took place between 14th to 16th centuries and initiated from Tuscany, thereby affecting the Greek and Roman culture. However the mid 15th century is considered to be as a true and prominent renaissance era. Innovators of the Italian...

Artemisia Gentileschi’s Art in Feministic Context

Introduction The world of art of the 16th or 17th century differed from the contemporary one and was characterized by absolute male domination. Only a few female artists managed to succeed and gain fame in art until the 19th century. Nevertheless, there is a woman whose outstanding artistic performance brought...

St. Louis Shakespeare’s Tempest: Performance Review

The performance of The Tempest as performed by St. Louis Shakespeare theater was used for this reflection. The production approached the play using a period drama approach with a focus on acting and stage presence as the primary factors to drive the play. This performance covered the text of the...

Humanistic and Naturalistic Ideas of Art

How did the arts express humanistic and /or naturalistic ideas during the Renaissance? Explain using one example of art. While it is agreeable that the renaissance’s framework was laid by political, social and economic factors, it is also clear that the talent of artists such as Leonardo Da Vinci, Brunelleschi...

“The Oath of the Horatii” by Jacques-Louis David

Introduction The Oath of the Horatii is one of the great paintings done by Jacques-Louis David. The painting was completed in Rome before the close of 1785. It was widely and symbolically used as a communication tool in political and philosophical issues. It is apparent that romanticism influenced Jacques-Louis to...

Final Year Design Project: Inspired by “The Collector”

Abstract This paper describes my final year design project. The project will be founded on several aspects that will try to make it unique and high end. The project is founded on John Fowles book, “The collector”, and how various factors in the book interact. The project draws upon the...

“Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction” by Benjamin

Introduction The shift towards capitalist values in the modern world has marked a distinct change in the perception of art, which prompted numerous attempts to explain the phenomenon. The current paper analyzes the essay “Work of art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction” by Walter Benjamin in order to determine...

Barriers to Understanding in Art

Introduction Although to indulge in an artistic experience, one may need to use not only vision but also other senses, possibly all five, how people see an art piece usually becomes the defining factor in their further evaluation and impression thereof. In his article “Ways of Seeing,” John Berger addresses...

Hines and Riis’ Photographs Analysis

Introduction Jacob Riis was a police reporter working for the New York Times paper that ensured that information on the poor working conditions was brought to light. In his works, Riis advocated for better working conditions, better housing, enough lighting, sanitation, and construction of city parks in different cities of...

The Terracotta Statuette of Eros Flying

The Chosen Exhibit Description For my reflection essay after visiting the Ancient Greece Architecture Gallery at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, I have chosen one of the ancient Greek pieces of art presented there, namely, the terracotta statuette of Eros flying (see Figure 1) (Karoglou, 2016). The statuette represents Eros,...

Existentialism in 1940-50s: Alienation & Society’s Influence

Introduction When existentialism appeared in the 1940-50s as a philosophic and literary movement, it primarily concerned the idea of alienation of the artist from the world and the deteriorating influence the society exerts on human nature (Modern art movements, n.d.). Existentialists reacted against the systematic approach of rationalist philosophy that...

The Marble Column From the Temple of Artemis at Sardis

The artifact that was selected for this reflection is the marble column from the Temple of Artemis at Sardis which can be found at the following link. It is originated from the Hellenistic period (300 B.C.). It is an iconic example of the Ionic order column which graced the Ancient...

Orientalism: Defining the Concept and Its Impact on Cultural Perceptions

Hello, students! I hope your break went well, and now you are focused enough for the lecture on Orientalism. Can anyone tell me in brief what is Orientalism? In the past years, Orientalism was predominantly used for referring to two different nations. First, Orientalism referred to the school of painting,...

”A Visit From the Old Mistress” by Winslow Homer

The painting by Winslow Homer called A Visit from the Old Mistress was created about ten years later after the end of the American Civil War. The painting is one of the most famous works of art in the United States and the world in general. It depicted a scene...

Caravaggio: Founder of Baroque Style in Visual Art

Nowadays, Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio (1571-1610) is being commonly referred to as the founder of Baroque style in visual art (Charles and Klaus 43). Such a point of view is fully justified – something that can be easily illustrated, in regards to the essence of what can be identified as...

Antigone as the Tragic Hero: Analysis of Sophocles’ Stages of Tragedy

Introduction Whereas Sophocles’ Antigone undoubtedly belongs to the genre of tragedy, there is much controversy over who the main tragic hero is in the play. At first sight, it may seem that the main character, after whom the play was titled, is a tragic heroine since she suffers from many...

The Colosseum: History of Ancient Roman Amphitheater and Symbol of Cultural Heritage

Introduction The Colosseum is one of Italy’s most recognizable architectural monuments worldwide. For almost two thousand years, the majestic amphitheater in the heart of Rome has been attracting millions of visitors who want to see this iconic structure. The name Colosseum comes from the Latin word that can be translated...

Ancient Greek Tragedy and Comedy: Evolution of Dramaturgy and Artistic Reflection in the 6th–4th Centuries BCE

Introduction The immense cultural value of Ancient Greece cannot be overestimated. Greek dramaturgy, a particular representative of that time period, served as a cultural medium that not only entertained its contemporaries but also allowed them to preserve this knowledge for future generations and human civilization as a whole. In this...

Gustav Klimt’s “The Kiss”: Love, Passion, and the Golden Era of Art

The Artist’s Background Gustav Klimt was an Austrian painter born in 1862 in Vienna who, in a certain way, revolutionized the way love and sexuality can be represented in art. Klimt was among the most progressive artists of the time: in 1897, he and other like-minded creators established the “Vienna...

The Impact of the Taking a Stand in Baton Rouge Photo on Social Justice Discourse

Introduction Taking a Stand in Baton Rouge (Figure 1) is a famous photograph taken by Jonathan Bachman during the 2016 Minnesota protests triggered by the shooting of Philando Castile and Alton Sterling. The image has reached cult status quickly, with many news outlets characterizing it as a treasured piece commenting...

The Repatriation Debate of the Parthenon Marbles: Ownership and Cultural Heritage Issues

Introduction Art is a significant part of each country’s history and is regarded as a cultural heritage, which is extremely important for their development. That is why saving historical legacy for each state to recollect in memory of each country’s great past is crucial. However, many incidents happened during the...

Caillebotte’s On the Pont de l’Europe Painting: A Formal Analysis

Subject Matter The Kimbell Art Museum is displaying the artwork On the Pont de l’Europe. This 64.7 by 81.3 cm oil painting on canvas, created by Gustave Caillebotte in 1876, shows a busy scene on a suspension bridge in Paris (Sunnyside). To express a sense of modernization and urban life...

How Art Represents Reality in Plato’s View

Plato & Aristotle’s View of Art According to Plato, art is an imitation of things in the real world. However, these things for the philosopher were only shadows of their ideal images. Therefore, art turns out to be even further from the truth than the surrounding world, which it imitates....

The Saqqara Bird Among Out of Place Artifacts

Not all artifacts have a clear and concise use or objective. This is why some of them become the subjects of debates and controversies surrounding their purpose. One of those items is the Saqqara Bird, shown in Figure 1, the meaning and function of which are still unclear to this...

Italian Futurism and Fauvism Analysis

Futurism is an art style that originated in Italy during the early twentieth century. It is typically described as an homage to the technological and industrial development of the time. It is important to understand the term Industrial Revolution – the scientific advances that occurred during the third quarter of...

Photography as a Contemporary Art Form

Modern art has no precise definition: it remains an elastic term that can have a variety of meanings. Nevertheless, it is customary to say that the term refers to works created around the period 1870-1970. In this era, photography, in addition to establishing itself as an art form, preserving and...

Cai Guo-Qiang’s Artistic Decisions

The value of art in human life cannot be measured. Through art, people may explore the history of human progress and societal issues and interests. Individuals can evolve spiritually, become more robust, and achieve balance and harmony in their spiritual needs via the practice of art. Art helps express thoughts...

The Representational Aspect of Art

Introduction Representational art encompasses all drawings that symbolize something that already exists in real life. The displays portray things with significant visual similarities to the actual world; they depict real-life subjects or objects, even though some forms can be moving towards abstraction. Representational art was embodied by the initial artworks...

Pablo Picasso’s “Woman with a Watch” Painting

This painting has a shape based on a combination of different geometric shapes. It can be noted that a combination of various straight and broken lines is used. It should be noted that this picture can be described based on the expressive theory of evaluation, due to the peculiarities of...

“The Journey of the Magi” by Stefano di Giovanni

Introduction The Metropolitan Museum of Art is among the most well-known art institutions in the world. The museum was established in 1870 to provide art and arts programs to the citizens of the United States. The main structure in New York City is located on Manhattan’s Upper Eastside. Its exhibitions...

Art and Entertainment: Is There Any Difference?

Many people see art, especially popular art, as a form of entertainment. They consider that since art pleases the eye and senses, it is made to entertain and make people relax. However, this notion is far from being true. The difference between art and entertainment is that art often requires...

Think Different: A Rhetorical Analysis of an Image

Summary Introduction This graphic depicts the Apple tagline and logo; the campaign employed reasoned rhetorical appeal to arouse viewers’ common sense, beliefs, and values by praising revolutionary leaders and explaining that creative thought causes good change. Apple is based on the pre-existing fundamental reality that a group of historically prominent...

Immortal Blossoms in an Everlasting Spring by Giuseppe Castiglione

Introduction Immortal blossoms in an everlasting spring were sixteen bird and flower paintings by Giuseppe Castiglione. Castiglione was an Italian artist and a Jesuit missionary based in China during the Qing dynasty, where he was known as Lang Shining. The particular piece of art is associated with eternity and the...

Violence in Joseph Rodriguez’s Photographs

Introduction Joseph Rodriguez’s photography is considered a meditation on the different types of violence in poor communities in East Los Angeles. Being a former drug user, Rodriguez took pictures of the gang life to escape his addiction and show how hatred and cruelty can destroy families and children’s lives (Martinique)....

Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel Fresco and Rivera’s “Man…”

Both Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel Fresco (1508-1512) and Rivera’s Man, Controller of the Universe (1934) seek to depict man’s place in the world. The Sistine Chapel fresco was commissioned by Pope Julius II for the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace and was painted by the Florentine artist Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni between...

Art and Culture in the 21st Century

Born in Britain with Nigerian roots and raised between London and Lagos, Yinka Shonibare manifests a mixed heritage through artwork. In addition, his artistry prowess signifies a person living in two worlds with a global perception of issues such as nationalism, politics, and belonging. His work not only draws one’s...

Colour Contribution to the Mood of the Painting of Burial at Ornans

In terms of color, the artwork has minimal unconventional features. A robust white underlay and vivid amber yellow, vermilion, and olive green provide a welcome contrast to the dark tones that prevail in the crowd-focused horizontal strip. The colors used are given a wide range of intonations, with vibrant pops...

Xavier Yarto’s Postmodernist “Ninas Bonitas” Artworks

Xavier Yarto is a bright talent from Mexico, creating his unique works in a post-modernism manner. Yarto’s series of paintings, “Ninas Bonitas”, is dedicated to women intended to fight with beauty stereotypes existing in modern society. Xavier Yarto shares his visions on his personal website, “I started painting women as...

Albert Einstein’s Tongue Photo: History and Significance

Introduction Albert Einstein is an outstanding scientist who gained fame for his physics discoveries and became a cult image. In addition to scientific achievements, a photo of Einstein, where he stuck his tongue out, gained significant fame. Today, this image is widely distributed and used in various fields – from...

Hendrick Avercamp, the ‘Mute of Kampen’ Artist

Known as the ‘Mute of Kampen,’ Hendrick Avercamp was a non-verbal artist of the late sixteenth-early seventeenth century who specialised in writing winter scenes. His depictions of the Dutch winter have been highly appraised by patriots because they realistically depicted the daily living of the newly-created Republic of the United...

Comparison of the Style and Works of Yves Klein and Lothar Wolleh

Introduction Art as a complex process involving a variety of manifestations of a creative thought provides an abundance of interpretations and meanings that the audience is persuaded to experience under the influence of an artist. Regardless of the intentions and narratives encoded in a given work of art and the...

Buonarroti’s Moses from the Tomb of Pope Julius II

Context The statue of Moses was created by Michelangelo Buonarotti approximately in 1513-1515. Michelangelo’s previous work, David, quickly gained recognition among the public (Zirpolo 160). Following these events, in 1505, Pope Julius II commissioned the artist to come to Rome to build a tomb (Fenichel 153). Moses was planned to...

Cimabue’s “Enthroned Madonna and Child” and Giotto’s “Ognissanti Madonna”

The 1285 Cimabue’s Enthroned Madonna and Child and the 1305 Giotto’s Ognissanti Madonna have several subtle dissimilarities portraying the change in a rhetorical and stylistic sense at the beginning of the early Renaissance. These two pieces of art are also similar in many ways, and the artists depict great symbolism...

Art and Humanities as Part of Human Experience

The process of making creative works, participating in them, or examining them enriches the lives of people, impacting an individual’s perception of self and the world around them. The videos and the article discussed as a part of this assignment are all used to highlight the role arts play in...

The Chauvet Cave and the Lion Panel Painting

Some people may think that almost nothing in this world remains a secret to humans. Indeed, there were numerous discoveries and expeditions throughout history, and if there were anything hidden, scientists would have already found it. However, an accidental discovery made twenty-seven years ago, when many persons also believed that...

Self-Portrait With Bandaged Ear

The selected painting is the work of Vincent Van Gogh, called Self-portrait with bandaged ear, painted in 2-D and belonging to the social category as it reflects the artist’s inner state. Van Gogh always strove to paint himself and everything surrounding him without embellishment, conveying life as he saw and...

Symbolism of Starry Night

Vincent Van Gogh is one of the most famous artists who expanded the boundaries of people’s understanding of art. Van Gogh was born in 1853 in Zundert to a family of a pastor. This fact could explain the artists’ life-long interest in religion (“Vincent Van Gogh: Starry Night,” n. d.)....

Symbolism of Canopic Jars in Ancient Egypt

Introduction A canopic jar is a ritual vessel, usually a jug with a lid in the shape of a human or animal head. The ancient Egyptians stored organs extracted from the bodies of the dead during mummification. After extraction, the organs were washed and then immersed in vessels with balm...

The Black Square by Malevich: History and Context

Suprematism is the genre with the main idea to supersede the modernist genres such as Cubo-Futurism. Its paintings are geometric and seem to be primitive. The Black Square is a typical example of a suprematist painting. It is unusual and dissimilar to typical art: it shows no familiar forms, only...

The Venus of Willendorf: The Significance

The value of the Venus of Willendorf is its aesthetic component. The creation of this work of art demonstrates to modern people that their ancestors were concerned about beauty issues (Zygmont, n.d.). It has no practical application, and the theory that it could be used for religious purposes can be...

Erin Benay’s “Caravaggio and Caravaggisti in 17th-Century Europe”

The essay “Caravaggio and Caravaggisti in 17th-Century Europe” by Erin Benay describes the artistic contribution and style of a famous artist, Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, and explores the problem of originality. Numerous attempts of imitating his works led to the emergence of the term Caravaggisti which identified his stylistic followers....

“The Sacred and Profane Love” by Titian

Introduction “The Sacred and Profane Love” is an oil painting found in Galleria Borghese, Rome. The artwork was designed by Titian and has been analyzed by different people to reveal its meaning. The art was created in 1514 and consists of two women and a little winged boy. Therefore, one...

Lady Sennuwy Statue of Ancient Egyptian Culture

This is a statue of Sennuwy, which was found in a tomb at Kerma. It was buried with a Nubian King three hundred years after Sennuwy died. The meaning of the Sennuwy statute is that it represents the new dynasty and the old Egyptian Kingdom. This statue is carved very...

Jackson Pollock’s Lavender Mist and Mark Rothko’s Rust and Blue Comparison

Number 1 (Lavender Mist) is a masterpiece created by an abstract expressionist artist Jackson Pollock in 1950. Number 61 (Rust and Blue) was created by the artist Mark Rothko who also belonged to the abstract expressionism art movement. The most apparent common feature of these two pictures is that both...

The Paintings of Van Gogh and George Seurat: Comparative Analysis

Discussion of contrasts evident in artworks from various ages and art movements is an essential part of art investigations. Understanding the differences between works created and analyzing the historical context of the era in question can significantly improve the historians’ knowledge regarding specific artistic approaches (Roslak, 2017). In this work,...

Cave Drawings of Chauvet-Pont-d’Arc and Lascaux

Cave paintings are the oldest and most interesting source of knowledge about the cultural development of the past millennia. Each new image uncovered is an encouragement to a better understanding of the ancient world. The two remarkable finds, the murals in the Lascaux and Chauvet-Pont-d’Arc caves, are both the greatest...

Symbols in Ancient Sculptures of Zeus

Ancient Greek gods and goddesses often had particular traits or symbols that were typically associated with them. In this paper, I will discuss the symbols representing this deity and that people may see on almost every Zeus’ sculpture. In Greek mythology, Zeus is the god of lightning, thunder, and the...

Local Color Realism: Twain vs. Jewett

Local color realism is a writing style that is derived from the presentation of the characteristics and features inherent to a specific place and its inhabitants. Both Mark Twain and Sarah Orne Jewett created regionalist works. The role of the narrator is particularly relevant in such a context because they...

The Transition of Roman Art Into the Christian and Byzantine Eras

The Transition The Roman Empire had a huge impact on the artistic and architectural patterns of many places where the empire ruled. The artistic impressions that were depicted in the art and architectural forms addressed various forms of human activities and emotions. Roman Empire art and architecture reflected the value...

“Freedom From Want” by Rockwell

Any famous painting is a combination of both artistic talent and deep connotations invoked in it. Therefore, looking at an artwork merely as a picture without going deeply into the origins and subtle meanings of various scenes, and characters leaves many details unrevealed. A perfect example of a painting requiring...

Art Creation and Reflection: A Personal Art Piece

Painting is one of the most popular forms of traditional art, which has fascinated people by the variability of genres and the uniqueness of ideas hidden behind each creation. My favorite kinds of painting are landscape and still life. In the present paper, I would like to present my own...

Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí: Contrastive Analysis

It happened that two of the most prominent artist names in the history of the fine art of the 20th century belong to Spain, and these names are Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali. Calling the names of these two artists side by side, people tend to oppose them, which is...

“The Slave Ship” by Turner: Romantic Landscape of Death

Joseph Turner, a prominent Romanticist, expressed strong opinions on the anti-slavery agenda, and The Slave Ship is a part of his activist statements. The background portrays a lost ship caught in the storm (Turner). Foreground displays sea creatures and chained black slaves pushed into the water. I find it fascinating...

“Salon de la Rue Des Moulins” by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec

Introduction In the current essay, a painting “Salon de la rue des Moulins” by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec will be analyzed in-depth, considering the context in which it was created. A brief overview of the painting, the artistic movement, the artist’s style, different influences, and personal reflection on learning will be...

The Bust of Queen Nefertiti

The statue of Queen Nefertiti is one of the most famous examples of ancient art, depicting the image of one of the most beautiful women of antiquity. It was created in Egypt, circa 1345 BC, by the sculptor Thutmose, who was the official court sculptor of the Pharaoh Akhenaten, and...

Visual Analysis – Editorial Cartoon

The student debt crisis raises an increasing concern in different segments of the USA society mainly because it places the enormous financial burden on both a distinct individual and the USA budget. The fierce debates primarily revolve around effective solutions on how to repay or reduce the debt and make...

Campbell’s Soup Cans by Andy Warhol. Picture Analysis

The purpose of art is to inspire, as well as to be thought-provoking, but sometimes an artist opts to be just provocative instead. Andy Warhol ranks among the most eminent figures of the 20th-century art. Extravagant on the verge of audacity, he defied traditional perception of the matter and promoted...

The Drag Queens and Drag Kings

Introduction Drag is an art that involves entertaining people by crossing sexes to have the characters perform roles of the opposite sex. Drag shows contain performances of music, dances, skits, and monologues, with either one performer at a time or a group of performers to entertain the audience. Most such...

“Woman with a Veil” (La Velata) by Raphael

One of the most prominent principles used in Woman with a Veil is balance. The composition of the painting is symmetrical, with the woman’s face being the focal point, and her figure and hands creating a vaguely triangular shape. This composition creates a sense of serenity. Another important principle that...

Pablo Picasso’s “The Old Guitarist” and the Concept of Life Journey

Every person is faced with a creative or professional crisis at some stage in their life. The nature of these events is diverse, as well as their further influence on individual development. The Old Guitarist by Pablo Picasso has influenced my personal life and career, as it symbolizes the movement...

“A Woman in Blue” by Thomas Gainsborough

The artwork under consideration is a picture of A Woman in Blue (1777-1779) by Thomas Gainsborough. The size of the original is 30 x 25 1/4 in (76 x 64 cm). The picture belongs to the Hermitage collection. The portrait A Woman in Blue by Thomas Gainsborough is the single...

Michelangelo, David and Donatello David: Comparing and Contrasting Works of Art

Introduction Artists have the talent of presenting their ideas through drawings or sculptures. From a sculpture, one can be able to understand the idea that the person who developed it wanted to put across. Different artists may come up with the same artwork but each has a different meaning. Based...