Maestà Enthroned Madonna and Child, angels, saints, and apostle figures in arcades
By: Duccio painted 1308-1311 in present day Germany- Georgina Walmsley
This painting was created by Duccio Di Buoninsenga from 1308 to 1311. It resided in the Siena Cathedral in Italy. Duccio painted the work beforehand and had it installed in the chapel. In 1711, the piece of art was dismantled but was partially restored in 1956. It depicts the Madonna seated upon a throne of gold holding her child. Surrounding her are dozens of angels and other religious figures such as John the Baptist, John the Evangelist, and other saints. Many of Duccio’s paintings follow this similar theme, each containing the Madonna and her child upon a throne, surrounded by angels. During the medieval times, religion was a big aspect of every person’s life. Religious figures and people to be respected in life were often painted with a gold circle around their head. These circles are sometimes called gold coins and they represent halos similar to angels.
This painting was created by Duccio Di Buoninsenga from 1308 to 1311. It resided in the Siena Cathedral in Italy. Duccio painted the work beforehand and had it installed in the chapel. In 1711, the piece of art was dismantled but was partially restored in 1956. It depicts the Madonna seated upon a throne of gold holding her child. Surrounding her are dozens of angels and other religious figures such as John the Baptist, John the Evangelist, and other saints. Many of Duccio’s paintings follow this similar theme, each containing the Madonna and her child upon a throne, surrounded by angels. During the medieval times, religion was a big aspect of every person’s life. Religious figures and people to be respected in life were often painted with a gold circle around their head. These circles are sometimes called gold coins and they represent halos similar to angels.
The School of Athens- Kiera Goddu
By Rafael painted 1509-1510 in The Vatican
All of the greats of classical philosophy and logic are present in this fresco, including but not limited to Plato, Aristotle, Socrates, Euclid, Pythagoras, and Ptolemy. There are figures debating and presenting ideas in the various groups in the scene. There writers, astrologists, mathematicians, and scientists present in the fresco. The architecture within the painting highlights a classical Greek style with arches, impressive statues, and mosaic style floors. The theme of knowledge and power are key to this piece of Renaissance art and the work epitomizes the new interest of learning and discovery of the Renaissance time period. The fresco is also done in a very realistic style portraying humans and architecture in a very three dimensional and layered style. The accuracy of the human form and the multiple layers of the fresco from far on the horizon to right in the foreground of the painting open up the perspective of the art and allow for more action and detail in the work of art. All of the aspects of this piece are very reflective of the new trends in art that came about during the Renaissance period.
Compare and Contrast-Kiera Goddu
The style, aesthetic, topic, and theme of these paintings are very different and really do demonstrate the differences between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The Medieval painting really highlights religious themes and the center of religion to life in the Middle Ages. The flat aesthetic and unrealistic portrayal of people is really different from the dynamic and realistic style of the School of Athens. The theme of religion vs. knowledge is obvious when comparing these two paintings and the change in priorities between the Middle Ages and Renaissance Era is evident when looking at these works side by side.
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