Arctic Entries

The Romantic era was a time of great change and diversity in the art world. Two of the most prominent styles that emerged during this period were Impressionism and Post-Impressionism. These styles, while related, offer contrasting approaches to art that reflect the evolving perspectives and intentions of their respective artists. Impressionism Impressionism, which began in the late 19th century, was characterized by its focus on light, color, and everyday scenes . Artists aimed to capture the fleeting moments of life, often painting en plein air (outdoors) to observe the changing effects of light and atmosphere. This style emphasized spontaneity and the artist's immediate perception of the scene. Claude Monet, Impression, Sunrise, 1872 Source One of my favorite Impressionist works is Claude Monet's "Impression, Sunrise" (1872). In this painting, Monet uses loose brushstrokes and a vibrant color palette to depict the harbor of Le Havre at sunrise. The interplay of lig...

The classical era was a time of profound cultural and artistic development, where the concepts of morality and aesthetics were deeply intertwined. During this period, two distinct art movements emerged: Rococo and Neoclassical . Rococo art, characterized by its ornate and playful style, often depicted scenes of leisure and romance, reflecting the more indulgent aspects of society. In contrast, Neoclassical art sought to return to the values of simplicity, order, and virtue, drawing inspiration from the classical art and architecture of ancient Greece and Rome. This blog post will explore how these two movements not only differed in their artistic expressions but also in their underlying moral philosophies, illustrating the dynamic interplay between art and morality in the classical era.  Jean-Honore Fragonard,  The Swing, 1767 Jean-Honoré Fragonard's The Swing , also known as The Happy Accidents of the Swing , is a quintessential example of Rococo art, a style that flourished...

Judith Beheading Holofernes by Artemisia Gentileschi Source Artemisia Gentileschi 's Judith Beheading Holofernes is a powerful and dramatic painting that stands as a testament to the artist's skill and personal experiences. Created around 1612-1613, this work is based on the biblical story of Judith , a widow who saves her city by seducing and beheading the Assyrian general Holofernes . Gentileschi, one of the few prominent female painters of the Baroque era, brings a unique and intense perspective to this often-depicted scene, possibly influenced by her own life, including her experience of surviving sexual assault and the subsequent trial. During the Baroque era , the influence of royalty played a significant role in the arts. Monarchs and high-ranking nobles were often patrons of the arts, commissioning works that reflected their power and prestige. Gentileschi, who worked in the courts of various European rulers, might have been influenced by the tastes and preferences of...

  Leonardo Da Vinci,  The Last Supper,  1495-1498  Source      Leonardo  Da Vinci 's The Last Supper was commissioned by Ludovico Sforza , Duke of Milan, for his renovations of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan during the Italian Renaissance period. The painting took around 3 years to complete but was not consistently worked on over that period of time. Da Vinci’s mastery of perspective creates a naturalistic composition which remains today one of the most significant masterpieces in the history of art.      The painting represents the scene of The Last Supper of Jesus with the twelve apostles gathered around a table, as it is told in the Gospel of John. It portrays the reaction given by each apostle when Jesus said “One of you is about to betray me” Matthew 26:21. Leonardo created the painting with a new mixture of paint and canvas materials at the time. The materials gave a new edge to the painting, but it made t...