This week I chose the first option to discuss the differences and similarities between two pieces from two different times in the Renaissance period. From the Early Renaissance period I chose the Trinity with the Virgin, St John the Evangelist, and Donors. From the High Renaissance period I chose the Assumption of the Virgin. Both show distinct similarities such as depth and details. The unique quality that comes from both these pieces show in the differences of intimate detail and the colors.
The Trinity with the Virgin, St John the Evangelist, and Donors was a piece from the Early Renaissance period. Like the Assumption of the virgin we see a depth in the work. Each character on a different layer of the grouping shows the realism in these two pieces. With the Trinity I found the most striking visual element of this painting being its symmetry. Each character is placed to mirror the other. We don’t see such symmetry in The Assumption of the Virgin. Although the symmetry is clear in the structure of the layers we lose such symmetry with the figures places around the piece. In the Assumption there are masses of figures drawing our attention to different places of the piece. Although both have different symmetrical values the attention it brings to itself keeps my focus on the amount of details in these figures.
The detail includes the coloring of the figures. That was the biggest difference between these two pieces that I noticed. In the Trinity the colors are natural and softened to create the emotion behind it. In the Assumption of the virgin the colors vary and create intense energy towards the middle. The outer edges of the piece are shadowed and show figures of greater detail than those in the center layers. Those in the center layers are brighter and more meshed together. The detail is not as pronounced in these figures.
What I did notice in the Assumption of the Virgin was the dynamic unity talked about in the reading, they said, “dynamic unity is a prime characteristic of High Renaissance art” (p. 639). The four large figures on the four corners of the piece created unity amongst each other, but it was the figures interaction with one another in the clouds that I saw unity. The connection of limbs of the figures made me wonder what limb was connected to what body. These curves and mob like figures, I believe, is where the piece shows dynamic unity. The action of these figures gives the piece energy and leave you with the feeling that what is happening in this piece is more chaotic than the peacefulness of the colors are portraying.
With the dimentionalism in both these pieces it’s easy to see the similarities. The differences are harder to see. When looking longer I can see them in the coloring and different energies both pieces give. One is solemn and more intimate; the other is intense and energetic with a great deal going on. Both seem to be symmetrical in the form of the piece, but once looking at the figures we see the difference in the symmetry of each piece. Regardless we are able to see those differences and appreciate each period as a distinctly different time in art.
Correggio's "Assumption of the Virgin" is a very forward-looking painting for the Renaissance period. Some art historians have described Correggio as a "Proto-Baroque" artist. When we study the Baroque period of the 17th century, I think you'll see how Correggio's interest in extreme illusionism and dramatic subject matter is similar to that of Baroque painters.
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I'll argue the slight lack of realism,though the figures or characters in "Assumption of a Virgin" look vibrant and idividualize they lack a bit of realism.
ReplyDeleteThey have an animated appearance about them and so does the "Trinity".
But they do hold life likeness about them which really engages the viewer.
The title "Assumption of the Virgin" makes no sense to me. I don't see what anything in this piece has to do with that title.
I like how you discussed the symmetry of the "Trinity" and how you talked about dynamic Unity with the "Donors" I find it interesting the amount of differences between these two images because they both portray something similar with images of religious peoples but one is so nicely laid out and organized and the other is so chaotic its hard to really see whats going on without completely zooming in. you can really tell that the artists who created these images were both in completely different mindsets when they created these paintings. but its a refreshing change of pace, and the second one has alot more interesting things to look at than the first one does. nice job :)
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