The 1700's was seen as the enlightenment, a time with curiosity and reasoning. In this era there were many discoveries made in many different fields whether its scientific, medicine, or anything out of the ordinary. These impacts in the world during this time also affected the art world. This era impacted the art world so much it inspired artist to explore new themes, perspectives, or even new techniques. The three amazing art pieces in this virtual exhibit will take you through the fascinating relationship between art and discoveries in the 1700s.
The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp (1632)
By: Rembrandt Van Rijn
Place created: Netherlands
For the first art piece we have The Anatomy Lesson by Dr. Tulp, this amazing portrait foreshadows the rising interest in the human body and anatomy in the 1700's. more specifically this mast piece focuses and highlights the importance of observing and the understanding of the natural human body. One of the elements that really stand out is use of light and shadowing, it creates a real and deep feeling. The composition as well with the figures, they are all surround the main subject at matter, and this elaborates on the collaborating and observing part of it. The body being worked on is said to be a criminal. This portrait really capture the intensity and great focused of the anatomy study. I personally would not own this, but find it fascinating. overall, this masterpiece is a great representation of the fascination with the human body.
An Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump(1768)
By: Joseph Wright of Derby
Place created: England
For the second portrait we have An Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump, this masterpiece gives off that intrigued and dramaticness around the scientific experiments during the Enlightenment. It reflects a philosopher interpreting one of the most popular experiments at the time, Robert Boyle's air pump experiments. this painting also highlights more fascination with science and the progress of it. Wright amazingly using dramatic contrast of light and shadow. This creates most of the intensity that goes into the dramatic feeling. the composition as well helps draw you into the experiment itself and evokes a sense of excitement but also wonder. I don't see myself owning this one either, however the way this painting has the ability to capture the excitement and nerves evolving around a scientific discovery is truly fascinating.
The Astronomer(1668)
By: Johannes Vermeer
Place created: Netherlands
This last masterpiece is one of my favorites as it reflects the growing interests in science as well as the exploration that would set during the enlightenment. this painting emphasizes the type of concentration and focus that is needed for scientific discovery. the soft lighting shown in the painting gives off the calming feeling people tend to feel attached to. The spacing and lining within this portrait is fascinating too. The blank wall in the background is known as negative space, and to me gives off that sense that there's more to be discovered and there's also no telling how much there is to be found. the paintings beauty is again a great reflection of the growing power of science and the appreciation it can serve.
These three masterpieces demonstrate the relationship between art and scientific discoveries in the 1700's. These artist and many others are inspired by discoveries and observation of it, and in hope to incorporate these many themes into their works of art.
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I thought your choices for your exhibit fit perfectly into the theme of enlightenment during the classical period. Each piece focuses on human discovery within the sciences and really highlights the emphasis placed on exploring the unknown. My favorite would have to be The Anatomy Lesson by Rembrandt because of the detail put into the observers’ expressions. His work really captures the shock and awe, plus it reminds me of a similar scene in one of my favorite movies, Poor Things. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the way you set up your virtual exhibit for this blog and how you described the paintings. I agree that the use of light and shadow adds a dramatic flair to the paintings and helps to evoke the emotions being displayed. It helps draw the attention to each individual in the room and their surroundings. Each of these paintings beautifully showcases the curiosity and excitement of scientific discoveries of the time and the unknown. While I wouldn't personally own any of these, I am grateful that they exist so we can see the whirlwind of emotions ourselves that came with the discoveries of the era.
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