Early Modern Blog
During the 18th and 19th century, our world was going through major changes. A growth spurt erupted fueled by huge advancements in manufacturing, transportation and other new technologies.
Life was getting easier and suddenly artists found that they no longer required patrons to survive. Before this point, the vast majority of artists required financiers, but now they were free from patrons, free to do what they wished. No longer were artists stuck in the old ways where art was used only to tell a story, to be instructional, or to depict religious and mythical events.
Thus it was that the modern art movement was born. This movement challenged the long held idea that art must depict the world as it is. Instead, modern artists embraced expression through color, non-traditional materials, and unique mediums and techniques. They didn’t create classical images, they created based on the things that affected them personally, subconsciously, and in everyday life.
This piece, At the Moulin Rouge, was created between 1892 and 1895. It is an oil on canvas painting by the artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. Born on November 24, 1864, Toulouse-Lautrec passed away on September 9, 1901. He was born into a wealthy aristocratic family, which influenced his and his family’s love of art. Henri began sketching at the age of 10. Later in life, an injury made walking difficult for him, and painting became a way for him to pass the time.
The painting depicts a night at the famous Moulin Rouge nightclub in Paris. In the image, you can see many people, either sitting, standing, or dancing. Henri even painted himself into the piece; he is the figure standing in the center background.
At the Moulin Rouge was met with acclaim for its ability to capture the energy of the nightclub almost like a photograph. Toulouse-Lautrec’s use of unconventional colors also helped present the Moulin Rouge in a new light.
To me, this is my favorite piece in the blog today. I absolutely adore the dark colors used, as well as the painting’s ability to transport you directly to the Moulin Rouge. I believe this piece is both gorgeous and mysterious.
This piece, The Scream, was created between 1900 and 1910 and is an oil painting on cardboard, which was used to give the piece its distinctive appearance. Edvard Munch was born on December 12, 1863, and unfortunately passed away on January 23, 1944. Munch was born into a middle-class family and experienced loss early in life, losing his mother and sister to tuberculosis and his brother and father later on. He never truly received formal art training but created at least two, and most likely three, versions of this iconic piece.
The painting depicts a figure standing on a bridge at sunset, grabbing the sides of his face and screaming. Munch himself stated that this piece represents his soul, and, not adhering to the art styles of the time, many people have interpreted this statement to mean that the painting expresses themes of anxiety, depression, or even broader mental health struggles.
To me, this piece is not only amazing but also undeniably iconic. I believe that Munch's statement about the painting representing his soul is accurate. While I am not sure what else it may represent beyond that, I find it beautiful to look at. The warm oranges and reds of the sky contrast with the darker colors of the bridge, and the overall composition invites reflection on the artist's emotional expression and his representation of his inner world.
This piece, The Large Bathers, was created between 1900 and 1906 and is an oil painting on canvas. Paul Cézanne was born on January 19, 1839, and unfortunately passed away on October 22, 1906. He was born into a bourgeois family, and although his father wanted him to pursue a career in law, Cézanne found no interest in it. He eventually persuaded his parents to let him study art in Paris.
The painting depicts a large group of bathers in nature, nude, gathered between trees and in front of a pond.
Many art historians believe that this piece shows the unification of humans with nature, suggesting a harmonious relationship between the two.
To me, this piece is interesting, to say the least. I don’t hate it, but I don’t love it either—my feelings toward it are neutral. I believe that the painting does achieve what the artist intended, showing the connection between humans, nudity, and nature
Hi! Good job on the blog! I like how you included the art elements and how they relate to the artist. I also really like getting some background about the artists themselves. I do really like the Scream painting, something similar was made my Van Gogh. I do wish there was more to how it relates to one of the themes but overall, very good!
ReplyDeleteHi! The artwork that I liked the most out of the three that you have provided is Scream by Edward Munch. I love how you included some background on the artists.
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