Final Post

            Looking back at the artwork we have studied during this quarter I have a hard time determining what types are my favorite. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about all the different time periods and gaining a greater appreciation for the artwork produced. However, two types of art that I would have to say are my favorite from this quarter would be art from the Northern Renaissance and Romanticism art from the 18th and 19th centuries.

            My favorite artist from the Northern Renaissance would have to be Jan van Eyck. I think what attracts me to his style and the style of the Northern Renaissance would have to be the extreme attention to detail, interest in naturalism, use of symbols and luminous colors. In all of Jan van Eyck’s artwork we can see the use of extreme detail, but I feel that The Arnolfini Portrait is the perfect example of Jan van Eyck’s talents. The reason I feel so drawn to this piece of art is because there are a number of symbols with hidden meanings, which is very intriguing to me. For example, the chandelier with only one lit candle, the dog, the fruit, and the figure of St. Margaret carved into the back of the chair by the bed. The use of naturalism is also something that draws me to the Northern Renaissance because the people being depicted seem to be identifiable rather than idealized figures that one would never see in real life. I also like that oil paint during this time period is the preferred medium. The oil paint allows for luminous colors and a beautiful depiction of all different types of textures.

            I also am very drawn to the Romanticism style. I am in particular a fan of Francisco Goya. I find the sublime idea in artwork really fascinating. Goya’s artwork does a great job at evoking both the feeling of being terrified and the feeling of being in awe. I’m really drawn to The Third of May in particular because I love the emotion that is depicted. I love the Romanticism period because when looking at the artwork produced during this time I find that I have an emotional response to the work and it really intrigues and engages me. In the Third of May I really like the intense lighting that highlights the main figure that is in his last moments of life. I think it was smart to paint him in a white shirt showing his innocence. He is also in a Christ like pose with his arms out adding to the man’s innocence. The way the soldiers with the guns are turned away from the viewer gives us the sense that they aren’t individuals but rather these nameless monsters that are killing innocent people because they are told to.

            Overall I enjoyed all the time periods that we covered and I have learned to have a great appreciation for all the artists and artwork we have discussed. Though I am drawn to artwork that has a large amount of emotion and an attention to detail I like learning about all different types.