Yesterday I was so bored, yet didn't want to do anything. I reached a point when I became so bored that I was having fun. So I started searching the room. I found this piece I wrote about a painting of Albrecht Drer's in an old notebook. I thought it was pretty good, so I decided to post it...
Hope you enjoy!
Albrecht Drer, Self-Portrait 1500
This art work is not like any other painting from its poque, the Renaissance. At a first glance it gives the impression that an artistic era extinguishes, making room for a new one, the Baroque. This painting is giving a preview to what it is to come in the art world. It is where the chiaroscuro concept appears as a technique, having the purpose to highlight the contrast between dark and light. As far as the space is concerned, the positive space (the middle of the canvas) is occupied by the silhouette of Albrecht Drer, while the negative space surrounding him is dark, obscure, almost black, making his physical presence more obvious.
The main particularities of the Renaissance art can be observed on his expression: the angelic countenance denotes the transcendental side of the human being; also it gives a feeling of self-certainty and a vague impression of spiritualism. Given a second glance, we might think that there is no other side to this character. He might have been just as pure as he looks. Or maybe this was Drer's plan, to make us believe through the power of sight.
This self-portrait gives us a glimpse of what the values of the Renaissance men used to be. Drer as seen in this painting gives a good impression on his social status and not only: he represents best the homo universalis concept (well educated, knowledgeable, exceeding in a variety of subjects, willing to transcend into the ether, to get to the supreme truth). It is known that he also wrote essays on mathematics, perspective and ideal proportions.
The range of colors is incredibly poor, yet the sepia tones give a certain feeling of mysticism. Also the purpose of using such warm colors, almost sandy is to remind the viewer of the long forgotten arts of the Antiquity, repressed in the Middle Ages and evoked in Renaissance. Even the eyes, who were supposed to be blue, are being orangefied, in order not to spoil the equilibrium of the whole. In conclusion, we can speak of an obvious harmony of colors.
The emphasis on showing three-dimensional imagery is made to stir the viewer. The shapes are rounded naturally, especially the margins of the coat, the form of the eyes and the fingers. The shades that outline the shapes make the skin movements realistic, offering an undivided spontaneous look. The very detailed perspective (the individual threads of hair, the position of the curls) and the fact that one hand is touching the fur of the coat also contributes to the unplanned pose. If his gaze softens, it is because the sense of accomplishment. It seems the night sky always makes his life seem complete, and when he looks at the stars there's a weight on his chest that cannot be abated. For some reason, the vast expanse of sky makes him feel so exhilarated that he can't breathe sometimes. The moonlight makes his blue eyes glitter.
The center of interest is right in the weight center of the painting, encompassing not only his glance, but his whole feminized figure, with the beautiful rich fair hair, the uneven (but well contoured) eyes, the precise-shaped nose and the full lips. We can see that there is a remarkable proportion of the face. Drer's ability to make his character show emotions is outstanding. There is also a slight focus on the clothing: he seems to be well dressed, according to his social status.
As far as texture is concerned, it is noticeable that it is in harmony with the shapes and colors. The painting as a whole looks smooth, soft, the only thing that could express roughness could be the curly, wiry hair. Also the lines are very fine and harmonious, giving a sign of aging to the angelic face.
Drer's narcissistic way of seeing himself is highly observed in this painting. There's nothing human about him, but something infinitely complex and valuable; nevertheless beautiful.
Critique is always welcomed so I can improve my writing
Hope you enjoy!
Albrecht Drer, Self-Portrait 1500
This art work is not like any other painting from its poque, the Renaissance. At a first glance it gives the impression that an artistic era extinguishes, making room for a new one, the Baroque. This painting is giving a preview to what it is to come in the art world. It is where the chiaroscuro concept appears as a technique, having the purpose to highlight the contrast between dark and light. As far as the space is concerned, the positive space (the middle of the canvas) is occupied by the silhouette of Albrecht Drer, while the negative space surrounding him is dark, obscure, almost black, making his physical presence more obvious.
The main particularities of the Renaissance art can be observed on his expression: the angelic countenance denotes the transcendental side of the human being; also it gives a feeling of self-certainty and a vague impression of spiritualism. Given a second glance, we might think that there is no other side to this character. He might have been just as pure as he looks. Or maybe this was Drer's plan, to make us believe through the power of sight.
This self-portrait gives us a glimpse of what the values of the Renaissance men used to be. Drer as seen in this painting gives a good impression on his social status and not only: he represents best the homo universalis concept (well educated, knowledgeable, exceeding in a variety of subjects, willing to transcend into the ether, to get to the supreme truth). It is known that he also wrote essays on mathematics, perspective and ideal proportions.
The range of colors is incredibly poor, yet the sepia tones give a certain feeling of mysticism. Also the purpose of using such warm colors, almost sandy is to remind the viewer of the long forgotten arts of the Antiquity, repressed in the Middle Ages and evoked in Renaissance. Even the eyes, who were supposed to be blue, are being orangefied, in order not to spoil the equilibrium of the whole. In conclusion, we can speak of an obvious harmony of colors.
The emphasis on showing three-dimensional imagery is made to stir the viewer. The shapes are rounded naturally, especially the margins of the coat, the form of the eyes and the fingers. The shades that outline the shapes make the skin movements realistic, offering an undivided spontaneous look. The very detailed perspective (the individual threads of hair, the position of the curls) and the fact that one hand is touching the fur of the coat also contributes to the unplanned pose. If his gaze softens, it is because the sense of accomplishment. It seems the night sky always makes his life seem complete, and when he looks at the stars there's a weight on his chest that cannot be abated. For some reason, the vast expanse of sky makes him feel so exhilarated that he can't breathe sometimes. The moonlight makes his blue eyes glitter.
The center of interest is right in the weight center of the painting, encompassing not only his glance, but his whole feminized figure, with the beautiful rich fair hair, the uneven (but well contoured) eyes, the precise-shaped nose and the full lips. We can see that there is a remarkable proportion of the face. Drer's ability to make his character show emotions is outstanding. There is also a slight focus on the clothing: he seems to be well dressed, according to his social status.
As far as texture is concerned, it is noticeable that it is in harmony with the shapes and colors. The painting as a whole looks smooth, soft, the only thing that could express roughness could be the curly, wiry hair. Also the lines are very fine and harmonious, giving a sign of aging to the angelic face.
Drer's narcissistic way of seeing himself is highly observed in this painting. There's nothing human about him, but something infinitely complex and valuable; nevertheless beautiful.
Critique is always welcomed so I can improve my writing
VIEW 3 of 3 COMMENTS
Hope you are having a great weekend.