From the Paper "The work is quite simple, using simple artistic devices in order to capture this couple's one timeless moment. It successfully portrays joy pulling the viewer into the painting's depths with its brilliant use of colour and shape, creating another reality. It's as if you are looking at these lovers through a glass panel, distorting them and melding them together until they themselves look as smooth as the glass that protects them."
Abstract This paper is a critical analysis of "The Annunciation", by Francisco de Zurbaran. It considers the choices made by the artist, including time, characters, and emphasis. Specifically, Zurburan decided to paint the scene as if the Virgin Mary had already received her message. This topic is explored, especially as it relates to other painting of the same subject. Also, the somber tome is considered; which conveys a message of importance in and of itself. Finally, the surroundings within which the artist places Mary conveys a "heavenly" idea.
From the Paper "A person who learns that she is going to give birth to the Son of God experiences a unique event. In Christian history, the only person that had such a privilege was the Virgin Mary. The scene where the archangel Gabriel has alighted near her to tell her the startling news has fascinated artists throughout time and throughout the world. There are innumerable emotions and interactions that can be interpreted from the biblical text describing the exchange between the two protagonists. In attempts to illuminate some of them, different artists have used a variety of parameters and techniques to show their audiences what they considered to be the important ideas connected with the annunciation. These and concepts include the actual point on the time-line between Gabriel's arrival and departure that the artist chooses to depict, the physical gestures and positions of the figures, and actual physical methods employed in the creation and composition of the work itself such that a viewer's attention is drawn to a certain aspect of the event."
Abstract This paper critically analyzes Georges Seurat's the Circus by describing his use of technique, style and composition and by comparing his work to the work Jean Antoine Watteau. The writer describes the artist's use of emotion through symbolism and the artist's focus on positive aspects of life as bringing significant contributions to the world of art.
From the Paper "Famous pieces, such as Jean Antoine Watteau's The Italian Comedians, and Georges Seurat's Circus encompasses several similarities to one another. Through the use of symbolism and technique, they have each made projections of leisure and happiness toward the viewer. Both of these pieces are meant to spark an emotional response through very different methods of artwork."
Abstract This paper analyzes the elements that determine if a piece of written work should be judged as pornograhic or erotic, Two examples are included.
From the Paper "As author D. H. Lawrence cleverly stated, 'Man is a changeable beast, and words change their meanings with him.' Indeed, what one refers to as erotic material, may be judged as pornographic by another. But which standards affect a person's judgment? What meanings do the words "pornographic" and "erotic" enclose? And how should one contrast these two categories of sex-related material?"
Abstract This paper discusses Michelangelo's painting 'The Calling of St. Matthew" It discusses composition and meaning in the painting. The author also looks at Michelangelo's use of style and symbolism to convey a theme and message in his painting.
From the Paper "Michelangelo Caravaggio is considered one of the greatest of the old master painters. Educators and critics alike praise his work. He is the subject of several books and a film. Many books on Caravaggio exist which discuss his work, however, one might gain a better understanding by examining a single piece thoroughly. One of Caravaggio's better known paintings is The Calling of St. Matthew."
Abstract This paper compares the music of Josquin, a composer of the Renaissance, to the architecture of the same time. The author examines how architecture and music expressed the new ideas that permeated the world during this period in history. A broad examination of both the music and architecture is included.
From the Paper "The renaissance was a time of rebirth and renewal. All over Europe, people were looking back to times they saw as better, instead of towards the unpredictable future. Specifically, the people looked back to the ancient worlds, and found the humanitarian values of the ancient Greeks and Romans very inviting. The arts were reborn from classical ideas, and a new focus was placed on individuals and the natural world (Wright 80). New inventions and wonders filled Europe. This was the era of both the printing press and telescope's birth. New ideas permeated the world, remolding the way people thought. Music and architecture were no exceptions to this rebirthing."
Abstract A paper discussing Thomas Eakins and Mary Cassatt, along with some brief descriptions of selected works. Short biographies are given of both artists. The author mentions the style of each artists.
From the Paper "From the late 1860s to the late 1880s a French art movement flourished. Derived from Monet's painting Impression, this worldwide movement was called Impressionism. Impressionists painted mainly of modern-day subjects in the open air. They used a lot of bright colored paints (little drawing) and aimed to capture the effects of light. Two great American artists of this time were Thomas Eakins and Mary Cassatt. Thomas Eakins was born on July 25, 1844 in Philadelphia. His father was a writer from which he inherited a lot of talent. He also learned to love the outdoors from his father and his childhood. He was very outgoing and did exceptionally well in school. Eakins especially loved science and math, which he enjoyed using later in his career."
Abstract A paper about the influence that Dionysus/Bacchus has had on literature, art, and music. The author examines the impact of the myth on various cultures and modern times. Includes illustrations.
From the Paper "The myth of the Olympian god of wine has influenced cultures all the way up to present time. Known as Bacchus by Romans and Dionysus by the Greeks, this god has shown up in art, music, literature, and even in the names of many vineyards and wine cellars. This paper will first recount the myth of Dionysus, discuss his influence on ancient and modern cultures, and provide illustrations".
Abstract An examination of Indian arts with emphasis on the images and symbolism in the Indian notions of art and religion. The author examines the influences of the Western world on Indian expression of art.
From the Paper "For thousands of years the arts have thrived on the Indian sub-continent, with the advent of western influence and occupation taking place only within the last few hundred years. The impact of western influence upon India is unmistakable, especially in regards to her arts and religion, serving not so much as a contributor, but as a critic. To even begin to comprehend and appreciate the incredible diversity and complexity of Indian arts, we must undergo a paradigm shift of our most basic western beliefs and notions of art and religion. Therefore, an understanding of the historical interpretations of Indian art is essential. Going beyond this, we must construct a rudimentary primer on seeing Indian images, also known as dar?an, and trying to understand, at least at a basic level, the symbolism involved in such religiously rich imagery."
Abstract This paper describes the Secessionist artistic movement of the early 1900s and analyzes Klimt's 1898 richly symbolic painting "Pallas Athene" in the context of the artist's artistic / political views and Greek mythology. The analysis links visual clues in Klimt's paintings to the attitudes and values espoused by the Secessionist artists.
From the Paper ?An iconological interpretation of the Pallas Athene asserts that Gustav Klimt presented the goddess of wisdom as the embodiment of enlightened philosophy which would impart light to a politically and socially ravaged Austrian nation, which had been submerged in spiritual and cultural darkness. Klimt encouraged viewers to confront the illnesses of Viennese society within a pictorial context while simultaneously presenting them with the idea that potential means of escape from the demoralising situation existed, and that attainment of a more ideal existence was indeed within their reach.?
Analysis of the still-life paintings of contemporary Cuban artist Julio Larraz, which reflect the temperament and emotion of Cuban nationals under ruling dictatorships with vibrant color, profound symbolism and aesthetic grace and intensity.
1,625 words (approx. 6.5 pages), 3 sources, 2002, $ 52.95
Abstract The paper features an in-depth analysis of the still-life paintings of Cuban artist Julio Larraz, which combine deep symbolism and emotion in vibrantly colorful palettes and scenes infused with drama, humor and psychological references representing the perspective of Latin American life under oppressive dictatorship in the 20th century. Julio Larraz is a celebrated contemporary painter who began to exhibit his works in the U.S. after 1967: the paper closely examines a number of specific works produced during the 1980s. Julio Larraz is currently an active, prolific artist, exhibiting his works in the U.S. , Europe , and Latin America .
From the Paper ?Within his still-life paintings, Larraz achieves visual transmission of his sentiments through the handling and selective placement of the natural forms of everyday objects. The still-lifes feature objects derived primarily from nature such as vibrant fruits, flowers, and shells, usually placed within or upon a man-made vessel, pedestal, or table. Repetitive use of the containment of organic objects within such vessels in works such as Four Lobsters in a Tub (1984) and All Hands Aboard (1983) is reflective of Cuba's position in regard to U.S. "containment" policies of the Cold War era, isolation of Cuba as a Communist regime within a Latin American sphere striving to embrace democracy and develop free-market economies, the economic isolation imposed by the U.S. trade embargo of the 1960s, and the futile attempts to halt the continuous outflow of millions of Cubans to U.S. borders. Larraz also made reference to disguised elements within society in portrayals of baskets filled with a variety of colorful fruits, among which the viewer may glimpse such espionage hardware as a camera, his chosen instrument of exposure (The Spy Ship (1980) and Mango Boat (1986)).?
Abstract This paper provides a lengthy description of the history of copyright law in the U.S. The author discusses copyright laws, registration, congressional acts, standards and guidelines. The author also discusses copyright infringement, its repercussions, damages and defenses within the judicial system.
From the Paper "Everyone doodles, writes, composes, paints, or sculpts. How does one protect oneself from their creation becoming copied? Moreover, if it is copied, what can be done to remedy the situation? The establishment of what is called a copyright is the protection against copying. Copyright is actually a set of rights, which ?include the right to reproduce, distribute, prepare derivative works based upon, perform and display a protected work.? (Fishman 12/2) In today's society, focus is constantly on one's rights. One right that is often overlooked and is seldom caught up in controversy is the right to control the copying of one's creation. Even though seldom involved in controversy, copyright law is still an important factor in everyday life."
Tags: art, congress, act, infringement, damages, fair, use
Abstract This is a paper that analyzes and contrasts the style and technique of the poet William Blake and the artist Edouard Manet. The author compares between the styles of Blake's poem London which portrays traditional societal values and Manet's painting "Luncheon on the Grass", which breaks all traditional thoughts and ideas, in an attempt to contrast their artistic intentions.
From the Paper "Blake's poetry is a masterpiece. The poem under discussion is one of his finest poems wherein he talks about young children on the streets of London, his town. He talks of these children in a slightly amused, slightly chiding manner. The poem has three stanzas, each containing two rhymed couplets. The lines are longer than is typical for Blake's Songs, and their extension suggests the train of children processing toward the cathedral, or the flowing river to which they are explicitly compared. The form of expression is unique as Blake narrates in another's voice. He says the children are actually angels of God and speaks of them grandiosely as singing like the 'mighty wind' and 'harmonious thundering."
This essay looks at the world of art in motion-kinetic arts, and how it is becoming increasingly popular for artists interested in using technology in their work.
1,410 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 6 sources, 2001, $ 46.95
Abstract This paper presents an overview of kinetic art, motion in art, and its history. In addition, the author argues that the artists are responding to technology and continuing to evolve as they learn to use technology in their favor. The paper focuses on sculpture.
From the Paper "While most of us love the look of a wind chime or the way a mobile twirls over the crib of a baby, we don?t understand that it is a form of artwork. When we think about art we usually think about paintings on canvas, a still photograph or other types of works. Rarely do we realize that anything that is created and has movement is also art, and it is called kinetic art. Kinetic art is not a new concept but it has enjoyed recent popularity as artists around the world are being put on display. Its history and its allure are no longer a mystery and we can enjoy the movement in the open today. Kinetic art can be defined by the term kinetic meaning related to or produced by motion."
Abstract This paper addresses the body of work that is now known as Modernism, including an examination of how it developed and what has succeeded it. It gives examples from the world of art, music and architecture - Mark Chagall, Frank Lloyd Wright, Gustave Courbet and others.
From the paper:
"Modernism is a much harder artistic style to define than either Romanticism or Realism ? although not as difficult as Postmodernism. This probably results in part from the fact that the closer a style is to one's own moment in history the more difficult it is to assess, but it also has to do with the fact that Modernism is itself a complex movement. It is not the relatively straightforward reaction against the movement before it that Realism was, nor is it a reaction against a single historical change in the way that Romanticism was primarily a response to industrialization."
