Three Baroque Artists

Paper Summary:

This paper introduces, discusses, and analyzes three works of art: Peter Paul Rubens's "Rape of the Daughters of Leucippus" from 1618; Rembrandt Van Rijn's "The Descent from the Cross" from 1634; and Caravaggio's "The Death of the Virgin" from 1605/6. Specifically, the paper contains an opinion and assessment of each of the works.

From the Paper:

""Rape of the Daughters of Leucippus" is an oil on canvas painting, measuring about 88 x 82 7/8 inches, and the original resides in the Pinakothek Museum in Munich, Germany. This painting portrays the abduction of two nude women by two large and powerful men, with their stallion rearing in the background, and a cherub hovering near the edge of the painting. The colors are rich and vibrant, from the natural skin tones of the women, to the tanned and burly beards of the men. Action and upheaval are at the center of this work it is clear the women are desperately fighting the men, and it is clear the men are more powerful than the women, and will carry them off to their fate. Paradoxically, the scenery in the background of the painting portrays a pastoral and peaceful scene of a landscape at sunset, in direct contrast with the activity and violence at the center of the painting. Rubens uses light and shadow to illuminate the action, while downplaying the scenic background, and the effect of the painting is emotional and disturbing. The overall quality of the work is soft and "painterly," which creates a sensual overtone."

More papers on Three Baroque Artists:

• Analytical Essay # 102691 : "Three Baroque Artists"
• Term Paper # 136900 : "The Renaissance and the Baroque"
• Comparison Essay # 109911 : "Italian Baroque"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: