Art Appreciation

Posted: September 3rd, 2013

Art Appreciation

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Art Appreciation

The Lion Panel From Chauvet Cave

For thousands of years, these paintings were never discovered by anybody, yet they all remain clear and attractive. These are the two most interesting things with these paintings. This vividness is attributed to the combination of yellow and red ochre, black charcoal and animal fat (p.5). However, this is only a speculation.

There are approaches that are more feasible. The rock scratching and engraving is one of these approaches. In the early days, cave paintings could have played the role of assisting the hunters, as they were not meant for embellishment. However, this approach is discredited, as the early people did not consume lions, rhinos and bears (p.5). In my opinion, the paintings may have been preserved until this period because they were in an area that was not occupied by human activity.

The National geographic link provides a better view of the painting as compared to the view in the textbook, as it enables one to get a glimpse of other animals that seem hidden in the normal views. This made me think that the paintings could have been used as a teaching manual in teaching others about the same. My assumption could be right since it is a possibility that the cave was often used. Unfortunately, there is no specific way of understanding the exact use or uses of this piece of art. This is despite the many researches that have taken place.

I relate the early artists to the artists in the textbook. They both create human purpose, record and commemorate the unknown through their works. The world is seen in diverse ways. The early artists seemed to have an idea of an artist’s work.

Part 2

Dear Larry,

I had informed you that I am taking an Art Appreciation class. This week’s class focuses on the French invasion of Spain in the early 1800s. The painting on the Executions of 3 May, 1808 is our main focus. The oil on Canvas painting is 8 x 13 x 4. In detail, the facial softness and expressions have been portrayed using dark and light colors. Goya has managed to portray this in the right manner. The still darkness of the night is particularly outstanding to me every time I look at the painting. The two steeples towering the town are highly conspicuous in the background.

The building that is portrayed as a church has an eye-catching hole. This is where these people were before they were dragged in the place to meet their death. Using colors and light, Goya has managed to show the lifelessness in the town. The executions take place by a hillside where there are neither trees nor any other sign of life. The people being shoved wear expressions of disbelief and confusion. The faces of the man dressed in yellow and white and the other standing next to him are the most conspicuous people in the painting. The latter man is seems to be filled with pride as he does not beg for mercy while he awaits his death. The former man is the only one dressed in bright colored clothes as though he were in a joyous occasion.

As page 88 states, artists use colors to emphasize certain parts of their works. Goya used the bright colors to draw attention. He was successful as he was able to capture the many emotions that can be found in such a tragic act.

Yours Respectfully,