The painting I chose to represent Baroque art was The Union of Earth and Water by Peter Paul Rubens. The work was completed in 1618 and can be found to day in the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg Russia. I was unable to determine from my research where the painting was originally created but I did find references to it being obtained from the so called Chigi Collection in Rome.
I am not ashamed to say that I find the female form to be one of the greatest subjects in art. Rubens depiction of the Cybele plays perfectly into the paintings flowing nature as her gentle curves and relaxed posture draw the viewer’s attention to her as well as the detailed objects around her. She is clearly the most important character in the painting both because she is shown in full frontal profile and because she is a pale white figure connected to a darker character – her partner Neptune – god of the sea. I like the painting because most of what I have seen in this lesson has been landscapes, still lives, and religious paintings; so this one stands out for me.
The painting while not directly connected with the Council of Trent can be viewed as being in opposition to it. The painting depicts gods from Roman and Greek myth so it is clearly not related to the church. In fact its depiction of the gods of another religion is in clear opposition to the Council of trents dictation that art should draw people to the church. At least that’s how I see it.
Information on the Council of Trents edicts can be found here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Council_of_Trent
September 30, 2009 at 9:40 pm |
Hey Ian,
I agree that the naked women is the main central point. Even though she is not perfect in shape she comes off to be very stunning in a way. It may be her posture or relaxed positioning. She has a look of comfort in her eyes, like nothing in the world matters but him. I think your connection to the Council of Trent is interesting, being that it is the opposite, but i like it. Its different and I can tell you know about the Council of Trent by the vast comparison. Well done!
October 1, 2009 at 10:45 am |
very good, i like your link to the Council of Trent. Not an exact link but i completely makes sense being opposite. This painting is very beautiful with the natural human bodies and the connection between the woman and neptune.
October 6, 2009 at 9:56 pm |
I also enjoyed seeing this painting included in the readings. What draws me to this painting is the details: the children playing in the surf and the shells on the shore. It seems that nothing was left out. Neptune and his lady could live in that little world quite happily.
I could’ve wished for more information about Rubens and the work’s history but if it’s past is murky and unknown then I suppose there’s nothing you could do. The connection to the Council of Trent was an interesting one, Rubens does seem to be flouting his nose in front of the strictures of the church doesn’t he. I wonder what lead Rubens to such a deed? Do you know if he was taught by catholic mentors and rebelled or was it more passive, like a hobby or a commissioned work? It would be interesting to know more.
October 6, 2009 at 10:22 pm |
I thought you had a very good interpretation of this piece. I agree with your thought about the female figure. She does seem to be the center of the piece. She seems to just stand out.
I do think your connection to the Council of Trent may have been a stretch, however I do see where you are coming from with it.
All in all, i thought this blog was a good one.
April 18, 2010 at 4:05 pm |
lol she’s hot
April 28, 2010 at 11:13 am |
this painting is sick! http://www.youtube.com/bironkerr
August 5, 2010 at 12:52 am |
i love all the things you said about the painting.. and i wanna thank you coz i am looking for some information about this painting. thanks.