The artistic discourse community:
- a socio-rhetorical group of people who share common goals directly related to art; certain mechanisms of communication (eg. art magazines); specific vocabulary, grammar, semantics, rhetoric; specific GENRES
- genre: type of texts that share the same communicative purpose
The Critical Essay = a genre whose communicative purpose is to offer a personal opinion on a specific subject. Therefore we can consider it subjective writing. Nontheless, subjective does not mean total lack of evidence for what we claim.
The Formal Analysis
- a type of critical essay
- to analyse = to take a thing apart; to decompose it in order to see what its components are and how they work together as a whole => to analyse a work of art = to deconstruct it into smaller elements such as : subject-matter; formal elements; principles of design; style; purpose, etc.
- purpose: to describe, interpret and/or evaluate a work of art, that is, to analyse a work of art
- prerequisite: direct access to the real work or to a good reproduction
- each such important element is then analysed in order to see what role it plays in the whole
- the standard move-structure of a text belonging to the subgenre of formal analysis:
MOVE I: Introducing the work and the artist
MOVE II: Transition:
- usually offers a personal first response to the work
MOVE III: Analysing de-constructed elements:
MOVE IV: Concluding:
- offering a final interpretation +/- evaluation of the whole work, based on the previous analyses
TASKS:
- study the texts:
1. The Marriage of Giovanni Arnolfini and Jeanne Cenami by Jan van Eyck, written by Erwin Panofsky
The text you are supposed to read is really Panofsky's text (which can be found in the book Anda-Elena Cretiu: Discourse and Communication in Visual Arts, Casa Cartii de Stiinta, 2014, or in
Genre-Structured Discourse in Art Texts, Presa Univ. Clujeana, 2003) (in our library). The links below are only commentaries on the text and may help you better understand it.
Erwin Panofsky and his interpretation of art woks
another version of the text
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arnolfini_Portrait
2. Ten Lizes by Andy Warhol by Anca Teodora Pora
- comment on the analyses made by the authors, that is, on the descriptions and interpretations and/or evaluations offered; did they convince you?; can you find other possible interpretations to those elements?; are there other elements you would have chosen instead? which? why?
- a socio-rhetorical group of people who share common goals directly related to art; certain mechanisms of communication (eg. art magazines); specific vocabulary, grammar, semantics, rhetoric; specific GENRES
- genre: type of texts that share the same communicative purpose
The Critical Essay = a genre whose communicative purpose is to offer a personal opinion on a specific subject. Therefore we can consider it subjective writing. Nontheless, subjective does not mean total lack of evidence for what we claim.
The Formal Analysis
- a type of critical essay
- to analyse = to take a thing apart; to decompose it in order to see what its components are and how they work together as a whole => to analyse a work of art = to deconstruct it into smaller elements such as : subject-matter; formal elements; principles of design; style; purpose, etc.
- purpose: to describe, interpret and/or evaluate a work of art, that is, to analyse a work of art
- prerequisite: direct access to the real work or to a good reproduction
- each such important element is then analysed in order to see what role it plays in the whole
- the standard move-structure of a text belonging to the subgenre of formal analysis:
MOVE I: Introducing the work and the artist
- step 1: identifying the work (some details about the title, author, theme, subject-matter, medium, dimensions, period of creation, current location, purposes of creation)
- step 2: identifying the artist: only that biographical information considered relevant for the work analysed
MOVE II: Transition:
- usually offers a personal first response to the work
MOVE III: Analysing de-constructed elements:
- step 1: analysing first element : describing the first element + interpreting the first element + /- evaluating the first element (e.g. a character in the work)
- step 2: analysing element 2 (e.g. the principle of the perfect symmetry)
- step 3: analysing element 3 (e.g. the dominating colour)
MOVE IV: Concluding:
- offering a final interpretation +/- evaluation of the whole work, based on the previous analyses
TASKS:
- study the texts:
1. The Marriage of Giovanni Arnolfini and Jeanne Cenami by Jan van Eyck, written by Erwin Panofsky
The text you are supposed to read is really Panofsky's text (which can be found in the book Anda-Elena Cretiu: Discourse and Communication in Visual Arts, Casa Cartii de Stiinta, 2014, or in
Erwin Panofsky and his interpretation of art woks
another version of the text
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arnolfini_Portrait
2. Ten Lizes by Andy Warhol by Anca Teodora Pora
- comment on the analyses made by the authors, that is, on the descriptions and interpretations and/or evaluations offered; did they convince you?; can you find other possible interpretations to those elements?; are there other elements you would have chosen instead? which? why?
3. Access the video material below. What elements are there analyzed? Although no interpretations are assigned to the formal elements analyzed here, can you think of 2-3 partial interpretations and an on-the-whole one?
DEADLINE: November 13
Lungu Andra Izabela, Grafica, recuperare credite.
ReplyDeleteIn approaching "The Marriage of Giovanni Arnolfini and Jeanne Cenami," my initial response is one of intrigue. The meticulous details and the symbolic richness within the painting invite a deeper exploration. The deliberate choices made by Jan van Eyck in composition and subject matter spark a curiosity to delve into the deconstructed elements of this masterpiece.
The central focus is on Giovanni Arnolfini and Jeanne Cenami. Van Eyck captures their expressions, attire, and positioning, symbolizing unity. The portrayal successfully conveys a significant moment in the subjects' lives. My personal response aligns with the admiration for the detailed portrayal, perfect symmetry, and the rich color palette. The symbolic depth adds layers to the narrative. However, art interpretation is subjective, and I can appreciate that others might bring diverse perspectives, questioning or expanding on these analyses.
Ultimately, the analyses are insightful, but art is multifaceted, and interpretations can vary. A good understanding often involves considering multiple viewpoints and embracing diverse perspectives.
Pap Andrada, Foto Video , an III, recuperare credite
ReplyDeleteAn iconic work of Northern Renaissance art created in 143 The Marriage of Giovanni Arnolfini and Jeanne Cenami” by Jan van Eyck is displayed at the National Gallery in London. This painting measuring 82.2 x 60 cm showcases the wedding ceremony of Giovanni Arnolfini and Jeanne Cenami in great detail. Van Eyck’s extraordinary precision and symbolic depth make the painting more than just an visual diary, but rather a deep philosophical dive into human bonding and commitment for viewers. Jan van Eyck was one of the leading artists in the Northern Renaissance and starred at Philip the Good’s court, Duke of Burgundy. Van Eyck born around 1390 was a master in oil painting and the concept of realism is crucial when analyzing subtle details along with symbolic depth present while looking at “The Marriage of Giovanni Arnolfini to Jean Cenami.” Physically approaching this masterpiece creates a sense of wonder and admiration. The smallest details, from the reflection in a convex mirror to sumptuous fabrics create an atmosphere. Van Eyck’s strength to turn everyday items into something profoundly symbolic encourages the viewer to look beyond what is written historically about painting, developing a personal and emotional bond between them. Given central figure, the one who is Giovanni Arnolfini portrays himself in meticulous precision. His dress and look suggest wealth and earnestness, while the upraised hand symbolizes a sacred vow. Arnolfini hovers over the narrative, giving it more depth because of his presence – historical and symbolic.
The perfection in the composition – observed through centralisation of people and balanced positions of various elements creates visual balance. This conscious arrangement underscores the significance of marital rite and increases aesthetic impact overall. The careful balance imparts depth to the depicted event and emphasizes its importance. It is mainly dominated by warm, earthy colors especially seen in the carpet and furniture that are giving a very homey feeling of warmth. The color spectrum emphasizes the intimate quality of this moment, strengthening its emotional pull when it comes to a theme that involves marriage. Van Eyck utilized a specific color palette to create the overall mood and maintains coherency in storytelling. “The Marriage of Giovanni Arnolfini and Jeanne Cenami,” nevertheless, remains one of the masterpieces in Northern Renaissance art wherein minute detail is combined with rich symbolism. Van Eyck’s superb craftsmanship, which is present in the depiction of Giovanni Arnolfini and perfect symmetry can be seen as well deliberate colour choices everything combine for a timeless masterpiece. Besides noting a particular occurrence, the painting encourages reflection on timeless dimensions of human interaction and commitment. This is a masterpiece with rich symbolism and technical brilliance that accentuates its significance, bringing forward the meaning of love union in different times for viewers to constantly ponder about it.
Chirilus Andreea task 2
ReplyDeleteThe analyses provided by Anca Teodora Pora on Andy Warhol's "Ten Lizes" and Erwin Panofsky's examination of Jan van Eyck's "The Marriage of Giovanni Arnolfini and Jeanne Cenami" offer insightful perspectives on the descriptions, interpretations, and evaluations of these artworks. Pora adeptly dissects Warhol's piece, delving into the repetition and conceptual depth inherent in the ten images. Panofsky, on the other hand, skillfully decodes the symbolism in Van Eyck's masterpiece, revealing layers of meaning in the marriage scene. Both analyses convincingly showcase the authors' deep understanding of art history and the contexts surrounding the respective works.
While these interpretations resonate, an alternative perspective on "Ten Lizes" could explore the commentary on consumer culture and the commodification of art. Warhol, known for his commentary on mass production and consumerism, might be subtly questioning the value of individuality and authenticity in a world saturated with replicated images.
Nevertheless, it's important to note that the analyses provided by Pora and Panofsky are comprehensive, leaving little room for alternative elements. In the case of "Ten Lizes," focusing on consumerism adds a layer of interpretation but doesn't necessarily replace the existing insights. The authors effectively cover the key aspects, making it challenging to argue for the inclusion of other elements without diluting the depth of their analyses.