The art discourse community:
- a socio-rhetorical group of people who share common goals directly related to art; certain mechanisms of communication (e.g., 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. Nonetheless, 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 (e.g., 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. Nonetheless, 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 12
Task1:
ReplyDeleteThe analysis made by Erwin Panofsky was convincing due to its accurate description of the meaning behind the objects and gestures made by the married couple in the painting. The accuracy with which he describes the cultural and historical context of the year 1434 correlated with the painting, from the simple inscription on the painting ( " Johannes de Eyck fuit hic. 1434" which would be discovered to be his position in front of the married couple as a witness to this affidavit.) to the chandelier's single lit candle representing the presence of God, is indeed remarkable.
However, I would also take a look at how the couple is dressed, the multiple layers of the robe the woman is wearing meaning to show wealth and luxury, as well as the fur on the man's clothing. Another interpretation would be that their stances show the gender roles of men and women during this time, because the man’s outward-facing posture contrasts with the woman's more reserved one.
Task2:
"Ten Lizes" by Andy Warhol, an emblematic pop artist, represents two bands, with five portraits of the American actress Elizabeth Taylor each. The repetition of the portrait could mean that the actress slowly was losing her identity throughout the years because of the fame she was receiving, because she was being too advertised to the world. Moreover, the black and white look could also mean that Warhol tried to emphasize the emptiness and monochromatic life popularity gives you, instead of the "colourful" one.
Task 3:
The elements analyzed are: scale, composition, pictorial space, form, line, colour, light, tone, texture and the pattern.
The scale of the Madonna could emphasize the important role she plays and her godliness compared to the other woman in the background. The triangular arrangement of the composition marks a sense of stability and focus the Madonna has on the world. The pictorial space gives a feeling of motherhood because of the overlapping of the child, but also the atmospheric perspective which ilustrates the rich blue sky which could be correlated to spirituality. The softness of the baby's and Madonna's form means purity and innocence and the lines are neither harsh or rigid emphasizing the sacredness and sanctity of the scene. The warm colors and soft light evoke a sense of calm and divine presence whilst the tonal harmonies and textures create a realistic yet idealized portrayal of the scene, inviting contemplation. Last but not least, the patterns play a huge role in the painting, one example being the rhythmic repetition of natural elements, like the grassy meadow and distant trees which create a sense of harmony and order.
An on-the-whole interpretation of Giovanni's "Madonna of the Meadow" could be simply a prayer, or a gospel. The masterful use of colours, textures and symbolism conveys a sense of divine presence overall. It'a a profound experience all the way to the divine and holy, in a way as when you come back, you're left with a longing feeling of that peace.
Pitigoi Alexia Nicoleta, Design department, 2nd year.
ReplyDelete1. Erwin Panofsky’s analysis of van Eyck’s painting provides a detailed look at its symbolism and cultural significance. He explains how the elements in the painting, like the couple’s posture and the objects in the room, represent themes of marriage, fidelity, and social status. I think that his arguments are convincing, especially in showing that the artwork serves not just as a wedding portrait but also as a document of social customs. However, I think it would be interesting to explore the emotions between Giovanni and Jeanne more deeply. Their expressions and body language could reveal insights into their relationship that go beyond the symbolic meanings, and discussing Jeanne’s role as a woman in the 15th century could highlight her importance and agency in the marriage, offering a different perspective on female representation in art.
2. Anca Teodora Pora’s analysis of Andy Warhol’s Ten Lizes effectively highlights the themes of consumer culture and mass production. She points out how the repetition of Liz Taylor’s image reflects the way celebrity culture commodifies identity. This perspective is compelling and captures the tension between individuality and commercialism in Warhol's work. It could also be valuable to consider the idea of nostalgia in Warhol's art. His portrayal of iconic figures like Liz Taylor might evoke a sense of longing for the past, making viewers reflect on the temporary nature of fame.
3. The elements analyzed include scale, composition, pictorial space, color, light, and texture.
The first partial interpretation is scale and composition. Bellini depicts the Madonna smaller than life-size yet large in the frame, creating an intimate connection with viewers. The pyramidal composition centers and elevates her, giving her a quiet authority.
The second partial interpretation is pictorial space. Bellini’s perspective, with receding landscape bands and orthogonals in the plowed field, adds depth and situates the figures within a serene natural world, emphasizing their significance.
The third partial interpretation are color and light. The rich blues of the Madonna’s robe contrast with the earthy landscape, highlighting her as a sacred figure. Consistent lighting across her figure enhances realism and warmth, focusing attention on her maternal presence.
On-the-whole interpretation. Bellini’s choices elevate the Madonna and Child as serene figures connected to nature yet distinct in importance. The harmonious arrangement and gentle color depth evoke an idealized vision of motherhood and sanctity, inviting viewers to reflect on the divine in everyday life.
Cesarato Diana-Antonella, painting department
ReplyDeleteTask 1
I find Erwin Panofsky's analysis of Jan van Eyck's "The Marriage of Giovanni Arnolfini and Jeanne Cenami" convincing due to its in-depth exploration of the painting's symbolic elements, social context, and artistic techniques. The dynamics of gender within the portrait could be well examined. The positioning of the figures where the man stands confidently while the woman appears more reserved may reflect the societal expectations of gender roles at the time. The vibrant greens and reds could symbolize fertility and passion, adding another dimension to our understanding of the couple's relationship.
Additionally, a closer look at the spatial arrangement might uncover themes of intimacy and distance. The space between the couple, despite their physical closeness, could suggest emotional barriers or societal norms affecting their connection.
Task 2
The analysis of Andy Warhol's "Ten Lizes" is convincing in its examination of themes such as mass production, celebrity culture, and the superficiality of fame. The focus on repetition, dimensions, and color choice underscores how these elements contribute to the overall message of the work. While the piece is visually captivating, the lack of depth in Elizabeth Taylor's depiction may evoke feelings of isolation, reflecting how celebrities can appear distant to the public.
A more in-depth analysis of gender representation could investigate how Warhol's portrayal of Taylor mirrors societal attitudes toward women in the media. The reduction of her image to a flat, repetitive icon can be seen as a critique of how women, are frequently objectified.
Furthermore, exploring the visual connections between "Ten Lizes" and commercial products could enhance the discussion on exploitation. Analyzing how Warhol's techniques resemble advertising strategies could illustrate the boundaries between art and commerce.
Task 3
Based on the analysis of Giovanni Bellini's "The Madonna of the Meadow," the elements under examination include scale, composition, pictorial space, form, line, color, light, tone, texture, and pattern.
The choice of blue in the Virgin Mary's mantle and the sky may symbolize her divine nature and connection to the heavens. This color selection elevates her figure and reinforces her status as a holy presence within the composition.
The pyramidal arrangement and the close proximity of the Virgin Mary and the Christ child suggest the theme of maternal care. The shapes created by their bodies convey a sense of security and closeness, highlighting the bond between mother and child.
The effective application of atmospheric perspective and chiaroscuro provides a convincing illusion of depth, allowing viewers to feel fully immersed in the scene. This technique enhances the realism of both the figures and the landscape, drawing the audience into the painting's emotional narrative.
Overall, "The Madonna of the Meadow" can be interpreted as a celebration of maternal love and divine presence, intricately conveyed through Bellini's masterful handling of formal elements. The harmony of color, light, and composition reflects both the beauty of the natural world and the relationship between the Virgin Mary and the Christ child.
Rus Maria, Fashion design, 2nd year
ReplyDelete**Task 1:**
Erwin Panofsky’s analysis stands out for its compelling depth, particularly in how it deciphers the symbolic elements and gestures in the portrait of the married couple. His detailed exploration of the cultural and historical backdrop of 1434 is striking, aligning each element in the artwork to the time period. For instance, he interprets the inscription "Johannes de Eyck fuit hic. 1434" as an indication that Jan van Eyck himself was present as a witness to the marriage, while he sees the lone lit candle in the chandelier as a representation of God’s presence. This level of detail gives Panofsky’s interpretation its strong credibility.
Additionally, examining the couple's attire adds to the understanding of their social standing, with the woman’s layered robe and the man’s fur-trimmed garment signifying wealth. Their contrasting postures — the man's outward orientation and the woman’s more reserved stance — may also reflect the era's gender expectations, subtly embedded in the composition.
**Task 2:**
In "Ten Lizes," Andy Warhol offers a layered portrayal of the actress Elizabeth Taylor through two rows of repeated portraits. This repetition might suggest a gradual erosion of Taylor’s personal identity, overwhelmed by her fame and public persona. Warhol’s use of black and white also adds an intriguing dimension, hinting that the glamorous lifestyle may, in reality, feel stark and empty, lacking the vibrancy often associated with fame.
**Task 3:**
The artistic components analyzed include scale, composition, pictorial space, form, line, color, light, tone, texture, and pattern. In "Madonna of the Meadow," the Madonna’s prominent scale accentuates her divine role, standing out in contrast to the background figures. The triangular composition structure conveys stability and draws attention to her contemplative focus on the world. The layering in the pictorial space, especially the overlapping of the child with the Madonna, emphasizes a nurturing bond, while the expansive blue sky in the background suggests spiritual depth. The gentle forms of the Madonna and child embody innocence, and the soft, flowing lines enhance the sacred quality of the scene. Warm hues and delicate light add a serene, almost heavenly atmosphere, while tonal harmony and detailed textures create a lifelike yet idealized vision of divinity. Patterns further enrich the scene, with the recurring natural elements like the grassy meadow and distant trees establishing a tranquil sense of order.
Overall, Giovanni Bellini’s "Madonna of the Meadow" can be viewed as a visual expression of devotion or gospel. Through an expert use of color, texture, and symbolic details, the painting evokes a deep sense of the divine, inviting viewers into a moment of profound spiritual connection.
ReplyDeleteMy name is Catriscau Răzvan and I am a student at the Department of History and Theory of Art, 2nd year.
1. In Erwin Panofski's text, his title as one of the fathers of iconography is once again emphasized by his writing so rich in details that gradually weave the story of the work, details such as the characters' positions, their gestures, the objects in the room, inscriptions and the context of the era in which the work was created. The text is invaluable because it offers the reader in quite a few pages a manual for applying iconography in the analysis of art. The author not only has a fantastic power of persuasion, but he makes you as a reader want more, and without a doubt and perhaps I would like to explore the artist's life more, although the enigmatic character of Jan van Eyck is known.
2. Anca Teodora Pora's writing in the analysis of Andy Warhol's work is particularly linked to the relationship that the artist had with the new consumerist ideology that was storming the life of his times, choosing through this relationship to simultaneously highlight the message, but also the significance of the manner of working and representation. This mode of analysis is perfectly adapted to the artist in question, because without a socio-political context, Andy Warhol cannot be explained as his work deserves and as Anca Teodora Pora managed to do, in a way that would convince me through text of the foundations of Warhol's art brought to the surface by the analysis of the work Ten Lizes.
3. The analysis undertaken by the video clip can fall into the type of pre-iconographic or morphological analysis, analyzing the elements that can be identified without the depth of meaning that iconography would offer. The scale, composition, pictorial space, form, line, color, light, tone, texture and pattern are analyzed. A first partial interpretation, in relation to the composition, could be that of highlighting the role of the Virgin Mary, as protector and center of stability for the baby Jesus against all the obstacles posed by the external environment. A second partial interpretation, in relation to the lines of the characters' faces, could be that the message of the work wants to bring forward the steadfastness of the two characters despite the awareness of the tragic future that both of them will go through, making the calmness of their faces a symbol of resistance for faith and divine purpose. Also, in a third partial interpretation, in relation to the pictorial space, I think it could be about the refuge that the Virgin Mary and the baby Jesus can always find in the conscience and heart of ordinary people, far away from the sinful world of the city in the distance.
Andra Moldovan, department ITA, second year
ReplyDelete1Panofsky's analysis of Jan van Eyck's "The Marriage of Giovanni Arnolfini and Jeanne Cenami" painting is convincing due to its focus on symbolism, such as the mirror symbolizing divine presence and objects reflecting wealth and status. Additionally, the interplay between intimacy and societal norms could be explored, particularly through the arrangement of the couple and objects like the bed and chandelier. The role of light, enhancing textures and realism, further deepens the painting's spiritual and naturalistic aspects.
2Warhol's "Ten Lizes" effectively critiques celebrity culture and commodification through repetition and fading tones, symbolizing the superficiality and transience of fame. The alienation caused by overexposure and the industrial nature of Warhol's technique emphasize the loss of individuality and blur the line between art and commerce.
3"The Madonna of the Meadow" combines triangular composition, symbolic use of color (blue for divinity, green for earth), and chiaroscuro to highlight maternal love and divine presence. The harmony of naturalistic and spiritual elements invites reflection on the connection between the sacred and the earthly
serban anouk-irina, ceramica-sticla-metal, anul 3, restanta anul 2 sem 1 si 2
ReplyDeleteText 1:
Panofsky meticulously analyzes the various elements of the painting, including the symbolism of the objects (e.g., the dog representing fidelity, the use of light, and the placement of figures). His detailed descriptions clarify how each element interrelates to convey themes of marriage and social status.
Panofsky’s evaluations often reflect a deep scholarly knowledge of not only the artwork but of the historical context of the era, which adds layers of understanding. However, his interpretations may appear somewhat dense for those less acquainted with art history.
The connections made between the formal elements and their broader societal implications are compelling. This approach helps the reader appreciate the painting's complexity beyond a mere visual experience.
While Panofsky emphasizes fidelity and social status, one might argue that the use of color and light serves to highlight emotional intimacy as well, suggesting a personal connection between the couple rather than a purely societal one.
An analysis of the perspective used in the painting could add depth, as the way space is structured can influence the viewer's perception of the relationship between the subjects and their environment.
Text 2
Pora’s analysis focuses on Warhol’s use of repetition, vibrant color palettes, and the superficial nature of celebrity culture, reflecting the transient nature of fame. She convincingly describes how these formal elements contribute to the overall theme of consumerism.
The analysis highlights how the work critiques celebrity culture yet simultaneously engages with it, which provides a nuanced view of Warhol's artistic intent.
Pora’s emphasis on repetition as a commentary on mass production effectively captures the essence of Warhol's work. This analysis resonates in discussions about how art interacts with contemporary culture.
While Pora speaks to consumerism, one could also interpret Warhol’s choices as a reflection on self-identity in a media-saturated world. The repeated images might suggest a loss of individuality, evoking questions about personal value versus public persona.
Investigating the background elements and their relationship to the foreground might yield insights into how Warhol balances between foregrounding the subject and the cultural context surrounding them.
In the linked video, several formal elements are analyzed, such as composition, color dynamics, and the interaction of shapes and lines within the artwork.
A well-structured composition can evoke feelings of stability or tension, depending on the placement of elements. For instance, asymmetrical balance often suggests discord or dynamic energy.
The interplay of warm and cool colors might suggest emotional contrasts, like passion versus calmness, creating a thematic dialogue within the piece.
Combining these interpretations, one might conclude that the artwork effectively captures the complexity of human experience—reflecting both internal emotional states and external social commentaries through its formal elements. The piece is a multifaceted reflection on the interplay between form, color, and meaning, compelling viewers to engage on both aesthetic and intellectual levels.
Overall, these analyses demonstrate how formal elements in art are not just compositional tools but also convey deeper themes and provoke critical thought within the broader cultural narratives.