Caravaggio’s Sicilian Period: Burial of St. Lucy and Resurrection of Lazarus
Caravaggio’s Sicilian Period: A Study of Two Masterpieces
In his Sicilian period (1608-1609), Caravaggio’s style evolved, reflecting the unique environment and commissions he received. This analysis focuses on two significant works from this period: The Burial of St. Lucy and The Resurrection of Lazarus.
In these paintings, the soil is well-defined, and figures appear smaller compared to earlier Roman works. The scenes are more intimate, lacking overt symbols of sanctity. The figures are frozen in
Read MoreBernini’s Ecstasy of Saint Teresa: Context, Analysis, and Interpretation
Bernini’s Ecstasy of St. Teresa
1. Context: The Baroque Era
The Baroque era, spanning the seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries, marked a significant shift from the Renaissance. This period witnessed a division of Europe into Catholic and Protestant regions, a crisis of humanism, and a renewed emphasis on traditional and religious values.
The Baroque style is characterized by its propagandistic purposes, rhetorical formal language, and diverse aesthetic trends.
2. Identification: Ecstasy of St.
Read MoreMercantilism and Baroque Art: A Historical Overview
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The new economic system known as mercantilism defended the wealth of a country, which was based on the amount of precious metal (gold and silver) that it possessed. Therefore, it was necessary to promote domestic industry and trade, to sell much, buying abroad and earn some money. To maintain the new system, state aid was necessary, so mercantilism helped the power of European monarchies. Jean-Baptiste Colbert (1619-1683).
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Monarchy Types
In the feudal monarchy, the king
Read MoreRussian and Victorian Literature: Realism and Social Critique
Russian Realism and the Victorian Novel
Russian Realism focused on:
- Social awareness.
- Development of novels.
- Presence of God.
- Deep psychological analysis of the characters.
The Victorian Novel (1817-1891) explored:
- Middle-class morality.
- Hypocrisy.
- Religious feelings and the crisis in faith.
- Darwin’s The Origin of Species and its impact.
- Defense of the family.
Gogol
- Reflects and criticizes habits and characters.
- Omniscient narrator.
- Descriptive writing.
- Linearity in the action.
- Unique use of humor and irony.
- Fantastic
Italian Trecento Painting and Gothic Art Concepts
Gothic Art Commentary
Why did Siena decorate its palace with religious art?
Because in the Middle Ages and early modern times, religion permeated all aspects of life. People and institutions placed themselves under the protection of God, the Virgin Mary, and the saints. In this particular case, the presence of the Maestà in the main hall of Siena’s City Council is justified because the Virgin Mary was the patron saint of the city. The city sought her protection in times of difficulty, and the municipal
David’s Oath of the Horatii: Neoclassical Duty and Sacrifice
Oath of the Horatii by Jacques-Louis David
General Information
- Author: Jacques-Louis David was one of the first artists concerned with managing his public image. For example, regarding works completed in Rome but not yet seen in France, he generated publicity and spread rumors about them. When this painting arrived in France and was exhibited at the Louvre, it created a mass phenomenon. He was an artist identified with the French Revolution (e.g., The Death of Marat, 1793) and later with Napoleon