While listening to this weeks lecture I learned that back in the early 18th century Jean-Antoine Watteau is compared to the modern day Thomas Kinkade, this fact got my attention since I have family that love him. So, even though I saw and read about many artist, then saw their amazing works of art the main name that stuck with me was Jean-Antoine Watteau, that is why I choose to pick one of his works of art. The piece I picked is Pierrot formerly known as Gilles, made in 1719.
There are few art works by Watteau that are well know, while he has painted a lot more then just a few. I found great difficulties finding research on his works of art besides the few works of art found in the text book. There was one main website I found that gave me info on all different aspects of this art work (http://www.artble.com/artists/antoine_watteau/paintings/pierrot_formerly_known_as_gilles).The painting main subject,the boy in the white clothes, Pierrot meaning a few different things like actor, or masquerader is also a type of character in Commedia dell'Arte know to be the fool. This type of character is common in many different types of stories from all different time periods because he is the character that is meant to be left heartbroken. "Traditionally, the Pierrot's love interest, Columbine, leaves him for Harlequin", but even after that has happened he is still the trustworthy guy. Some people believe that Watteau painted this work to represent himself, though it hasn't been proven. This work of art has a hidden story the doesn't really show right away. It wasn't until I looked up information on in till I realized the story, but once I figured it out it became a lot more interesting on the back story of the painting because its link to theatre. This is also not his only painting to revolve around the theatre which is really interesting.
There are few art works by Watteau that are well know, while he has painted a lot more then just a few. I found great difficulties finding research on his works of art besides the few works of art found in the text book. There was one main website I found that gave me info on all different aspects of this art work (http://www.artble.com/artists/antoine_watteau/paintings/pierrot_formerly_known_as_gilles).The painting main subject,the boy in the white clothes, Pierrot meaning a few different things like actor, or masquerader is also a type of character in Commedia dell'Arte know to be the fool. This type of character is common in many different types of stories from all different time periods because he is the character that is meant to be left heartbroken. "Traditionally, the Pierrot's love interest, Columbine, leaves him for Harlequin", but even after that has happened he is still the trustworthy guy. Some people believe that Watteau painted this work to represent himself, though it hasn't been proven. This work of art has a hidden story the doesn't really show right away. It wasn't until I looked up information on in till I realized the story, but once I figured it out it became a lot more interesting on the back story of the painting because its link to theatre. This is also not his only painting to revolve around the theatre which is really interesting.
There are other characters portrayed in this work of art the other's being "the doctor on his donkey, the lovers Leander and Isabella, and the captain".
This painting composition is very interesting to look at because you have the main figure that draws the attention of the eye for many reason one being his clothes are bigger and the white makes them pop. When you look at the figures face you see sadness in his eyes, he even seems slightly lonely. This work of art has shadows from a light source that shapes the figures face and his form, while also shining a light on the people below.
At first I didn't know what to think of this painting. By just looking at it I knew it had a good composition and a good ton, but I wasn't sure what it showing. Though after I did research I found this painting to mean so much more and I kept wanting to learn more.
Nice work. I'm glad that you mentioned the commedia dell'arte in connection with this piece. As you said, Pierrot is a character that is a fool. He is comic simpleton who is often duped by others (but much loved by the audience). Some speculate that the donkey in the scene might underscore the fact that Pierrot is constantly being duped by other characters.
ReplyDeleteSomething that I think it is interesting about this painting is that it might have been designed to be a signboard. Such a lowly, commercial function for a work of art would not have been seen by the Academy in a favorable light.
-Prof. Bowen
This is an odd painting to figure at first glance. His loud cream white clothing,(shirt and pants)look oversized which they are and his apparent small head. Everything behind him leans toward the center of the painting. which sort of draws your eyes to focus on the person, even as you observe the thing behind him. It's interesting to know that this painting is theater driven it makes me think of Baroque Art and its characteristics for drama and theater.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very unique painting: the more one studies it, the more interesting it becomes. I really appreciate the subject matter, especially as it is referencing theatre. The choice of color is also very interesting: the captain (?) in red stands out as much or more than Pierrot, which leads the eye around to the lovers, around to the doctor, back to Pierrot, and finally to the landscape behind.
ReplyDeleteI really like the depth that that the main figure in the middle creates to make it "pop out" like you said. It's a very interesting painting, it almost makes you notice every person in the painting, as you drag your focal point from the middle to the figure in the red, and so forth. Great piece to talk about.
ReplyDeleteWhy did the artist put the figure right in the center of the image I wonder... considering normally my painting professors absolutely hate it when the main focus is in the exact center of the canvas... what would it have looked like elsewhere? would it have had such an effect? I like how Professor Bowen says that it has been speculated that this image was used for a sign board? could that be why it was so obviously there in our face? interesting post!
ReplyDeleteI think what is most interesting about this painting is the way the main character is standing. For some reason it feels awkward, however, although I feel that he comes across disconnected, I just want to keep looking straight at him. His central positioning make it very intriguing and in-your-face. Along with that his pearly white clothes is quite mesmerizing. Great post.
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