Met Museum Visit

This painting is titled, “Saint John on Patmos” painted by the artist Hans Baldung circa 1511. It depicts Saint John living in exile having a vision of the Virgin as he is writing his Book of Revelation. Originally, this piece was one third of a triptych joined by two other paintings. This painting is a good example of a Renaissance piece of art is it shows the lighter, more approachable side to Christianity. Many paintings before this time had gruesome depictions of Christ on the Cross or other grizzly or unsettling images. The Renaissance paintings, specifically this one, switched up the approach to depicting Christianity, partially because it relies on iconography with the Virgin appearing in the clouds. A heavily recognized and celebrated image within the religion.

 

This painting is titled, “The Rape of Tamar” by the artist Eustache Le Suere circa 1640. The painting depicts Tamar being raped by her half-brother Amnon. This is a good example of a Baroque painting because it highlights a scene of drama. It illustrates the action right before a dramatic event occurs. It also utilizes the diagonal plane in both the bodies of Tamar and Amnon. The use of light is also being played with by the artist specifically on the upper left side of the painting where there is a shadow cast on the pillars. When looking at this painting it is hard to be neutral or ambivalent, another sign of a Baroque painting, as most paintings from this time force their viewer to take a stand.

 

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