The Convincing Curator

Mary Cassatt. Maternal Caress. C. 1891

Mary Cassatt. Maternal Caress. C. 1891

Angelica Kauffman. Cornelia Pointing to her Children as her Treasures. C.1785

Parmigianino. Madonna with the Long Neck. 1534-40

Leonardo. Virgin and Saint Anne with Christ Child and the young John the Baptist. 1500

The Humility of Motherhood

The following works would be presented in the traveling exhibition titled The Humility of Motherhood. It is evident to the viewer that each of these pieces has a unifying theme of motherhood. Although each of the pieces fall under the same concept they are each unique portrays of the beauty and selflessness of motherhood. Each piece was created in different time periods from the early sixteenth century to the late nineteenth century, yet all bring forth a common purpose. Throughout history the view on humanity changed continuously, thus the image of the woman has evolved from decade to decade. Women have been portrayed in countless ways from elegant and modest to revealing and scandalous. As time went on women’s rights and societal involvement increased causing an alteration to the definition of what it meant to be a women. Even though women’s roles began to change throughout history one aspect stayed constant, was their ability to selflessly become caring mothers. Artists both male and female continually chose to depict the beauty of motherhood in all classes of women during different time periods. Leonardo’s, Virgin and Saint Anne with the Christ Child and the Young John the Baptist, was created in the early sixteenth century. It illustrates the loving nature of Mary, who is a well known example of eternal motherly love. Leonardo beautifully renders the moment of Mary smiling while she holds Jesus as a child, which makes the viewer clearly identify to her devotion as a mother. Leonardo creates Mary in a familiar presence that seems like this moment could be happening today. Parmigianino’s, Madonna with the Long Neck, portrays a woman of wealth and status who elegantly comforts her children by her side. Likewise, Parmigianino’s work illustrates the love of a mother towards her children, but has a completely different setting. The setting takes place in an elite home, which shows the stability of this family. Angelica Kauffman’s, Cornelia pointing to her children as her treasures, is unique in the fact that it shows the proud and grateful attitude of a mother just by looking at her children. Her emphasis on her children being her most valuable treasures relays the value of motherhood itself because it is evident to the viewer that she lives a life of wealth and privilege, but nothing compares to the value of her children. Mary Cassatt’s, Maternal Carress, demonstrates the security of motherly comfort. The woman in the artwork is holding her child tightly and the happiness on the child’s face captures the viewer’s understanding of the ease and comfort of a child in their mother’s arms. Lastly, Dorothea Lange’s, Migrant Mother, is a striking photograph of a poor migrant mother and her children. This photograph illustrates the status of motherhood, although she can’t give her children material things she continues to give them the love they deserve. The look on her face has an expression of grieve possibly for the concern of the life her and her children live. The children are completely surrounding their mother and are comforted despite their situation. Each of the works that were selected for The Humility of Motherhood exhibition all individually demonstrate the precious characteristics of motherhood in all facets.

Sample Test Questions

Which of the following activities did NOT take place in a salon in the 18th Century?
A. Socializing
B. Discussion about literature and artwork
C. Dancing
D. Public art exhibition
(the answer is c)

Which artist was characterized by his mastery of mythological paintings such as Triumph of Venus?
A. Jean-Honore Watteau
B. Rosalba Carriera
C. Anton Raphael Mengs
D. Francois Boucher
(the answer is D)

As a result of the death of the Sun King in 1715 court life and art changed in what way?
A.Increased importance on formality
B. Focused more on delightful and lightheartedness
C. Created the birth of Neoclassicism
D. Emphasized seriousness
(the answer is B)

What type of person would most likely go on a Grand Tour in the 18th Century?
A. Middle class adults from Britain
B. Young middle class students from North America
C. Wealthy males from Britain
D. Young upper class
(the answer is D)

Nicolas Poussin and Claude Lorrain were known primarily for their paintings of?
A. Mythological scenery
B. Cautionary tales
C. Nature
D. Still life
(the answer is B)

Formal Analysis

Marcellus Coffermans
Crucifixion, Second Third of the 16th Century
Oil on Oak Pane
Gift of Mr. & Mrs. Read Mullan
1964.11
Flemish (Antwerp) Active 1549-1575

Formal Analysis: The Crucifixion

The Crucifixion by Marcellus Coffermans was created in the second third of the sixteenth century. During this time period much conflict was taking place as a result of religious and political disagreements. The art work was created during the later sixteenth century, which became known as the High Renaissance period. During this time period oil painting became very popular as opposed to tempura on wood. Oil painting allowed for emphasis with light and color along with flexibility through the technique of flowing brush work. The technique of oil painting also allowed for great detail with the use of numerous colors to create one unified color. Oil painting was originally implemented by Flemish painters and primarily consisted of nature scenery, people, and detailed items. The intricate detail of natural scenery was show throughout Coffermans Crucifixion with the dramatic sky and surrounding trees. The work was set up with a central focus towards the front of the work and fine detail in the distant view. The special relationship between the main subjects of the work and the background subjects of the work continually draws the focus towards Jesus Christ on the cross.
The Crucifixion by Marcellus Coffermans was a small oil painting in great condition aside from various signs of distress on the oak panel as a result of the many years since it was created. The artwork is fully intact and is full of detailed color still vibrant to the human eye.
The special relationship between the main subject of the work and the background subjects of the work continually draws the focus towards Jesus Christ on the cross. The painting was organized in a symmetrical and logical order, which was evident in the central subject of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and the presence of important women in his life all of which indirectly draw attention to Christ. As shown by the use of nature and other subjects that while viewed alone ultimately intrigue the viewer to look at the artwork as a unified whole because of the significance of each piece to the main subject. For example, the bold grey clouds create a mood of sorrow that can be related to the suffering taking place by Jesus Christ on the cross. Linear perspective is used by the placement of the main subject largely at the front of the work. Christ on the cross is central and largely positioned at the front of the work.
The use of color also brings forth symbolism and importance to certain objects within the painting. For example, the use of light colors for Jesus Christ’s bare skin and white clothe draws his traumatized body out from the grey color of the sky and the dark brown of the cross. Along with all of the other subjects in the artwork whose drapery are black and dark rust colors again brings importance to Christ on the cross. Likewise, the placement of objects such as the city of Jerusalem depicted in the distant background, which illustrates the rejection from the people towards Christ and his teachings, leaving him to lay on the cross as if he is not even worth their presence. The placement of Christ on the cross at the top of the work with the sky directly behind creates the connection between Christ and his close existence with heaven. Christ’s gesture of his two right fingers pointing up toward the sky also signifies his eventual resurrection to heaven.
Furthermore the mannerisms of Mary Magdalene, his mother Mary and Mary the mother of James at the feet of Christ during his crucifixion all convey magnitude to Christ. Jesus Christ’s mother Mary looks away from the suffering of her son because her inability to watch such a tragic event. Her facial expression is full of grief and creates a feeling of sympathy for what she is going through. Mary Magdalene is placed at the feet of the cross with her arms and body dramatically holding up the cross that Christ lays on. Her struggle to use her whole body to support the cross results in the falling of her elegant drapery, but her expression portrays her lack of care and views of this as a small sacrifice for the ultimate sacrifice Christ has to endure. Lastly, Mary the mother of James stands away motioning her hand in the direction of Christ manipulating the focus back to him, almost as if in homage and humility for the son of God. Each woman’s body language was distinctively utilized for the theme of the artwork.
In this manner, The Crucifixion, through its rich use of vibrant colors, placement of subjects, symmetry and perspective illustrates one of the most influential events within religious history. Each piece of the artwork is vital to the unified whole and depicts an eminent story. The use of this painting for religious purposes adequately portrays the ultimate sacrifice Christ made for people; creating the feeling of gratefulness for all of his anguish. The beauty of this oil painting is evident in the composition and detailed brush stroke that is still captivating today.

Blog Assignment #2

The Florence Cathedral took many years to complete due to numerous obstacles because of political change taking place in Florence in the 1330’s. The struggle for power in parts of northern Italy caused chaos and a period of conflict in Florence. The Cathedral plan was originally created in 1294 by Arnolfio di Cambio and after sporadic work, redesigns, and additions the Florence Cathedral was finally completed in 1436. The intricate design can be accredited to many creative individuals of the time. Design was important to Italian architecture; therefore, talented artists and sculptors were requested to do the work on the Cathedral. The Florence Cathedral is uniquely designed and encompasses an endless amount of miraculous art work and Byzantine style that reflects the Italian culture.
It is evident why the Florence Cathedral would be a monument of civic pride for all Florentines by its beautiful expression of religion which was the central element in the lives of many Florentines. There was much more to the Florence Cathedral then just magnificent work due to the timing of the masterwork Florentines had much to be proud of. During the fourteenth century Florence and much of Italy found themselves completely emerged in turmoil in which they felt was to be never ending. Despite the discouraging air in Florence during this time, Florentines came forth to create an exquisite work of art that symbolized a new beginning and ultimately future success. The accomplishment of the Florence Cathedral gave way to the Renaissance making Florence the source of inspiration.
The Cathedral gave Florentines something to be proud of during an era of unrest. It symbolizes over coming a tragic time and the emergence of future prosperity to Florence. No other city made an impact on its people quite like Florence did by encouraging the development of literature and all aspects of art during this time, thus, making Florence a model to the rest of Italy. Although the Florence Cathedral took many years to complete the final and articulate creation portrays historic achievement.

Blog Assignment # 1

My name is Katie Kuzelka and I am in my freshman year at ASU. My major is pre-med of Family Studies. I signed up for this class because I thought it would be a unique learning experience. I also heard that it was a great class. Examining and forming an opinion on a work of art can be very subjective, which has shown to be challenging for me in the past. I have little to no experience with art and I hope by taking this class I can learn new and interesting things that will ultimately make me a more well rounded individual. My goal is to form a greater understanding of classic art pieces and have the ability to identify the purpose of art work in a well educated way by the end of the semester. Also, I hope to develop a greater appreciation for art in the past and today.

My most memorable encounter with art was the Body World's exhibit at the Science Museum. Since I have little exposure to art, Body World's was probably the most fascinating form of art I have seen in person. The intricate way the bodies were presented made the exhibit captivating. I have seen classic artwork in books and displayed in certain places, but I have never taken the time to look into the detail that is unique to each artist or what the artist's purpose was behind the work of art.

Art is fascinating because a single thing as simple as color or style can be so significant to the work of art through its ability to relay a story to the viewer. It is a model of expression whether it is feelings or perception of the world around an individual. It is displayed in all aspects throughout the world not just on paper. For example, to me ballet is an art because I find the technique to be beautiful and extraordinary. Art is unique to everyone and can be portrayed differently depending upon the person.