Instructions: Choose two paintings, both from the same one of the following groups, by two different artists. In which you compare and contrast the works according to the principles. Within each group, the works share some common theme or subject, but may differ in the way they interpret that subject. Consider both the form and content of the works – that is, their visual appearance (style, composition) and their meaning (iconography, iconology). Relate these two complementary aspects of art to each other: discuss how each artist’s choice of formal elements expresses the meaning and emotional content of the subject.
Organize the paper like a standard expository essay. 1) State the THEME(S) of your comparison in the INTRODUCTION to your paper, then 2) DEVELOP those themes with reference to both works, and 3) summarize your CONCLUSIONS at the end. Include a basic description of each work: setting, characters, action or plot, and discuss what similarities you see in the two works, and what differences. Describe specific elements of composition that each artist uses to express a vision of the subject. Do not divide the paper into two separate halves; integrate your discussion of the two works into one continuous essay.
Elements To Consider
CONTENT: Subject matter, narrative: Does the work tell a story? What is it? What narrative moment of the plot is chosen? Emotion: How do figures in the work seem to be feeling and behaving? What emotional response do you, the observer, have toward them? Symbolism: Are there objects or figures that have a symbolic meaning? What broad beliefs, ideals, or concepts of Renaissance culture does the subject represent? Why was this subject chosen? For what audience(s)?
Remember to use Panofsky’s three levels of iconography: 1) Pre-iconographic description: look carefully and tell what you see; 2) Iconographic analysis: Relate the scene to some narrative or symbol; then 3) Iconological synthesis: what does the scene reveal about cultural values, ideals, desires?
Tips & Guidelines
You should look up mythological, biblical, or historical subjects in standard reference works if you need to learn about the story, but do NOT do any research about the artists of art beyond readings in the text. This is an exercise in looking carefully at a work of art and learning to see and describe it yourself. If you quote from a written source (textbook, wall plaque, website, etc.) identify the source fully with a FOOTNOTE.
Choose Two Paintings In The Same Group
Group 1: Jewish Biblical Narratives (Old Testament)
Guercino, Samson Captured by the Philistines
Artemisia Gentileschi, Queen Esther before Ahasuerus
Biagio d’ Antonio, The Story of Esther
Marco del Buono Giamberti, The Story of Esther
Gerbrandt van den Eeckhout, Isaac Blessing Jacob
Abraham Bloemaert, Moses Striking the Rock
Lucas Cranach the Elder, Judith with the Head of Holofernes
Group 2: Christian Narratives: Bible (New Testament) And Lives Of The Saints
Audrea Mantegna, Adoration of the Shepherds
Jacopo Tintoretto, The Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes
Georges de La Tour, The Penitent Magdalene
Mattia Preti, Pilate Washing His Hands
Jacob Jordaens, Holy Family with Shepherds
Quentin Massys, Adoration of the Magi
Group 3: Secular Narratives: Mythology, Allegory, History
Titian, Venus and Adonis
Lorenzo Lotto, Venus and Cupid
Paolo Veronese, Mars and Venus United by Love
Francisco de Zurbaran, The Battle Between Christians and Moors at El Sotillo
Jacques-Louis David, The Death of Socrates
Nicolas Poussin, Abduction of the Sabine Women
Rembrandt van Rijn, Aristotle with a Bust of Homer