Sacred and Profane Love is a painting over flowing with symbolism, story and maybe even secrets. Art critics have declared many different interpretations of the two women, the baby angel (Cupid) and countless other subjects within the painting. Even without a relevant story, without a resemblance or knowledge of characters, this painting still amazes me. This is the first of the two paintings that I gazed at and with dynamic unity fresh in my mind, the energy and movement was highlighted on the painting right away and littered my view with neon colors. Everything from Cupid’s hand submerged into the water to the nude women in a contrapposto stance reaching one arm out into the air. Even the women’s hand sitting down is placed in an un-rested position and brings energy to the atmosphere. While each individual has there own unique movement it was not until I spent some time with the high renaissance painting Madonna of Harpies that I realized the interaction of this energy that each character holds is what was missing in Titian’s piece.
In Modanna of Harpies, I went through somewhat of the same discovery of action in the painting but it was not entirely the same,. It seemed as if everything in the painting was composed to support everything else and after viewing it once I felt as if every unique detail was just as important to the piece as was the paint on the canvas. This painting truly brought to light the dynamic unity implemented during the high renaissance and the impact it has on the composition and the viewer. The Saints that surround the Virgin Mary are placed and shaded in a sense of protection. The subtle details of one’s foot risen up on the alter and the others body facing Mary shows the energy they share. But the most impressive form of dynamic unity is the interaction between the Virgin Mary, the child in her arms and the angels that cling to her. While these are all separate subjects they are all viewed as the same dynamic form in this painting. The angels are not merely reaching out for Mary but clinging to her as if they share the same force.
These two paintings are both so similar and so unique at the same time. It was amazing to see how every decision that made each of these paintings can be traced back to a reason, a chance, and a time period. Even more amazing is the thought of what each of those decisions could have meant for the current era of art and what decisions made today will do for tomorrows angels.
I can see that you chose works of art which are not included in our textbook. So other students can follow the discussion, here are the images:
ReplyDeleteMadonna of the Harpies:
http://www.wga.hu/art/a/andrea/sarto/1/harpies.jpg
Sacred and Profane Love:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ed/Tiziano_-_Amor_Sacro_y_Amor_Profano_%28Galer%C3%ADa_Borghese%2C_Roma%2C_1514%29.jpg
-Prof. Bowen
Also, just so students aren't confused: both of these painters are from the High Renaissance period (which goes roughly from the latter part of the 15th century to the first quarter of the 16th century). They are both beautiful paintings, though!
ReplyDelete-P.B.
I love Titan's use of atmospheric perspective in his painting. Also, I found it interesting that you said in Sarto's painting, the two saints on each side of the Madonna act as a form of protection. Looking at this painting I completely agree with you. The vertical lines of the architecture popping out behind them make the two figures seem strong and loyal. I also really like the use of chiaroscuro in this piece as well. It really draws your attention to the center where the artists has intentionally placed beautiful colors that ignite the painting as a whole.
ReplyDeleteI have to respectfully disagree with your statement that Titian's painting has less interaction between characters. I think that characters in the Madonna of the Harpies have a much more stable and balanced form of dynamic unity. There's a clear hierarchy, and the virgin Mary is the single focal point. But I think Titian's has just as much interaction and dynamic unity, and the slight asymmetry of his composition is somewhat unique for the period, and moves your eye around the picture more evenly, with several focal points. Personally I find Titian's a lot more dynamic. But this is just my opinion, of course.
ReplyDeleteI really love both of these paintings, thanks for bringing them up.