Mannerism and the Late Italian Renaissance

 

Playing Putto (Musician Angel), 1518 - Rosso Fiorentino - WikiArt.org

This work, Playing Putto (Musician Angel), by Rosso Fiorentino, was produced in 1518 and is displayed at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy (Wikiart, 2022). Fiorentino worked with oil, as in the picture above, and fresco (mural art). Rosso, thus named for his red hair, was a Mannerism influenced painter of the late Italian Renaissance. Mannerism is a style that used distortion or disfiguration and was a departure from the more finite and realistic work of the time (Gečaite, 2003). Both mannerism and humanism are evident in this piece. Fiorentino fled to France following the 'Sack of Rome' where he remained until his death in 1540 (WikiArt, 2022). 

I would have this print in my home. Unlike much of the work of the Italian and Northern Renaissance, there is a simplicity to this piece that makes it relatable and enduring. I like the use of shadows and light. Rosso uses a technique popular in this era, Chiaroscuro, making his angelic musician come to life. The eye is focused on the serene expression and the delicate hand in the forefront. The hand is childlike but elegant. The color is bold and the hue, vibrant. I appreciate the dark background. I believe it helps to focus the piece and gives it a timeless feel against the gold of the instrument. 

                                                                References

WikiArt. Visual Art Encyclopedia. (20 May 2022). Rosso Fiorentino.                                                 (online). https://www.wikiart.org/en/rosso-fiorentino/playing-putto-musician-angel-1518

Gečaite, R. (2003). Mannerism: Islam and Western Art. Dialogue & Universalism, 13(1/2),             167.

Art Elements Analysis

 

This week I have selected the work of Wolf Kahn. This piece is titled, In a Red Space. It is oil paint on linen and was completed in 1992. Wolf is an American artist, and his work is displayed at art museums throughout the United States (U.S. Dept. of State, 2022).

 I love the artist's use of COLOR in this painting. Many of Kahn's works have this layering of color with the earthy yellows and greens at the bottom building into more vibrant sunset like colors at the top. The TONE is bright and inviting. The trees are softly painted, and the artist avoids the use of hard/rigid LINES giving the painting a free feeling. The trees take the SHAPE of a dome, again making use of soft edges to give the piece an ethereal quality. This painting, with its use of color and loose form, makes me feel hopeful, excited, and peaceful at once. In a Red Space is 52x60 inches. I would love to look at this every day. I would hang it in my home or at work. 

Reference

U.S. Dept. of State. Art in Embassies. (28 May 2022). Wolf Kahn.                                                                    (online). https://art.state.gov/personnel/wolf_kahn/

Introduction

 Hello! I am Regan, an art novice and eager student of Art200. I look forward to exploring art with all of you! This is the final semester of my BA degree, and I am getting all those requirements in. I believe the most difficult part of this course will be mastering MLA style after having used APA for the better part of 3 years now. 

Pictured above is a work of art that my kids and I created. I like the idea of shadow boxes and "fairy" art. 

The art that is most prized to me art the work of my kids and students. I love the ability and freedom art gives to expression and furthering communication. My limited exposure to art galleries has been less than exciting. Here is an Art Hub for Kids website that provides art ideas and demonstrations for kids.