Baroque
The piece I chose to consider for the Baroque Era is Artemisia Gentileschi’s Judith and Holofernes. This lands on my list of favorite works of art from the Baroque Era, and for many reasons, one being that the artist is a woman. Gentileschi actually produced two versions of Judith and Holofernes, the one I’d like to discuss is the second version which she commissioned in 1620 and is now housed in the Uffize Gallery in Florence, Italy.
To me, this piece encompasses the Baroque style in every
aspect. The style characteristics I notice right away are tenebrism, immense
detail, movement, drama, and emotional exuberance. Gentileschi uses oil paint
on canvas to portray the dark and fierce scene of the beheading of Holofernes,
a Biblical depiction from Judith. I would absolutely love to own a copy of this
piece not only because of its striking beauty which demands the viewer to
examine every detail, but because the story of Judith is a story of a woman
taking things into her own hands. It is also believed that Gentileschi had the
incredible misfortune of experiencing a sexual assault and there after her
paintings would include “expressions of wrathful catharsis”, which makes me
commend her for not giving up and continuing to make a name for herself as one
of the most successful female artists of the 17th century.
I believe Gentileschi’s success relates to the rise of the merchant
classes. She had no proper education training and learned to read and write while
helping her father in his art studio. From there she began journey. Had there
been no rise of the merchant class, it could be argued that Gentileschi wouldn’t
have had the opportunities her father was able to give her.
Another fascinating perspective to her Judith and Holofernes piece is to compare it to Caravaggio’s Judith beheading Holofernes. The viewer can see how the two differ not only in the way the scene is set but in the stylistic elements that make each era their own, both Renaissance and Baroque.
Which piece do you like better?
Which piece do you think is more powerful?
If you would like to know more information on Artmesisia Gentileshci and about her piece Judith and Holofernes check out these websites.
A Fuller Picture of Artemisia Gentileschi
Khan Academy - Judith and Holofernes
I enjoyed your comparison between the two pieces of art, Baroque and Renaissance. I agree with you that this painting, Judith and Holofernes, adheres to the Baroque style wonderfully. The figures are hyper-realistic, the emotion is strong on all of their faces, and it is easy to pick up on the element of drama. I like how the artist was able to highlight the scene through her use of light. The stark black background allows for the illuminated scene to stand out in a powerful way.
ReplyDeleteIt was interesting to read through your interpretation of the influence that the rise of the merchant class had on the artist herself. It is truly amazing how much influences like these can impact lives in drastic ways. I am glad that her father was able to provide her with opportunities in the end because they allowed her to create breathtaking works of art. The Baroque version seems to be more powerful to me because it the emotions on the women’s faces seem to be more confident in nature. Thank you for presenting these pieces and introducing me to the work of Gentileschi!
I wonder how many women could have done magnificent art pieces if they could have the oportinnitue like Gentileschi had. I prefer her version of Judith and Holofernes, it is darker and more aggressive than Caravaggio's. Feels more real and brutal in comparison with Caravaggio, Judit is barely making any effort to kill him.
ReplyDeleteThe use of tenebrism in this piece really brings out the quiet anger of Judith, as well as the feeling of triumph. When comparing it to how a lot of male artists, both back then and now, draw women, Gentileschi's painting seems to empower Judith, portraying her as someone strong and determined as opposed to a weak damsel. In Caravaggio's depiction of the same scene seems to show Judith leaning away, bathed in soft lighting, as if she is hesitant or appalled by the act of beheading the man. In contrast, Gentileschi's shows Judith pinning his head down, assisted by another woman as they kill Holofernes. He actively struggles, and the two women are seen overpowering him, something rare to find in scenes such as this.
ReplyDeleteI think it's important that you mentioned how the rise of the merchant classes allowed for Gentileschi to become the artist she was. It's truly disheartening to think of how many women would have pursued the arts, and were held back by the time period and society they were born into.