The Death of Marat - David (1793)
Chiaroscuro and tone is an important element to the pa inting especially with the da rk background in contrast t o the light on the figure. Th e tonal differences in this p ainting really help everythin g look realistic.
At first glance of the painting, you notice the youthful man dying somewhat peacefully in his bathtub. Upon closer look you will also notice the love letter he is holding and the cheques he seems to be writing to charities. The head scarf and blankets thrown over himself and the bathtub give the effect of innocence. All of these clues paint Marat as a very caring and overall good man. It is also very clear that the paint has been applied smoothly which adds realism to the painting, making it look almost photographic. The light in the painting looks like it is coming from the top left of the painting highlighting the top of his head and arms. The background is also painted as very dark which created chiaroscuro with the figure while adding mystery to as whether there is something sinister hiding in the shadows.
However, in actuality we can find out that the person in this painting is the death of David’s (the painter) friend Marat who were both involved in the Jacobin’s in the French revolution. The note, in reality, was from Charlotte Corday telling him she’s going to kill him (which she did - she killed Marat in 1793). The notes showed on the block in the painting were not actually charity notes but a list of names which he wrote to have executed if they went against him and his views about the revolution. He had also been painted very youthful however Marat was actually 50 when he was murdered, and also suffered from a skin condition which forced him to keep his skin moist which is why he is in the bath tub (and not as perfect as it looks on the painting).
There is much religious iconography in David’s Death of Marat. The most obvious being the trailing arm down the bath tub. This was recognisable through the painting ‘The Deposition of Christ’ (Rubens,1611) which is supposed to show what happened after Jesus was taken off the cross and before resurrection. The main part of this specifically is the symbolisation of resurrection, implying Marat would come back. The painter trying to compare Marat to Jesus in order to make him seem like a good man to people at the time who's disagreed with them or for future generations to view the painting.
Links to religion can also include the lighting in the painting. The light coming in from the top left of the painting creates an angelic/heavenly light coming from above. The turban on his head also suggests a halo on him again relating to this angelic picture David paints of Marat. This together makes the painting seem like propaganda at that time for the public to see an idealised picture of the man who caused a lot of misery throughout France at that time. So much in fact that this painting and their bodies were not allowed to be kept in France, the painting is currently being held in Belgium.
All of these religious links with Marat show the audience how David thought of him and how he thought of himself. We can tell he thought of himself like that as he was the editor for a magazine called “Ami du Peuple” which translates to friend of the people, this shows he thought he was doing the right thing. This also shows David thought a lot of him as he is shown to be angelic and heroic in this painting however does make the audience question as to why he felt the need to change so many of the facts if he agreed with what he was doing.
This painting is an example of Neoclassical artwork. This style of work was very popular between the 17th to early 19th century. Neoclassical, “neo” derives from Greek language translating to “new” and classical basically meaning the new classic. This style of painting take inspiration from ancient Greek and Roman Painting, artworks and sculptures. This style of paintings grained popularity in the 18th century as the discovery of the ancient ruins in Rome and all around Italy were being discovered sparking interest among people. David takes a political subject, through the neoclassical style, within the death of Marat painting pushing his republican views. His paintings in particular usually are a representation of him and his beliefs and therefore all mainly painted in this style. Now Jacques-Louis David is most remembered for his infamous neoclassical paintings.
Another popular neoclassical artist of the time was Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres (1780 - 1867). Who took a lot of inspiration from David with the similar style. He considered himself as a historical painter using influences from David and Nicolas Poussin who both used the neoclassical style. "the great masters which flourished in that century of glorious memory when Raphael set the eternal and incontestable bounds of the sublime in art... I am thus a conservator of good doctrine, and not an innovator."
Jean-Auguste-Dominique Indres (Self portrait)
The death of Leonardo da Vinci (1818)
Antonio Canova (1759 - 1822) also focused on neoclassicism however made sculptures instead of paintings, Like the other artists I have looked at. Canova was very important for the neoclassical work for sculpture (as David was for paintings). His domination over European sculptures was very popular over the 18th and early 19th century. However this changed through the next century as much more advanced sculptors came around and his work decreased in popularity. Antonio Canova
Three graces, marble (1816)
Angelica Kauffman (1741–1807) her main career was as a historical painter however some paintings contained mythological subjects which is more iconography of neoclassical paintings. She was mainly popular in England and Italy and many of her paintings are displayed in British galleries. It was very uncommon at the time for a female to be a painter at the time however she also had access to more education than most women of that time could access this would also influence how well she did as an artist all over Europe.
El juicio de Paris (The Judgment of Paris)
Angelica Kauffman
Judith Beheading Holofernes (1598-1599) Caravaggio
This painting has high tonal contrast, the most dramatic chiaroscuro in this painting is between the figures and the completely pitch black background. The noticeable light coming in from the top left of the painting even creates chiaroscuro from the red fabric fading into the black dark background. The dark red curtain in the background also represents the murder and also the triumph of Judith. Other contrasts in this painting is that of the beauty of Judith in comparison to the inhuman screaming expression as displayed on Holofernes face. Other examples of this dramatic tonal differences are between the figures including the young and the old. The older lady in gone off white clothing and the darker skin tone shows the difference between the age groups. The tonal differences between these two figures could also show the class differences between the two as the older lady is the maid which is shown through the dirtier clothes and she appears to be holding the other woman’s dress. The other tonal differences are that it seems as though the maid is more in the shadows as it seems darker on the left side of her face compared to the younger woman. The oil paints used on the paintings make the figures look more 3D, this is because the paint is buildable to create more shadows and tone in the painting therefore making it look more realistic. The painting was made to be seen from the right we can tell this because the painting is made to look like a wide angle panoramic photo starting with the servant. Her facial expressions make it look as though the murder hasn’t taken place yet filled with intrigue and anticipation.
Caravaggio originally from Rome worked for the church painting a new style of biblical narratives. However he was also known as to be in the darker side of Rome and therefore got accused as murdering someone (it is still unknown weather he did or not) leading him to flee Rome. He was then accused again the different places he went, he continued to paint throughout this time. Keeping this in mind, some of the villains in his paintings have similar facial features. It is theorised that he projected his guilt through these paintings as showing himself being beheaded/killed etc. Killing himself through his paintings to show his wrong doings. The realistic element to these paintings adds to these rumours as they are very anatomically correct. Caravaggio was an artist from the Baroque time period, this period was most well known to show the most dramatic point of the narrative and Caravaggio shows this very well in his work. As his work is most well known to show the moment someone gets killed as shown by the examples I have included.
An Experiment on a Bird in an Air Pump​ (1768) Joseph Wright of Derby
Painted in 1768 on an oil canvas which again helps add tone to the painting as it can be layered to look darker and more intense. The oil paint was used to dramatise the painting especially using the light source coming from the table creating dramatic tones and shadows on the figures. This is the use of chiaroscuro adds an element of suspense as it freezes the figures in this moment of anticipation. The use of the single bright light on the table also emphasises the drama of the experiment through the deep shadows of the figures.
There are 10 figures in the painting however only one looking at the viewer, this being the scientist, he is also stretching out his hand to the viewer inviting them to the gap in the table to witness his experiment. This was during the enlightenment - a period of time which people believed that science was bringing light into the dark age of religion, beliefs and superstition. This being the reason of the painting to document at the time what would have been a historical event. The experiment in the painting looks as though the scientist is showing the people how he can control the life and death of an animal proving that it isn’t God. This also explains the different facial expressions of the people around the table the children to the right side of the painting looking scared as their father comforts them as this type of experiment at the time would’ve been scary as they have been lead to believe that God was controlling everything and are now watching that be disproved. The older man to the very right of the painting looking down almost concerned as he is the oldest at the table this could make him think about death because if God isn’t real what happens after we die. The couple on the left are too absorbed into each other to take notice of what’s going on around them. The boy in the background by the curtains adds mystery to the painting as the scenery outside is the typical ideology for a mysterious scene, the moon also creates tone as it stands out among the clouds. The ‘scientist’ in the painting is shown as a God-like figure with the dramatic lighting on his face creating chiaroscuro and different tones on his face. This is also because he has his hand on the valve making it his choice if the bird lives or dies. It is also important to note that he is in the highest position of the painting which again points to him being the most important person at the table. The boy next to the window also draws the viewers attention to the full moon which could be a reference to the Lunar society who were a group of scientists that met every Monday closest to the full moon which helps ‘validate’ the experiment. Many influential people were involved in this group including scientists, industrialists, engineers and artists in the West Midlands. Some have identified the scientist in this picture as Joseph Priestley who was a key leader of the Lunar society. The bird used for the experiment was a rare white cockatoo which would’ve been very expensive, this shows that this is a very elite group and also that the scientist must believe in his experiment and being able to kept it alive even if moments before death.
The two men staring at the experiment act as a framing device for the painting. This method of composition is common usually however in landscape paintings. I’ve used the Landscape with Aeneas at Delos, 1672 by Claude which uses the same composition technique. Going back to the man in the very right side of the painting staring at the skull in the middle of the table, lit up by the candle behind it. This acts a memento mori for the figure, this translates to “ remember you must die” in Latin. Joseph Wright uses many different ways to draw attention to this in the painting. The positioning of the skull in the centre of the painting closest to the picture plane. Also with the light behind the glass lighting up the liquid and creating chiaroscuro against the bright colours around it. The picture on the left is from the 1400’s by Piero Della Francesca called the Baptism of Jesus Christ. Both paintings have a very different style and theme behind it especially with the religion vs science. Which is relevant with these paintings as both use the same bird. The bird is therefore symbolism of religion and how science is taking over religious beliefs. The nature of the experiment is also almost mocking the beliefs held by so many as they are killing the bird and with all the ways in which the painter tries to show the scientist as god like
The Arnolfini portrait (1434) - Jan Van Eyck
This painting by David Hockney (Mr and Mrs Clark and Percy, 1970 -71) Has some similarities to the Arnolfini portrait. The differences in these paintings also show how the time difference has also changed the relationships between people and the way they interact with each other. A similarity between the paintings include the composition of the painting including the positioning of both figures in the paintings however this further emphasises the difference in how the couple interact or allow themselves to be viewed and immortalised by a viewer.
The difference between the tones of both paintings is very drastic which also represents how the style of painting has changed over this period of time. In the David Hockney painting the hints the viewer gets into the lives of the characters is a lot easier to find. The Arnolfini portrait having subtle in look to their lives hidden around the painting however viewers are made to search for these. This is also because in general Jan Van Eyke's painting had a lot of mystery surrounding it, who the portrait etc whereas the Hockney painting its title tells you who they are even down to their pets. This in turn shows how we have changed as an audience to accept tone and how and therefore more likely to find the things layed out for us compared to having something to find of figure out about a painting.
The Execution of Lady Jane Grey (1833) - Paul Delaroche
First of all you can notice that visually this painting is split into 3 elements. The left and first element you can notice the two wom en on the floor mourning for the once Queen. This alo ng with the dark tones emphasises the mood of the p ainting being very dark and solem. It is also noticable that this element of the painting has the darkest figur es and tones especially the woman facing away from the viewers. This shows that different elements of the painting could be suggesting a different mood or feeli ng which add to the over all mood that would have be en in this scene. Especially as the right side of the pai nting has a very different mood and atmosphere com pared to the left.
The right side of the painting we can see the executi oner. What is almost strange about this painting is t hat he is in a classical contrapposto stance which is usually linked to heroism. For example I have includ ed a picture of Michaelangelo's David supporting a very similar stance. This could give an insight into h ow Delaroche's views of this event. As well with the tones of this figure in the painting contrasts with the figures on the left. Sporting warm toned clothing cou ld perhaps shows the lack of remorse from the exec utioner with an emotionless expression on his face.
Lastly looking at the middle section of the elements showing lady jan e Grey herself and the Lieutenant of the Tower guiding her hand tow ards the block. In this part of the painting you can notice the chiarosc uro between these two characters. The bright white and silky tones in the overall figure of the girl makes her appear youthful and pure even more so when standing next to the aging man. The tones in this secti on of the painting emphasise the tragedy of it all. This section of the p ainting also includes the grusome block and straw read to soak up th e blood of the victim/criminal. The blindfold and porcelain skin portray ed in this painting makes her appaer almost doll like again portraying her as young. Delaroche had mastered the art of chiaroscuro and this mix between light and dark, making the painting look like a stage with the spotlight on her. As the clothing etc may not be accurate he has chosen to pai nt her like this to show her innocence in this situation. The painting was made to be exhibited in the salon. Where it first was in 1834 in Paris. The painting was very well received – this could be because France has links to similar situations such as King Louis XVI and his youthful wife Marie Antoinette This is a historical painting based on the true events in England 1553. This was after Henry VIII's first and only boy died of turberculosis at 15 meaning that England had to make a decision about who the new ruler of England would be. There were 2 main choices – Mary I (King Henry VIII first child with Catherine of Aragon) or Lady Jane Grey ( Grand-daughter of Mary Tudor, Henry VIII's sister.) Mary I had the support of Catholic worshippers whereas L ady Jane Grey having the support of Protestant worshippers. As a protestant Jane got the throne after her cousin Edward VI died however she was only queen for 9 days d ue to her being weaker compared to the more legitimate half sister. Lady Jane Grey and her husband were tri ed for treason and sentenced to death. She died on 12th Feburary 1554 at just 16 years old.
Tate Modern Poster: I like the simplicity of this poster and the subtle editing at the end of the picture, I want to experiment with using an effect like this on a piece of artwork suitable for a technique like this. I also think that the font used on this poster works very well as it is also very uncomplicated which goes very well with the picture as it all seems very clean cut. With the photo being black and white, this helps the text and social media links stand out in comparison. The one enlarged word also helps grab the attention of the viewer and the rest of the title smaller, this ensures to get the attention and encourage the viewer to keep reading to see what the poster is about. In all of the posters I have looked at they include the gallery logo in the corner of the poster, I will make sure I do the same when it comes to the poster I make for my exhibition. This poster also includes a very brief description of the exhibition in a much smaller print, this may be because the poster my be printed in a much larger scale making it easier for on goers to read. However the smaller print ensures that it doesn’t take away from the picture or the overall look of the poster.
Scottish National Gallery Poster: I again like the clarity of this poster as it’s a portrait with a plain background. However, the shadow behind the Queen helps her stand out and the poster looks more life like and realistic. The font on this one also goes very well as the font doesn’t need to be as big as the other poster because she is a very recognisable figure so doesn’t need attention grabbing text. However the bold text also looks very clean to go with the rest of the poster, also upon looking closer the bottom of the ‘Q’ and the top of the ‘A’ connect this helps the words look like they flow together better. Similarly to the last poster this poster also includes the logo in the top corner of the poster. However this also includes the price of the tickets and where the gallery is located, the other poster did not have this as it is probably a better known gallery as it is in the centre of London and quite a distinctive building. It is clear that this poster is maybe targeted at a older target audience, this is because this poster doesn’t include social media links like the other one instead just includes a website. This could be because the Queen is a more appealing to the older generations as they usually have a much more respect and understanding of the royal family. Similarly again this poster includes a small, brief description of the exhibition/gallery.
For this image I used the ‘clipping mask’ feature to show the title of the exhibition in a different way. Here I have inverted one of the layers to reveal a different look to the same painting. I don’t think this is very effective because its not clear that it’s the same picture.
For this example I again used the clipping mask tool on Photoshop however this time using a black and white filter on one of the layers to reveal the title in much more of a subtle way (similar to the editing of the first poster I looked at). I like how the colour is visible however not too distracting from the image.
Again using the black and white effect this time I put the black and white layer underneath to see the picture in colour and the writing in black and white. However it was find to find where to place the letters in order to still see the letters and what they say. To make this style a little different I used the black and white filters again and I also moved the picture slightly underneath which makes the font stand out more and slightly distort the image. Again I took inspiration from the first poster I looked at as I used the black and white filter and a slightly distorted with the colour text.
Poster development: First I edited the painting of Lady Jane Grey using a dispersion technique to make it look as though the painting is fading away, I thought this technique particularly on this painting would work very well with the dark history behind the painting. I then took inspiration from the posters I looked at for different exhibitions. I started looking at the different fonts used in the posters and applied this to my own poster trying to match some of the fonts as close as I could, I think that this particularly worked for the bottom left design as (like the first poster) the one word grabs the attention of the audience. I also used the grey background and added a shadow to link it to the second poster that I looked at however this didn’t work while using the black and white effect similar to the first poster I looked at. I also enlarged the picture after moving around the font to lessen the amount of empty space around the image. I next want to experiment using a different background as I like the shadow however might try using a picture or a different part of the painting. I think the most successful design this time has been the bottom left as I think its eye catching and the font works well along with the one word title.
Visiting the tower of London: On my recent trip to the tower of London (where Lady Jane Grey was executed) I took some pictures from the inside to consider for the background of my poster. These are some of my favourite pictures from the trip. I like all of these for different reasons but mainly I want a picture that isn’t very busy or have a lot going on in the as I don’t want it to distract the attention from the painting and the dispersion technique I used on it. I also want to edit the picture I do use to make it look more of an old style photo. I will edit using different pictures first.
I decided on the picture on the left as I thought that this was the most simple picture I had and made the painting stand out and look natural. When editing the other pictures into the background they didn’t seem to compliment the painting and the pictures to busy to properly see the dispersion I used on the painting. I then edited the picture to give it a more old style of picture because I think that this would look better with the painting. To do this I added some grain the photo to make it seem as though I had taken it on a older camera, I also added a purple hue and changed the brightness slightly to make the picture go with the painting a little bit better. However the original picture is more similar to the colours of the painting. I do think that this is the best choice of photo I could’ve used as this was the most basic picture out of the selection I narrowed it down to. And the colours of the background go well with the painting with and without the edit.
This time I decided to experiment with different backgrounds first using different parts of the painting/enlarging the painting to leave some suspense to those who hadn’t seen the painting. However I wasn’t sure weather this worked with the painting or not. Then I decided to use a picture from inside the tower of London as this was where the original event took place. I like that my picture and the painting have similar wall structures and I also like this mix between painting and photograph as it makes the painting stand out more and look overall brighter than when I tried using the painting as the background. I have also decided that I much prefer the large text down the side of the screen as I think this makes the poster look a lot more professional than the other font I used. I then might experiment enlarging the painting to try and fill up more of the page, however I think I like it like this as it fills up just the right amount of the screen as not to distract from the background image or the gallery/exhibition information. I did decide to use Delaroche in the poster over the other artists I looked at through my investigation however I am still going to include the other paintings in the exhibition as I think they represent tone as well as Delaroche’s paintings do. I could also experiment using different promotional paintings with the same style focused on another artist. I will however include another artist painting description to make is clear to the viewer that there are other works being showcased within the exhibition.
The National gallery, London This museum has a much more traditional look when it comes to all the dĂŠcor including high ceilings, large paintings with large golden frames. Overall having a very expensive look to the rooms that I saw looking through google maps of the national gallery. This museum will be my main inspiration for my layout of the museum as this is where 'The execution of Lady Jane Grey' painting is currently being held.
Kunsthistorisches Museum, Austria I wanted to look at more traditional museums again as this is what I am basing my exhibition on as it will go well with what's being included in the exhibition. This museum is very classical and stereotypical for a historical art gallery with very grand architecture including painted ceilings and wide, grand staircases.
Van Gogh museum, Amsterdam This museum is very different to other ones I have researched however I wanted to look into famous artists such as Van Gogh, and having a museum in his honour and how they would present his work. However this museum is very minimalistic which highly contrasts with the other museums again as the others all include luxury stone or wallpaper covering the walls instead of simple white walls exhibited in this gallery.
Art Museum I based the deign of my museum on the national gallery as this is where ‘The execution of Lady Jane Grey’ painting is being held. I also think however that this is a traditional place for historical artworks would be kept. I did want my museum to look very stereotypical as This style of interior also suits the paintings.
Brochure and Poster