john williams water house, cleopatra, 1887 (a pre raphaelite)
dear class: there's plenty to talk about: architecture revivals, the romantic mark, chromolithography, yellow journalism, owen jones' grammar of ornament, the presentation of fashion in magazines, photojournalism, victorian design, comics, the pre raphaelites (and their aesthetics) and star designers like mackmurdo, william morris, thomas nast, randolph caldecott, etc.
an observation: in your comment dig deeper, be less casual and more deliberate; make use wikipedia to amplify your ideas (no copy&paste!).
go ahead.
19 comments:
Yellow Journalism and Comics essentially serve as the same function through their use of exaggeration, sensationalism, and simplified narrative approaches. These tools are utilized to communicate messages to their respective audiences.
Yellow journalism consist of “yellow press newspapers as having daily multi-column front-page headlines covering a variety of topics, such as sports and scandal, using bold layouts (with large illustrations and perhaps color), heavy reliance on unnamed sources, and unabashed self-promotion.” Comics were used as visual narratives as amusement in print. Puck was America’s first successful humor magazine, which is to say it was long-lived (1876-1918). At the turn of the nineteenth century, journalism was based on shock and awe. Despite their different mediums and specific focuses, both yellow journalism and comics capitalized on sensationalism and exaggerated storytelling techniques to capture attention and engage their readerships.
I liked the illustrations of Randolph Caldecott and how he influenced later illustrators such as Walt Disney. The image with the plate and spoons reminded me of the ones at The Beauty and the Beast, a Disney production because they look very similar.
Caldecott began drawing very early in his childhood. He made illustrations mostly about animals and he also illustrated novels and books and made humorous drawings. He worked as a clerk but he quit his job as soon as he realized he had the ability to support himself by his art.
He moved to London in 1872 and worked in individual sketches and several illustrations while we met other artists, illustrators, and literary people that led him to several commissions and work.
Caldecott had poor health and he died very young. He was 40 years old and he traveled to Florida, where he died in an unusually cold February.
Victorian design caught my eye because I could see the parallels between it and the trend of maximalism recently. Victorian interior design, including furniture, reflected the shift from handmade to mass-produced products and the effects of industrialization. This allowed the middle class to be able to afford more pieces of furniture that were designed to display their wealth. The most obvious characteristics of Victorian design were how dramatic, ornate, and large in scale it was, as well as how the material and colors were rich and high in quality. A unique aspect of Victorian design is how it was a mix of many different styles from different places and time periods, like Gothic and Renaissance. Victorian furniture goes beyond practicality and is far from minimalistic, its presence in a room cannot be overlooked. Although it was made by a machine, it still has attention to detail and does not seem to lack the quality of handmade items in comparison to mass-produced products today.
I really enjoyed the Victorian Design furniture pieces, specifically Michael Jackson’s commissioned couch. The name is derived from Queen Victoria and her reign of power, which advanced so many topics, whether they were political, aesthetic, or ideological moves. This style of furniture can be defined by its ornateness and order, which is seen immediately from looking at any piece of furniture of this style. This design style can almost be described as a culmination of so many different styles, such as Renaissance, Gothic, and many more! This period also marks the shift from hand-made pieces to machine-made pieces as a lot of these designs began to become almost over decorative. Like many of the posts I’ve previously commented on, there’s an interesting play with proportions for this style of furniture. Some are made at a normal human scale, and others are these massive, almost sculptural-looking pieces of furniture. I think the final element of these pieces that makes them so unique would be the bold and dark colors that are applied to the finishing of these beautiful pieces of furniture.
- John Kovacic
I really enjoyed learning about Pre-Raphaelite design, specifically in regard to how it was influenced by the work of Jan Van Eyck. The Pre-Raphaelites placed an emphasis on the portrayal of the world with a maximum sense of realism. This was heavily influenced by works such as The Arnolfini Portrait, due to its truth to nature and elegant symbolism. The reason artists such as Van Eyck inspired the Pre-Raphaelites was because of his combination of aesthetics with authenticity, which is something that we can also see is valued in graphic design and media today. In a world where “fake news” can dominate the political conversation and social media stars actively curate our perception of a perfect world, I found it really interesting how these types of trends can be continuously observed throughout history. With every period of creation of an artificial and perfect world, an attempt at reclaiming a genuine world via art follows.
In the opening chapter of his seminal work "The Grammar of Ornament," Owen Jones delves into humanity's intrinsic desire to craft beauty. Through a poignant example—a preserved Maori warrior's head adorned with elaborate facial tattoos—he showcases the Maori people's profound grasp of aesthetic harmony. Jones marvels at the intricate fusion of tattooed lines with the contours of the face, acknowledging the anonymous artist's skill in marrying art with nature. Contrary to prevailing Western perspectives that deem ornamentation as primitive, Jones recognizes the Maori's innate understanding of beauty as a testament to the universality of human creativity and appreciation for aesthetics.
This encounter prompts Jones to challenge conventional notions of beauty, advocating for a more inclusive approach that embraces diverse cultural expressions. By reevaluating the significance of ornamentation beyond mere decoration, he invites readers to explore the deeper cultural, spiritual, and aesthetic meanings embedded within artistic traditions worldwide. Through his exploration, Jones not only celebrates the enduring allure of ornamentation but also encourages a broader appreciation for the richness and complexity of human creativity across different cultures and epochs.
I found Thomas Nast’s political satire illustrations to be very interesting. I never knew that Nast was the reason for political parties being represented by animals and that he also helped create the Uncle Sam character for the United States. In the video from last class’s material, it is said that Nast was the most important political cartoonist of the 19th century. Today, media is consumed constantly throughout our everyday lives in many ways, such as the news or even taught lectures. However, there was very little media during Nast’s time. This led to a rise in his popularity as his symbols and caricatures were very innovative. It is easy to say that Nast had a lasting impact on political satire in the media today. Despite passing away in 1902, many of his symbols, such as Uncle Sam and the political animals, have become very recognizable throughout history and even today.
-Jackson Harris
Last class, I was especially interested in learning about the Romanticism art movement. I’ve always admired the paintings of this period, especially the dramatic quality and glorification of nature. It makes a lot of sense to me that this movement was a reaction to the Industrial Revolution and the French Revolution. I have always enjoyed the painting “Wanderer Above the Fog” by Caspar Friedrich because of the strong emotion it evokes and how powerful nature can be. The romantic movement often included imagery of nature because its uncontrollable and unpredictable nature was a complete juxtaposition to the ordered ideologies of Enlightenment thought. This idea can also be related to the eighteenth-century aesthetic of the sublime, which can be defined as “the investigation of powerful emotional effects in art” and as anything that challenges us and fills us with wonder. This idea of the sublime also entails an element of fear and horror, due to the emotions we experience when being confronted with vastness and the unknown.
Victorian design holds a significant place in architectural and artistic history due to its profound impact on shaping the aesthetics of the 19th century. Its enduring popularity stems from several key factors. Firstly, Victorian design reflects the societal values and aspirations of the era, showcasing a fascination with ornamentation, luxury, and technological advancement. The eclectic mix of architectural styles and ornate embellishments seen in Victorian buildings and interiors creates a visually captivating landscape that continues to fascinate people today. Additionally, Victorian design's emphasis on craftsmanship and attention to detail speaks to a sense of pride in artisanal skills, which resonates with modern audiences seeking authenticity and quality in an increasingly mass-produced world. Furthermore, the nostalgia and romance associated with the Victorian era evoke a sense of fantasy and escapism, making Victorian design a source of inspiration for those yearning for the elegance and grandeur of a bygone era.
I like to approach the idealistic sides of these discussions in my comments because I find the mindsets of the people from that time to be just as interesting as the art created. When it comes to the mindsets of the romantics, I thought the discussion surrounding their ability to not mourn the past they were not able to enjoy, but bring the past to the present through how they live, the things they revere and the work they create fascinating. I often struggle with the mourning of a lifetime that has since passed (more specifically my childhood), and so to see these types of artists and architects embrace the change that comes with time while still validating the works of the past is a marvel. The idea that romantics do not idolize the past nor view the past with the lenses of their present gives reasoning behind the lifestyles they lived and the works they produced.
Zieli Ennisacevedo
Hi, remember to try to avoid the echo chamber effect. Pick a different topic than the one previously addressed.
:)
I am very interested in the Romanticism art movement. In “Liberty Leading the People” by Eugene Delacroix, the topless woman is not a real person but an ode to the time of antiquity and democracy in ancient Greece. I love the use of allegorical figures because they make you dig deeper. Her face is also in a perfect side profile which was a style used in the time of antiquity. She looks back to call the revolutionists forward and have them go over the barrier, literally and physically. This piece used contemporary issues like the fighting in the streets of Paris. The revolutionists wanted to end the monarchy and conservatism in France. It is a symbol of the lives sacrificed to bring about democracy. In the front of the painting, two figures representing different social classes are present. One is a poor man with no jacket and a pistol, and the other is a member of the upper middle class with a riffle, top hat, and jacket. This expresses the idea that all different social classes banned together for the cause. It isn't a fight between the classes. They are a united people. All the deceased soldiers on the floor, especially the deceased man in his nightshirt, represent the violence that occurred. All of the dead are in the viewer's space. The scene is very chaotic, and there is a lot of movement. Delacroix used a classicizing period to organize the chaos a little. Bright colors like the tri-color are included in this work, even though muted colors are more characteristic of the Romanticism movement. Delacroix revolted against the rules of the academy.
John Everett Millais' "Mariana" captivates with its exquisite portrayal of solitude and longing, drawing viewers into a world where time stands still. The painting's meticulous details, from the intricate patterns on Mariana's dress to the play of light and shadow, create a richly textured scene that invites contemplation. What sets "Mariana" apart is its ability to evoke a profound sense of empathy and introspection. Mariana's expression of melancholy speaks to the universal experience of longing and disappointment, resonating with viewers on a deeply emotional level.
Personally, I find "Mariana" compelling for its ability to convey complex emotions with such clarity and beauty. The painting's serene yet haunting atmosphere draws me in, prompting me to ponder the nature of desire, loss, and the passage of time. Millais' masterful technique and profound understanding of human emotion make "Mariana" a timeless masterpiece that continues to inspire and captivate audiences today.
I really enjoyed analyzing the romanticism art era because I consider myself to view life through a romantic lens majority of the time; it is the era that resonates with me the most. I absolutely loved the Randolph Caldecott children book's paintings because they reminded me a lot of my childhood; I actually recall specifically seeing those frog images as a kid and loving them. The painting where it is a plethora of house tools such as forks & etc. and Caldecott gives them life by personifying them is quite magical; makes me think that Disney's iconic film Fantasia (1940) was inspired by Caldecott's work. The notion that dying young is beautiful is very glorified by recent generations as well; it is almost a morbid way of seeking to leave a meaningful legacy. History always repeats itself, therefore, I found it interesting that this "Fountain of Youth" sort of perspective is still relevant. The fashion portion of last class was probably my favorite as I am overjoyed by learning about different generations of fashion. The tight corsets layered with big, fluffy garments of draping are so beautiful to me. Now a days, there are modernized versions of this style from way back then. I really enjoyed this, thank you!
One of the topics that stood out to me the most from our last class session was when we discussed war photography. War photography focuses on capturing the realities and casualties of war. Something that we hadn’t seen before the 1800s. These images highlighted the reality of armed conflict and the human cost of war.
Another topic that stood out to me in the last class was the illustrations of Randolph Caldecott. There was something nostalgic and comforting about his illustrations. His personification of everyday objects and animals is playful and magical. My favorite illustrations are his frogs. These frogs remind me of Arnold Lobel’s Frog and Toad illustrations. Arnold Lobel was an American author and illustrator from the 1900s who wrote and illustrated the Frog and Toad series. Both illustrators use bright colors, harsh outlines, and playful compositions to immerse readers into their fictional worlds.
Photojournalism is a type of media that brings readers feelings of joy, despair, and hope. I remember seeing black and white photos of the Great Depression when I was in high school, and really felt the fear and despair that individuals living in urban areas could have felt during that time period. The ability to tell a story through a single photo is something that I believe humans will always have. There is no bias, no lies, no cover ups in a photo of subjects in the midst of an event. The power of a photo will never change. A photo that really speaks to me is A Migrant Mother, shot by Dorothea Lange in 1936. You can see a mother sitting with her two children close by, shielding their faces from the camera. On the mother’s face you can see feelings of sadness, pain, and exhaustion. She became almost a face for other Americans suffering during the Great Depression.
- Sydney Goltzman
Randolph Caldecott is often considered to be the father of the picture book and is also known for his work as an illustrator for children's books. He innovated the children's book by paying attention to detail and by adding a new professional quality to the genre. One of his illustrations that caught my eye was for the book "SING A Song for Six Pence" where the viewer sees six birds on a tree while a child plays with a stick and currency. Even Though Caldecott's books, naturally were filled with childlike joy they did not shy away from harsh realities depicting sickness and death, both of humans and animals. In one of his books, he shows a tiny child walking outdoors with its mother in a suit made of rabbit skins, including the ears. I find it interesting how even though material that is meant for children the makers can add a broader scope of the human condition.
I was interested in our discussion on revivalist architecture and it led me to research the history of Egyptian Revival architecture in European countries and America.
The history of Egyptian influence on Western architecture dates back to the ancient Romans. There are many examples but one that stood out to me was a pyramid built in the 12th century which served as a tomb for Gaius Cestius. Egyptian revivalist architecture then re-emerged in the late 18th century and experienced a resurgence in popularity during the 19th and early 20th centuries, following Napoleon's Egyptian campaign. This is apparent in monuments like Sphinx of the Fontaine du Palmier, built in 1806. Examples of Egyptian Revival buildings can also be found in various parts of the world, ranging from monuments like the Egyptian Hall in London (19th century), to the Egyptian Gate, in Saint Petersburg, Russia, 1829.
Finally in the United States examples of Egyptian architecture include the Washington Monument, 1884, and Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas. I found it fascinating that Egyptian style and culture has permeated European and American society for so long. I also find it interesting which pieces of a Egyptian Architecture are mimicked, mostly monumental structures.
Benjamin Rosen-Cappellazzo
I was very drawn to the topic of comics which was discussed in class, and went on to research more deeply its origins, impact, and evolution. The first "comic strip" to ever be published was drawn by Rodolphe Töpffer, a Swiss school teacher, in 1835, and he referred to his work as "literature in prints." This was a fair description of his work, as it combined visual images and text though design to achieve his desired impact. Though dismissed by most academics, Töpffer's work did gain popularity in some areas, one of them being France. Many French artists went on to further the genre though developing caricature, and producing more variations of comic strip design. The combination of graphic imagery and a caption was very magnetic, and lent itself to evolve as time passed into pop art comic strips, posters, and comic books. As more and more people took an interest, some began to take this work seriously, and political cartoons were introduced. Comics are the foundation of modern cartoons, animation, and their impact can be seen even in advertising and propaganda. Comics are a unique art form that like many other genres related to design have been historically under appreciated, but are becoming more and more respected and utilized by a wider population.
Abigail Rogers
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