Artist #5
Artist: James IVTitle: Adoration of Magi (manuscript of Illumination)
Date: 1515-1525
Medium: Tempera, ink and shell gold on Parchment
Size: 16.5 x 11.7cm Mat: 30.5 x 25.4 cm
The Adoration of Magi was created in Ghent, Netherlands and was completed in 1525. The focal point of this piece is the 3 kings that visit a damaged building to give their respect to Jesus Christ after he was born. In the borders around this scene, people (Magi) are kneeling before Herod who seems to be the king at this time. The horses in the upper left could represent them leaving the area or the journey taken to get to this area. I believe that the kneeling before Herod could have a negative connotation or a positive one but both can be seen in this piece. The background and foreground of this piece seems to contrast each other. In both, it shows a sign of respect for a current and future leader of the people.
The lighting comes from the top of the piece and it is placed in the background. This choice of lighting makes it seem as if the light is shinning down on the to scenes. The background perfectly fits in to the main scene considering that there are damages in the building structure. The cloths that each person in the piece has on looks like it would be soft and silky. Each shape presented in this piece is symmetrical. The outer border and the border that separates the two scenes are both created in a straight line. However, there is more space on the left side of the Jesus Christ scene vs. the other side of it. I think the artist made this choice to bring more emphasis and attention to Herod.
During this time period elegant paintings of famous scenes and people was very prominent. The purpose of this art was to glorify two events that were relatively important during the time period created. This art work is almost 500 years old. It may have some value to viewers today depending on their religious status or interest but overall it is a very interesting piece to observe. This art work gives valuable insight on what was important and relevant during that time period. Not to say that religion isn't still relevant, but religion played a major part in the daily lives of people in that time period.
I thought that it was very interesting how you talked about the lighting, something I originally had not considered. I think that another important thing to note is how the Magi were actually bowing before King Herod as he was telling them to find the new King (Jesus) because he felt threatened and wanted to kill him, however the Magi did not know this, they only wanted to pay their respects to Jesus. Luckily, the plan did not succeed, but this backstory may explain some of the structure of the piece. The Magi bowing to the Herod and journeying to Jesus is behind the part where they are paying their respects to Jesus, showing which part took place first. Overall, I really liked your post!
ReplyDeleteNice job- I think you selected a clear, concise format that made your analysis feel like a step-by-step look at the piece and helped you thoroughly analyze the various components. A suggestion: make sure you are giving the how to go along with the what and so what (I noticed this when you were talking about how the cloth looked silky...well, HOW does the artist do this?)
ReplyDeleteI think the choice of lighting is interesting with the religious context. I also like the analysis of the significance of present day religion and the relevance of the piece more as something to observe than as something that is intensely meaningful due to the religious connection.
ReplyDeleteThe in depth small picture and big picture analysis was very delineated and descriptive! You analyzed almost every aspect of the painting including some things I didn't notice such as the horses in the upper left hand corner. All elements were observed and not only whats pictured. Talk about the lighting, background and foregrounds was good because you also included why and how it affected the painting along with its connotation. Overall, excellent job!!
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