Did you know that Vincent van Gogh originally wanted to become a priest? Or that he only ever sold one painting, and it was to his brother? Hi I’m Emily, and I’m an Art History minor, and those facts about van Gogh are something you can learn more about. You may be thinking “wow, that’s so boring,” but I’m here to change your mind and show you how beautiful art is. Maybe you’re reading this because you’re interested, or maybe you think the Medieval Reactions memes on Twitter are funny. Either way you’re about to read what I have to say about the subject. I will show pieces of art from six different art movements and provide a quick description of the movement and how to identify it, and the artwork whether it is a painting, sculpture, or architecture. You don’t have to be like Ferris Bueller and go to one of Chicago’s largest museums to view and learn about art, that can be done from the comfort of your unmade bed.
Let’s start with something familiar: The Starry Night, by Vincent van Gogh, 1889
Vincent Van Gogh was a Dutch Expressionist painter who suffered from poverty and depression all his life. That is evident in the bright colors, short brushstrokes, and the obvious emotion. He painted this from the window of his room in a mental hospital during the day, the colors are painted from memory. This was after he cut off his ear and mailed it to the prostitute he was in love with. In the painting, what looks like a mountain, is in fact a cypress tree, which is often a symbol of death. This scene is an interpretation of his emotions when he looked out at the night sky. Experts say that his mental illness is what caused him to paint this with such bright, swirling colors.
The inside of Sainte Chapelle in Paris, built 1238-1248.
Architecture is often forgotten when it comes to art, but back in the 13th century, artists were commissioned to design the architecture, both inside and outside, for churches and cathedrals. Gothic architecture was over the top, decorative, and designed to take your breath away. The insides of these cathedrals and chapels are meant to be overwhelming and powerful. This Gothic chapel located in Paris has walls made up of almost entirely blue, purple, and red stained glass, and each window tells a story with individual images. Society during the Gothic period revolved around religion, so almost all art was Christian in its themes.
The ceiling of Sainte Chapelle has gold rib vaults, and is unusual because it is painted. Most Gothic cathedral or chapel ceilings were left untouched. This added detail makes this chapel one of the most beautiful in the world.
Let’s take a look at a sculpture. Apollo and Daphne, by Bernini 1622-25.
This is a Baroque marble statue. The Baroque period was dramatic, and full of movement. This statue tells the story of when Apollo was hit by Cupid’s arrow and fell in love with Daphne, a nymph. Daphne, however, refuses to fall in love with a man. To escape from Apollo she had her father, a river god, turn herself into a tree. You can see bark wrapping around her legs and torso while they are mid movement.
Her fingers are turning into leaves, and their hair is flowing in the breeze. Don’t forget that this is carved out of marble, and sculptors are able to make a rock full of life. Bernini had amazing skill and was able to tell a story of the power of infatuation.
This piece is called The Swing, by Jean-Horoné Fragonard, 1767
This painting by Fragonard is from the Rococo period. This is indicative of the Rococo period because of the soft, playful, and romantic feeling of it. Rococo art was often over the top and frivolous, and showed off people’s’ riches. Women are often featured in large dresses and hats, and colors are typically soft pinks and other pastels. In this piece, the woman’s lover is lying hidden in the bushes, while she is pushed by her husband. However pretty, this commissioned, light and airy theme of Rococo art led to more serious, deeper meaning paintings in the following art periods such as Romantic and Expressionism.
Next we have Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog (also called Wanderer Above the Mists), by Caspar David Friedrich, 1818. This is also my favorite work of art!
Friedrich was a German Romantic painter, and even though Germany was not its own country in the 19th century, he lived in a Germanic state. Romantic art highlights the power of nature and human insignificance. Human figures are less important in Romantic works, which you can tell because the man’s back is to us. He has completed his journey to the top of this rock cliff, and is now looking out at what he sees. The figure in this image is in awe of nature, and overwhelmed at the vastness of what is in front of him. The Romantic period did not just include art, but literature as well. Edgar Allen Poe is considered a Romantic writer.
The last painting is Paris Street; Rainy Day, by Gustave Caillebotte, 1877.
This Impressionist work by Caillebotte features a rainy day in the newly reconstructed Paris. This is an Impressionism painting because of the sketch-like quality, and the fact that it’s an image of everyday life. Impressionist paintings typically do not have a deeper meaning than what you see. When you look at this painting, it’s as if you could be walking towards the couple holding the umbrella, which is a common theme of Impressionism. The perspective is very accurate, which means that you can tell the scene is three dimensional. Perspective is extremely difficult to master. This work is featured in the Art Institute of Chicago, so you don’t have to travel too far to see it.
Art History is a great subject to study because it is centered around cultural and social movements. Historical events are directly reflected in the art of that period, whether events or historical figures are painted, or an idea such as individualism makes art more personal. After you study even just a little bit of Art History, you will be able to recognize artistic styles in almost any piece of art you see. It is a great way to study history because you have something physical to look at and have an image in your mind, rather than dates and names. If you are interested in taking an Art History course, I’d suggest taking either Intro to Art, or Art History I to start. I hope that the pieces I have shown you have sparked your interest in learning more!