Compare And Contrast Two Madonnas
IAN MITTON
Compare and contrast two similarly themed (i.e. two Madonnas, two Crucifixion scenes etc.) Renaissance altarpieces (Italian and / or Northern). Focusing on the central panel, discuss the selected works in terms of subject matter, technique, composition, treatment of the figure and patronage. Use specific visual references to support your answer.
The Christian altar contains the surface upon which the Eucharist is offered and presented to the congregation or gathering of worshipers. As the church became more authoritarian, controlling and wealthy it developed from a simple domestic table-like structure into a complex and sophisticated one around which the focus of worship centered. Sculptured and painted panels enhanced the alter …show more content…
This artistic device formed part of a collection of sacred pictorial images which helped instruct a congregation or a faithful individual in the liturgy or personal response to the biblical stories.
The Annunciation was a popular theme for altarpieces, they illustrated the announcement by the angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary that she was to be the mother of Christ. They usually contained a number of common elements yet the interpretation and compositional structure together with materials are varied.
Painted works became more common in the fifteenth century. However, there were many fine works produced in the fourteenth century among which was Simone Martini’s the Annunciation (Martini 1333) fig 1. It is worth comparing this to a later one from a different part of Europe to help develop an understanding of the historical, geographical and commercial context of this particular theme. The Annunciation Triptych (Merode Altarpiece) (Workshop of Campin 1427-32) fig 2 is such a works and it allows an interesting and important comparison to be made.
fig …show more content…
The nature and manufacture of tempera paints means that it is quick drying, colour saturation is less than oil paints as its transparency; the colour quality tends to be flat rather than vibrant as the case in oils. Oil paint makes the realistic representation of people and objects possible, the light and tone of a painting is enhanced, gradations are subtle and visually effective.
Considering the central panel of both paintings it shows the visitation of the angel Gabriel to Mary. Inevitably because of the nature of the subject the viewer is witnessing a static theatrical performance although the treatment is very different in both works. The space within which this takes place is unalike in terms of its structure negative and positive elements and general
Compare and contrast two similarly themed (i.e. two Madonnas, two Crucifixion scenes etc.) Renaissance altarpieces (Italian and / or Northern). Focusing on the central panel, discuss the selected works in terms of subject matter, technique, composition, treatment of the figure and patronage. Use specific visual references to support your answer.
The Christian altar contains the surface upon which the Eucharist is offered and presented to the congregation or gathering of worshipers. As the church became more authoritarian, controlling and wealthy it developed from a simple domestic table-like structure into a complex and sophisticated one around which the focus of worship centered. Sculptured and painted panels enhanced the alter …show more content…
This artistic device formed part of a collection of sacred pictorial images which helped instruct a congregation or a faithful individual in the liturgy or personal response to the biblical stories.
The Annunciation was a popular theme for altarpieces, they illustrated the announcement by the angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary that she was to be the mother of Christ. They usually contained a number of common elements yet the interpretation and compositional structure together with materials are varied.
Painted works became more common in the fifteenth century. However, there were many fine works produced in the fourteenth century among which was Simone Martini’s the Annunciation (Martini 1333) fig 1. It is worth comparing this to a later one from a different part of Europe to help develop an understanding of the historical, geographical and commercial context of this particular theme. The Annunciation Triptych (Merode Altarpiece) (Workshop of Campin 1427-32) fig 2 is such a works and it allows an interesting and important comparison to be made.
fig …show more content…
The nature and manufacture of tempera paints means that it is quick drying, colour saturation is less than oil paints as its transparency; the colour quality tends to be flat rather than vibrant as the case in oils. Oil paint makes the realistic representation of people and objects possible, the light and tone of a painting is enhanced, gradations are subtle and visually effective.
Considering the central panel of both paintings it shows the visitation of the angel Gabriel to Mary. Inevitably because of the nature of the subject the viewer is witnessing a static theatrical performance although the treatment is very different in both works. The space within which this takes place is unalike in terms of its structure negative and positive elements and general