Merian And Bonheur

Moreover, another similarity that can be made between the two artists is their ideal focal point within their paintings. In Merian and Bonheur paintings they both use the animals they draw as their focal point. A focal point, in art, is used as a technique to ensure the center of interest.(foot) So, as illustrated throughout their artworks it is clear that they want to draw attention to the animals to further their ideals of them. For example in the book “Metamorphosis insectorum Surinamensium”, Merian indicates many of her artworks on butterflies. In particular, the painting called “Bildtafel LX. 1705” embraces the colorful nature of the butterfly. The artist, Merian uses the butterfly as her focal point in his peace as she wants her audience
to view that image first. Similarity, Bonheur uses the same ideal for her focal point. Throughout many of Bonheur’s art pieces her focal point is surrounded around the ideal of animals, just as Merians paintings are. For instance, in the painting called “Ploughing in the Nivernais” it illustrates two group of oxen ploughing the land. In this image it is clear that the focal point is the oxen embracing their breasahdslignt strength. Throughout many of the artist paintings they draw their focal point from the animals, in order to evolve their meaning further. In these paintings, and many of others their focal point is surrounded by the same ideal: the animal.
The last similarity that can be made between the two artist is the overall tone their art expresses.
Both artists express the evolution of animals/insects within their paintings, and further denotes their tone towards them. For example, in the painting by Merian called “Plate LXXXV” from the book “Erucarum Ortus Alimentum et Paradoxa Metamorphosis” (1679-1717) it depicts the evolution of a butterfly and the stages that they emerge through.(footnote). This image creates a tone of life of the butterfly and denotes how the artist feels towards them. As illustrated through this image, the artist cares for the butterfly and connects with it. She can feel the stages of life as she emerges through them, just as the butterfly does. Through Merians art and tone, we can observe the care she has towards these insects, and their scientific touch they have on life. In comparison, Bonheur express the same tone and meaning through her art. She illustrates the tone she has towards these animals, and the authority they possesss. For example in the painting called “Ploughing Scene” she illustrates the strength that the Oxen demostrares (footnote). She denotes the evolution of the Oxen and the growth it endures. She perhaps connects with his oxen just as Merian does with her butterflies. She views this Oxen as herself, as she is a strong indepent women that has to endure the heavyweight of life. Throughout her artworks, she denotes the tone of strength and love she has towards the animals,
just as Merian does with her art work.
Despite the many similarities that are shared among by these two artists, there are also many differences that can be analysed upon. The first difference that can be analysed upon is the economic stability between the artists. Merian grew up from a stable family, and thus had more money to achieve her success (footnote). Her parents ensured that she had the resources and money she may need. In addition, she also married a painter named Jacob which overall increased her economical situation. The economical advantages Merian had allowed her to travel more, gain a better education, and abroaded her perspective on the aspects of insects and their scientific involvement. For instance she traveled to many places including Friesland and Gottorp on where her knowledge grew and broaden (footnote).