Post 2

The Renaissance was a great period in European history. A period of enlightenment and artistry. Some of the greatest works of our history derived from this period. The renaissance lasted for two centuries from the 15th to the 17th centuries. This period saw the rise of patronage at an unprecedented scale, allowing for artwork to flourish. People would sponsor artists, and commission works to show their economic status. Those found to be outstanding artists at that time and today are Leonardo Da Vinci, Michaelangelo, and Jan Van Eyck.


Leonardo Da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa,” is considered one of the greatest artworks in the world. Leonardo Da Vinci is exceptionally talented in what he does. He was not only an artist, he was also an inventor. When one looks at the Mona Lisa they see a simple lady. The background is eerie and unrecognizable. Most of the portraits of women at that time were women of high socio-economic status. Stokstad supports the previous sentence when he writes “This was an unusual portrait for its time. Leonardo abandoned the long-standing Italian tradition of painting wealthy wives in profile view, wearing the sumptuous clothing and jewelry that signified their status and their husbands’ wealth “ (Stokstad 645). Mona Lisa seems to just be a normal lady, no jewelry or fancy clothing. Leonardo uses techniques that are differentiated him from his peers at his time. What was popular Leonardo would break all the rules. The Mona Lisa is a masterpiece of artwork that will be remembered throughout all human history. Her stare is captivating to all those who look at this painting. It is mysterious, she is mysterious, just like the landscape in the background. This artwork absolutely embodies the idea of all parts working together to complement each other.


Double portrait of Giovanni Arnolfini and His Wife.” Jan Van Eyck


Continuing, let’s take a look at Jan Van Eyck’s “Double portrait of Giovanni Arnolfini and His Wife.” Jan Van Eyck painted this in 1434. This is a painting of a wealthy merchant. A common practice at the time was for the new rising wealthy people of the renaissance to have themselves painted in a portrait. The man painted in the painted was Giovanni Arnolfini and his wife, as the title suggests. He gained his wealth from selling luxury fabrics to the Burgundian court (Stokstad 575).. Taking a look at his portrait we see the symbolism of the importance of fabrics and clothing to the painter. Both the man and woman in the portrait are wearing expensive luxurious fabrics in the painting. Giovianna is wearing a fur coat and an extravagant top hat. The chandelier is beautiful and a centerpiece in the painting. The woman’s dress is full and flowing on the floor. There is also religious symbols in the painting pointed towards their piety. With all the luxuries afforded to Giovanni the Church at the time was still a major influencer as Stokstad writes “the picture resonated with sacred meaning. The Church still provided spiritual grounding for men and women of the Renaissance. The crystal prayer beads hanging next to the convex mirror imply the couple’s piety, and the mirror itself—a symbol of the all-seeing eye of God—is framed with a circular cycle of scenes from Christ’s Passion”(Stokstad 575).













This piece here is “David,” by Michelangelo, one of his most famous works of art. “David” was created from an 18 foot tall marble block (Stokstad 659). This piece of art was so admired by all that is was to be placed in the city square (Stokstad 659). This was clearly admired by those who witnessed its beauty and magnificence. The significance of this sculpture is showing the pre-battle David, how he is staring and standing nude thinking about what the inevitable battle will lead to. This artwork was a Florentine commission, the sculpture was a perfect emblem for the Florentines, as Stokstad says “This David stands for the supremacy of right over might a perfect emblem for the florentines who had recently fought the forces of milan siena and pisa and still faced political and military pressure” (Stokstad 659).


Donatello "David"


This sculpture created by Donatello is an additional view of David. The David created by Michelangelo portrayed David before the battle, this one portrays him after battle victorious. As Stokstad states “David was a potent political image in Florence, a symbol of the citizens’ resolve to oppose tyrants regardless of their superior power, since virtue brings divine support and preternatural strength, and we will see other Florentine Renaissance renderings of this biblical hero” (Stokstad 618). This artwork was moral support for the people of Florence. Made with bronze David is standing on Golaith’s head. A beautiful artwork exceptional at what is trying to be portrayed. That is that the righteous will prevail over the tyrants during a time of major military and political tension.





WORKS CITED:Stokstad, Marilyn, and Michael Watt Cothren. Art History. Pearson, 2018.

Post 4

The Forbidden City, 25-8 on page 331 or 816

The Forbidden City in Beijing represents the conflicting and deep history of China. Built-in the time period when the Mongols invaded China, the architecture was a part of their city plans. During the Ming dynasty, the Mongols copied the foundations of the ancient Chinese culture as they planned, setting down symmetry and balance which reflects the ancient Chinese beliefs: Daoism, the harmony of the universe. The buildings reflected the old traditions of scholars separating themselves from the common population. However, the scholars were separating themselves from the government as well.



The Forbidden City, Kuai Xiang, 1925



One of China’s many neighbors, Japan, an architecture was created in the most creative era: the Momoyama period. The European weapons were introduced during Japan’s civil wars and brought three significant leaders: Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu. A new style of architecture sprung up to defend against the new weapons and one of the architectures was the Himeji Castle in Hyogo.

The Himeji Castle, 26-9 on page 334 or 839.

This castle reflects the artistic traditions of asymmetry, sleek lines, abstraction, and boldness while using natural materials. Perched high up into the air, the castle offers a clear view of the landscapes on all sides, which of course was great for spotting enemies, but also reflects the traditional aesthetic Zen landscapes.
Far South of Japan and a tad to the East, there lies Australia. Their arts were recognized as stylistic or geometric, the geometry style frequented in bark cloth, tattoos, and ceramics. Their art were either decors or used for religious practices. Their religion consists of the concept Dreamtime and it refers to the time before humans existed. Basically, the Dreamtime is a Minecraft flatlands world and the Spirits were the players terraforming the landscapes to their hearts’ desires. The Spirits emerged from the lands and oceans and are believed to be found in particular places. On a eucalyptus bark is the artwork of Three Dancers and Two Musicians.

The Himeji Castle Akamatsu Norimura 1333





Three Dancers and Two Musicians, 28-3 on page 373 or 878
Like their neighbor in Australia, Polynesia’s arts are emphasized on religion and religion only. Polynesia’s master artists were also ritual specialists and thus Polynesia’s art culture are recognized through carvings on stone, wood, and human bones.. Wooden houses were built and turned into meeting houses and were homages to the ancestors; the dead were believed to be gods.

Te-Hau-Ki-Turanga (Maori Meeting House), 28-11 on page 380 or 885


Te-Hau-Ki-Turanga is the oldest meeting house and it was built by Rukupto, who designed and built the house for his elder brother who had died. The elder brother was considered to be the founder of New Zealand, and the house symbolizes his body and the ancestors supporting the village. The ridge pole were considered to be his backbone, rafters the ribs, the face in a gable mask, and slanting bargeboards the protective arms. The ancestors were the supporting protection for the house, covering the ridge pole, the wall planks, and the ends of the rafters. The elder child were the more sacred child because they were considered to have the most “spirit” in the family, so the death of Rukupto’s brother was devastating. Designing and building the meeting house was a way to show the importance of genealogy.




Te-Hau-Ki-Turanga Raharuhi Rukupō 1840


On the other side of the world, the Americas offers a history of their own. In the Valley of Mexico lies the extinct Aztec Empire, brought to ruins by the Spanish. While the Aztec Empire was thriving and coexisting with the Spains, the King of Spains, Holy Roman Emperor Charles V requested an art book about the Aztecs. The most significant example from the book was The Foundings of Tenochtitlan. 

The Founding of Tenochtitlan, 27-3 on page 349 or 854.





The artwork here signifies the culture of the Aztecs. The central figure within the x’ed box is a reference to the story of why the founders decided to settle in Central Mexico. Within the said box is the precinct where many buildings are and the temple on the upper triangles. This is significant since it shows that they are civilization and they have monuments important to them. To the right of the eagle and the cactus and the stone is a skeleton, and this represents the sacrifices the civilians made for their gods to keep the world alive. The blue borders represent the landscape and how they expanded their city on the water. Then at the bottom of the Inked art piece is the soldiers of Aztec going out to conquer more lands, defend their lands, and fight for their gods. The two temples near them are the two temples that the sun sets onto depending on the time of year.



The Founding of Tenochtitlan Aztec Empire 1325






Citation Stokstad, Marilyn, and Michael Watt Cothren.Art History.Sixth ed,.II, Pearson,2018.

Post 4 - Winmari Paulino

Shen Zhou, Poet on a Mountain Top, 1496

The Ming Dynasty ruled China from 1368–1644. During this period, there were many trends in art that were birthed, the ‘literati aesthetic’ being one of the most prominent. The literati aesthetic was mostly correlated to government figures who were educated. Ironically, one of the most well-known literati painters of this period, Shen Zhou, had no interest in being affiliated with the government. Literati paintings can be simply concluded as expressions of nature coupled with meaningful calligraphy and we look to Zhou’s Poet on a Mountain Top as a prime example. Dong Qichang, a literati theorist, states that in order to properly train to become a painter in this field one must “‘read ten thousand books and walk ten thousand miles’” (Stokstad 818). Now, unlike some trends in art, these painters is pressure for the artist to make an exact replica of what they see; instead, they are expected to express themselves through their brushing technique. Zhou’s piece is a prime example of this -- although, of course, the image is not the most accurate to reality, the technique throughout the piece is consistent and uniform. All in all, this was a time of peace and spirituality -- and it was expressed through other mediums, as well. For instance, there was a great emphasis on the building of gardens to places of leisure where they could practice “calligraphy, poetry, and painting, the three arts most valued by scholars in China” (Stokstad 819).

Sesshu, Winter Landscape

Although the presence of art was already strong, there was a clear development during the Muromachi period (1333-1570s). Not unlike Chinese art, Japanese art was never characterized by perfection. In fact, it “manifested a taste for asymmetry, abstraction, boldness of expression, and humor” (Stokstad 831). This period was strongly linked to Zen Buddhism. Even though, Zen monks were usually artistically inclined, art was not their life’s priority; however, there was a shift during this era. For example, there came a point where temples had their own painting studios to be able to meet the demand for paintings. We can look to Sesshu’s Winter Landscape as a sample for the art in this period. It is evident that this piece carries no kind of symmetry throughout. Again, an eccentric use of the brush can be observed. Even with no spatial technique within the image, the image of a cold winter is painted clearly.

Wampum Belt, 1680s

Needless to say, the arrival of Europeans brought major changes upon Native Americans, in this case, the Woodlands peoples in specific during the seventeenth century. The Natives traded their knowledge on survival skills such as agriculture, fishing, and hunting, as well as furs. In return, the Europeans provided them with items that the Natives had yet to encounter such as “metal tolls, cookware, needles, and cloth and they especially prized European glass beads and silver.” Up until this point, Natives had only been exposed to copper, crystal, and shell. These new materials allowed them to experiment with the creation of different items that would turn out to be useful, we can look to the Wampum Belt as an example. Unsurprisingly, this is not our typical belt. This specific belt was used to “commemorate an unwritten treaty when the land that is now the state  of Pennsylvania was  ceded  by the Delawares in 1682, is especially prized” (Stokstad 861). This belt served as a binding contract and aided in keeping order.

Asmat Ancestral Spirit Poles (BISJ), 1960

The honoring of ancestors plays a big role in New Guinea’s culture. Those who live along the river, the Asmat, were strong believers that those who died remained in the village in spirit which is why they built the pictured Asmat Ancestral Poles. They believed these poles captured the spirits of past warriors and headhunters. Of course, wood is used to build these poles, but the process by which the wood is acquired is quite interesting -- “the felling of a tree is a ritual act in which a group of men attack the tree as if it were an enemy” (Stokstad 881). The figures represent the individual who passed and deceased children. Additionally, the poles are positioned by the water to assist their spirits to reach safan, “the realm of ancestors.”

Kente Cloth, Asante, 1980

During the eighteen century, Ghana was mostly ruled by the Asante Empire. However, there was a turn in the nineteenth century. The British forced the Asantehene, the kings of the Asante, to share their power as they ruled from Kumasi. Fortunately, Ghana gained independence and Asante Empire became a state of its own within Ghana. Asante households were most recognized for their Kente cloth. The woven nature of the fabric is no coincidence as the word, kente, comes from the word Asante word used for “basket.”  Surprisingly, kente cloth is still highly valued to this day and has become part of traditional wear for Ghanians. 

Post 4

Winter Landscape, Sesshu 1470s

Winter Landscape by Sesshu was completed in the 1470s. Sesshu had trained for 20 years as a Zen monk painter under Shubun. When Sesshu returned from China he stayed in the provinces to avoid the civil war that was taking place in Kyoto, Japan. This painting differs from the previous paintings he made in China which were of Shubun style. In this painting Sesshu uses sumi-e painting. Sumi-e painting is made from using Chinese ink which is created from burning pine twigs and mixing it with resin. In this painting he uses jagged brush strokes to depict a series of rocky hills where a figure makes his way to a Zen monastery. He uses overlapping planes to show the composition of the hilly land. The white is on the painting to show the snow from the harsh and cold climate and the sky if gray showing the cloudy weather. Zen Buddhism played a large role in Japanese arts because they believed in Nirvana or achieving enlightenment. Painting nature or the landscape allowed artists to truly encourage a deeper experience and understanding of nature.

Bull and Puppy, Nagasawa Rosetsu 

  

By the middle of the eighteenth hundreds schools of independent artist emerged in Kyoto to satisfy demands for naturalistic style paintings that reflected this fascination. The most influential was founded by Maruyama Okyo who had perfected methods to incorporate western shading and perspective. He used this style in a more Japanese decorative way to create a new volume of East Asian painting. Okyo's most famous pupil was Nagasawa Rosetsu who created the Bull and Puppy. In this painting he uses six large panel screens to portray a bull and a puppy. The bull is so large that it takes up most of the space on the panels. However the small puppy still stands out because of its white shade against the dark gray shade of the bull. The puppy's relaxed tone increases the charm of the painting. Nagasawa was a master at surprising viewers with odd and humorous compositions.

Battle Scene, Hide Painting , Mandan 1797-1800

The Great Plains were known for the residence of Native Americans in United States history. This painting is created on a buffalo hide robe that was presented by Lewis and Clark by the Mandan. It depicts a battle they fought against the Sioux Indians near North Dakota. The painting depicts a full conflict that was fought by five indian nations and shows warriors in 22 different parts. The party is led by a man with a pipe and an eagle-feathered headress. It shows the warriors armed with bows and arrows, clubs, lances, and flint-knock pistols. The creator of this painting used red, green, black, yellow, and brown pigments and a porcupine quill to draw all these illustrations. This paining shows the similarity for many native american paintings. Many different tribes used hides of animal skin to paint on. They also showed art by making fancy headresses, blankets, pots, etc.

Tattooed Natice of Nukahiva

Tattooing in Oceania was widespread and ancient. They would use similar tools used to decorate Lapita pottery, which means their was some symbolic meaning in marking pottery and the human skin. The people in this region used chiseled bones to create a sharp point in order to apply the ink. The Polynesians who were descendants of the Lapita people brought tattooing along with them throughout the Pacific. Although the people eventually split up and resided in different areas of the world, spirals and rows of triangles became the hallmark of the Maori tattoos. The people of the Polynesian islands would tattoo young men of high social rank around the age of 18. By 30 years old their body would be completely tattooed to show prestige and matureness. This tradition remained sacred for women as well who would get tattoos on their hands, ankles, lips, and behind the ears. 

Kente Cloth, Asante 1980

The Asante empire located in the country of Ghana was known for its prized Kente Cloth. Kente is the Asante word for basket which acknowledges the woven like nature of the fabric. Asante weavers, usually men, worked on double heddle looms which allowed them to create long strips of cloth with vertical stripes that alternate with horizontal bands and geometric shapes and patterns. These strips of cloth were then woven together to form one large rectangle of Kente cloth. these patterns were also intentionally made random so the cloth was more dazzling and less predictable. Kente cloth is still worn by the royal family and it is very expensive. This type of art differs from western style of art because it is more fabric and sculpture based. African American art involved many more sculptures to depict different actions and events. Western art did not incorporate sculpting to such a high degree. African American art also had more art made by weaving cloth and making unique blankets and clothing.

Post 4

Rock Garden, Ryoanji Kyoto

Zen Dry Gardens was a form of art, unlike most others. It wasn’t a form of painting or drawing and it was more of a piece of architectural masterwork. Monks have used these in their attempts to reach enlightenment. “In addition to daily meditation, they engaged in manual labor to provide for themselves and maintain their temple properties” (Stokstad, 832). The trees and plants growing outside the actual garden are still part of the garden as they contribute to the scenery. This is called “borrowed Scenery”.  These gardens were prominent in the fifteenth century and were primary in Japan. Later on, Chinese art began to influence the way people made the gardens to create a more art-like setting. The Rock Garden in Ryoanji, Kyoto has rocks appearing out of the floor. Then the sand around it is raked into a circular pattern as if disseminating from the rock. This represents the ocean and its many islands that come out of the ocean floor.  Others see it as mountains that rise into the sky or the stars in the sky. The ability of these gardens to be interpreted in many ways is part of the art in the sense that everyone can see it differently. Many people in today’s modern society still make zed gardens for themselves to relax and meditate.

Marquesas Dancer

The Polynesians were well known for tattooing. The Marquesas Islands were the most tattooed of the Polynesians.  To the Polynesians, blood was a sacred substance and thus at the age of 18 -30 a young man would get their tattoos (tattoos piece skin causing bleeding).  These tattoos were sacred and had meanings to the individual. They would represent status, family, accomplishment or other things that occurred in the individual’s life.  Women could also get tattoos. They had special houses in which the ceremony would be done, and the tattoos would then be given. It became a major part of the Marquesas culture. They take pride in their tattoos.  Similar traditions/tattoos can be seen in that area of the world such as Samoa, Hawaii, and other islands.

Machu Pichu, Peru Inca 1450-1530

Machu Pichu was a city in Peru for the Inca civilization. During its time, it was a city, but now it is one of the world's most famous pieces of architecture.  Stokstad describes the Machu Pichu’s surrounding, “At almost 8,000 feet above sea level, it straddles a ridge between two high peaks in the eastern slopes of the Andes and looks down on the Urubamba River” (Stokstad, 858). When looking at the way the city was built, it was well thought out. It had a set place for meetings for leaders. It also was set up so that the views of the surrounding areas were easily accessible, and the view was beautiful. The stones were cut and fit nearly perfectly with one another to create strong walls. The walls used only frictional force to hold it together since they didn’t have access to modern glues like mortar.  It was phenomenally constructed for both beauty, practicality, and protection.

Wampum Belt: William Penn's Treaty With Deleware

The Wampum is mainly associated with early Americans. “The Iroquois and Delaware peoples used wampum to keep records (the purple and white patterns served as memory aids) and exchanged belts of wampum to seal treaties” (Stokstad 861). Wampum looks as if it was a belt that was worn around the waist. It is also very flashy as the beads and shells shine. Stokstad explains that few wampums used for treaties are still in existence. The one in the picture shown was from when the Delawares ceded the land that we now know as Pennsylvania. The figure on the Wampum shows two people holding hands. This could represent a form of equality and agreement. From history, we then find out that this treaty failed as the Quakers and Delawares eventually began to fight and have a violent relationship once again. Either way, this is a very important part of American history and tradition.

Korambo, 20th century, Kinbangwa Village,
Sepik River, Papua New Guinea

The Korambo is a ceremonial house that was used in Papua New Guinea. This house is made only for the men. It is a way for the men to have group sessions without the interference of women. They would be able to plan and have a clan identity that was only for the men. When building the Korambo every step of the process is associated with a ceremony that is held early while the women and other boys not in the cult are sleeping. One of the ceremonies can even last up to 6 months and consisted of dancing for long hours throughout the night. These ceremonies are very similar to other cultures where they have ceremonies for boys who reach an age of maturity and then become men. Once the boys have reached this point, they will be allowed to enter into the Korambo, meaning that they are now men.

Citation

Stokstad, Marilyn, and Michael Watt Cothren.Art History.Sixth ed,.II, Pearson,2018.

Extra point post - Gengshuo Ge

The Tour at the Brooklyn Museum

      Last week, we had a tour at the Brooklyn Museum, and it really impressed me because I saw many autographs that we learned in the textbook, and I was really interested in the following three. They are Sazai hall - Temple of Five Hundred Rakan by Hokusai, Pierre de Wiessant, Monumental Nude by Auguste Rodin, and Houses of Parliament, Sunlight Effect by Claude Monet.

Sazai hall - Temple of Five Hundred RakanKatsushika Hokusai
1832

      First, let us have a look at Sazai hall - Temple of Five Hundred Rakan, and it was a part of Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji, and it was created by Hokusai. Although it was not famous as The Great Wave, it was still worthful for us to have an in-depth discussion. For the subject, we can find there are three layers of view; the closer one was that people took a view of the Fuji and people had a rest on the floor; the middle one was the view of the lake; the farther one was the view of the Fuji. The three layers of view created a peaceful scene, and it attracted many people to have a trip to Tokyo. Then, for the composition, we can find that Hokusai used the linear perspective, which was learned from European arts because of the Western colonists and trades. From the floor and the roof and the direction of people’s sights, we can see they were all focused at the Fuji, which was the vanishing point, and this was the new way that Hokusai created in Ukiyo-e.

Pierre de Wiessant, Monumental Nude

Auguste Rodin

1886, cast 1983

      Then, for the Pierre de Wiessant, Monumental Nude, it was a part of The Burghers of Calais by Auguste Rodin, and it embodied the realism though Rodin lived in the years that impressionism was the mainstream. This sculpture depicted that the city of Calais had been under siege by the English, and the English king commanded six prominent citizens to die for the withdrawal. Although the Queen released these six citizens, Rodin still chose to show the scene that they were waiting to be executed. From the emotion on the face, we can see that he was anguished and suffering; from the contorted gesture, we can find he was thinking about his death and sacrifice. Rodin did not create him as a hero, but he chose to depict him as a person from the lowest level of the society, and he was the man who fought against the dominant side, which could embody the realism. 

Houses of Parliament, Sunlight EffectClaude Monet
1903

      Last but not least, let us have a look at Houses of Parliament, Sunlight Effect, which is an impressionist painting by Claude Monet. Monet was the leader of impressionism, and he focused on the light effect at a particular moment, which might be the reason that the subject matters were the same for many paintings but with different light effects, which was quite different from the Renaissance paintings. This painting was one of the nineteen Houses of Parliament, and we can find that Monet weakened the details of the architecture, but he focused on the sunlight and the reflection in the water. Monet captured the fleeting moment of the light effect, and he made the parliament partly hidden and partly visible, which is just like Stokstad and Cothren commented, “He records the ephemeral play of reflected light and color and its effect on the eye, rather than describing the physical substance of forms and the spatial volumes they occupy” (Stokstad and Cothren 1003). 

Work Cited

Stokstad, Marilyn, and Michael Watt Cothren. Art History. Sixth ed., II, Pearson, 2018.

Insights into the Brooklyn Museum - Chris Suleski

Chris Suleski

Professor Cacoilo

Art History II

11/24/2019

The Brooklyn Museum Trip

     

     On November 16, 2019, I had the pleasure of visiting the Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Pkwy, Brooklyn, NY 11238, I saw many unique examples of artwork during my tour. I was enlightened by the abundance of artwork and I recorded the following three pieces that caught my attention.

Niagara, 1866
Louis Remy Mignot

       

     The painting of "Niagara, 1866" by Louis Mignot was the primary artwork that attracted me within the exhibit.  This piece re-surfaced the memories of my summer trip in 2009 to Niagara Falls, border of Ontario, Canada, and New York, United States with my father.  Niagara Falls is considered as one of the Natural Wonders of the World.  Approximately, 12,000 years ago the falls were formed by glaciers and it is estimated that the falls was about seven miles further down river than it is currently. I was intrigued by the Canadian view of Mignot's artwork. My father and I were unable to view the falls from the Canadian side because of passport issues. 

     I experienced the natural wonders of the falls mainly from the iconic views aboard the ship "Maid of the Mist." The boat journey took us into the heart of the most powerful waterfall in America, building mist-covered memories that will last a lifetime for me.  The tour allowed you to hear the thundering roar of over a half million gallons of water; as well as feeling the mighty rush of the mist on your face and seeing the force of the crashing waves, all breathtaking views. 

     The painting "Niagara, 1866", oil on canvas, resided unknown to the American public for over 100 years. It was "catalogued and stored in the Brooklyn Museum for over a century" (Heather) before being rediscovered and restored in the latter years of the 1990’s, and thereafter has been on display. Niagara, 1866 portrays the world famed icon from an unusual vantage point, looking towards the fall from the Canadian side. Mignot’s art is known for its colors and his technique of rendering depth and distance in his painting. Mignot modified the tone and hue of his central objects by reducing unique colors and contrasts of light and dark to a uniform light bluish-gray color, as represented in this picture. As Niagara Falls was an icon to the world, Mignot retreated to London, England and painted this image four years prior to his death, showing the world his artistic talents and worth. 

     Mignot was an American Landscape painter of Huguenot heritage, connected with the Hudson River School of Art.  His artwork reflects several of our history conversations in class, regarding his religious Calvinism beliefs to his unique style of Aerial Perspective. Magnot resided in America primarily from 1858 – 1862, during the outbreak of the American Civil War.

A Meadow in the Bourbonnais, Morning

Henri-Joseph Harpignies - 1876

     On August 23-30 of 2020, my family and I will be taking a trip to France.  This painting brought moments of excitement to me, knowing that I will be going on this vacation. I can't wait to see this gorgeous rural landscape, reflecting the farming lifestyle with cows roaming the land and women washing their clothes. I enjoyed the respective proportions of the rolling hills; as well as the artist technique of various blending, shades and tones of green. A similar view of America landscapes in the late 1800's. 

     The artist, Henri-Joseph Harpignies, painted this sizable landscape, "A Meadow in the Bourbonnais, Morning, oil on canvas" of the interior of France, the Bourbonnais region. This piece, displayed at the Salon of 1876, "depiction of the country’s beauty, bounty, and ageless traditions" (A Meadow in), showing the historical tradition of washing clothes in the local rivers with primal trees, and shadows leading to a far-off horizon. Harpignies's picture brought hope to the French after the embarrassing thrashing of the War of 1870.

     Harpignies lived until a age of 97.  He was a noted French master  landscape artist of the Barbizon school of Art, influenced by the tradition of Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot, and inspired by Rome, using the rich Italian landscapes views in his masterpieces. Harpignies was influenced by several Art periods that we spoke of in class, Realism and Impressionism.  However, his intentions was to challenge the public to recognize and appreciate  his landscape paintings as equal to the past and present art. He began his painting at the age of 27 and primarily painted between the years of 1846 until his death in 1916.

Mummy and Cartonnage of Hor

798 B.C.E.-558 B.C.E.

      
     Upon entering the Mummy Chamber on the third floor at the museum, I was attracted to the exhibit of Hor and his Cartonnage. Immediately, I was reminded of my trip to the Vatican, Rome, Italy in the Summer of 2018 upon which I saw the mummification of Pope John XX111 on display under St. Peter’s Basilica. I was amazed to see the condition of the Pope’s body after 56 years after his death.  It looked like he died yesterday. So be the mummification process.

     The Egyptians believed that it was necessary to prepare a human body by means of  Mummification so that the individual’s spirit would be prepared for afterlife, with the cartonnage aiding in the changeover to the afterlife.  The mummy is decorated with figures of various gods that protect and facilitate the individual into the afterlife, each having a particular function. Typically, the pharaohs of Egypt were mummified and buried in elegant tombs; as well as the nobility. The Cartonnage of Hor is a colorful and beautiful piece of artwork. 

     As studied in class, the Egyptians believed in gods, eternal life and the rebirth of the soul. This exhibit exemplifies that concept. Religion was in important cultural practice that bound all Egyptians together, believing in the principles of Egyptian creed. "About 2600 B.C., during the Fourth and Fifth Dynasties, Egyptians probably began to mummify the dead intentionally. The practice continued and developed for well over 2,000 years, into the Roman Period (ca. 30 B.C.–A.D. 364)" (Smithsonian).

 Works Cited

Heather. “‘Niagara’ by Louis Rémy Mignot.” Daily Dose of Art, Heather, 7 Aug. 2019,
     https://www.myddoa.com/niagara-louis-remy-mignot/.

Meadow in the Bourbonnais, Morning (Une Prairie Du Bourbonnais, Par Un Effet De Matin). 
     Brooklyn Museum, https://www.brooklynmuseum.org/opencollection/objects/4774.

Smithsonian Institution. “Egyptian Mummies.” Smithsonian Institution,
     Smithsonian Institution,  https://www.si.edu/spotlight/ancient-egypt/mummies.