These two paintings are both believed to depict the story of Judith and Holofernes. Where the Jewish widow Judith (seduces possibly and) makes the Asyrian general Holofernes drunk and then beheads him. There is a whole book in the bible named after Judith because she is a Jewish Heroine, having saved them from their aggressors the Assyrians. Titian's depiction arouses some question as to whether it is truely about Judith, or Salome and John the Baptiste, because the lady subject hold the head of the man on a platter like in the story of Salome and John the Baptiste, but there is also a girl servent at her side and neither are dressed in regal clothes mirroring the story of Judith. This could be because Titian wanted the painting to be versatile and used for both stories.
When comparing the two paintings, Titian's (painted in 1515) uses the light v
ery differently to Carravagio's (painted in 1598). Titian's depiction seems opposite to the quote about Tenebreism, he uses light not to create space or atmosphere, but purely to highlight the subject's faces and places of interest. The composition, to me, leaves much to be desired, because if the head on the platter was eliminated, the painting could be of the madonna, or a portrait of an important lady. The subject looks demure and incapable of murdering the man infront of her. Thus the subjects seem to even, placid, the combination of light and composition ignores a possible drama and story.Carravagio however uses light for a specific purpose of creating a mood, drama, a scene. The subjects seem to intereact more in comparison to Titian's painting, involving the viewer more, interacting with them. Even though the old lady touches neither of the two other subjects, she still leans in, in interest and curiosoty. The painter is still able to dipict beatiful fabrics and interesting emotions even though not all are in ultimate light. A factor that Titian seems not to be aware of in the other painting.
p.s. Mr Nicolls, i cant edit the website because its on your user area
1 comments:
This is an interesting comparison Flo. A good 83 years separates the paintings and you've spotted a major stylistic difference between what's referred to as the High Renaissance (Titian) and the Baroque (Caravaggio). Whereas artists sought to create a sense of harmony and balance at the end of the Renaissance (typified by artists like Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci and Titian), the artists of the Baroque were inspired by a resurgence in the Catholic Church's attempts to appeal to their congregation using theatrical storytelling techniques - dramatic compositions and strong areas of light and shade (chiaroscuro), for example. Titian was from Venice and another important consideration when exploring his artistic output is the extent to which he was influenced by particular quality of light and colour in that city. Both Judiths appear to be innocent (an important quality for a Biblical heroine) but are presented quite differently. Titian appears to concentrate on the almost spiritual perfection of his heroine, conforming to a Raphaelesque concept of female beauty, whereas Caravaggio's Judith appears more conscious of the physicality of her actions, leaning back to avoid getting blood on her dress, perhaps. The contrast between her youth and the old woman's age is also a great dramatic device (remember Rubens' "Samson and Delilah"?) The work of both of these artists is often referred to as "sensual". Can you suggest why? It's not necessary to express a preference in this kind of comparative analysis; rather you should attempt to describe, discuss and explain (if possible) what differences and similarities you can see. Interestingly, Titian's brushwork changes quite dramatically later in his life, partly because he began to lose his sight. Check out his painting of "The Flaying of Marsyas", c. 1570-1575.
Have a look at this:
http://artblogbybob.blogspot.com/2008/08/sun-among-stars.html
Bob's art blog is really good. You may wish to subscribe to the rss feed.
Finally, don't worry about the surrealism site. You've made a good start and I'm happy to add the final touches.
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