Art History Essay: Dublin Works of Art Comparison

Essay Question

Visit two works of art on view in Dublin, and then choose ONE of the options below:

1. Compare and contrast the illustrations in The Book of Kells and Bartolomeo Passarotti’s St Jerome.
2. Compare and contrast Francesco Granacci’s Rest on the Flight into Egypt with the Infant Saint John the Baptist with Caravaggio’s The Taking of Christ.
3. Compare and contrast Tintoretto’s Portrait of an Unknown Senator and Joshua Reynolds’ Portrait of Charles Coote.
4. Compare and contrast Johannes Vermeer’s Woman Writing a Letter and Claude Monet’s Argenteuil Basin with a Single Sailboat.

Experts Answer on Above Essay Questions on History

The book of Kells Vs Bartolomeo Passarotti’s St Jerome

There is clear application of Celtic/insular decoration, interlaced patterns, vivid colours and symbolic religious imagery noted in respect to the book of Kells. However, Passarotti’s St Jerome utilises modelling, renaissance naturalism, anatomy and expressive facial features in order to present the saint as a physical figure. The key differences are noted in respect to ornamental manuscript illumination and naturalistic renaissance painting.

Francesco Granacci’s Rest on the Flight into Egypt with the Infant Saint John the Baptist with Caravaggio’s The Taking of Christ

In respect to Granacci, it is evaluated that the Holy family is presented in a relatively calm, devotional setting by utilising balanced renaissance composition and graceful figures. In respect to Caravaggio, a tense situation is created with dramatic scenes utilising strong contrasts of light and darkness, crowded figures and forceful gestures. The contrast is between serene Renaissance religious storytelling and Caravaggio’s drama.

Tintoretto’s Portrait of an Unknown Senator and Joshua Reynolds’ Portrait of Charles Coote.

The main focus of analysis in Tintoretto’s Portrait is on the senator’s dignity using dark tones, direct presence and energetic Venetian brushwork. Charles Coote is presented as an aristocratic gentleman by Reynolds utilising refined modelling, elegant clothing and polished British portrait style. They both indicate social status, but there is greater emphasis placed on authority and psychological presence by Tintoretto whereas Reynolds gives more importance to aristocratic refinement.

Johannes Vermeer’s Woman Writing a Letter and Claude Monet’s Argenteuil Basin with a Single Sailboat.

The focus of Vermeer is on the interior utilising controlled light, precise objects and properly structured composition to create intimacy. Monet gives emphasis to outdoor landscape utilising broken brushstrokes, changing light and colour to take into consideration the atmosphere and water. The central difference is between Dutch interior realism and impressionist observation of light and nature.

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