For my final Blog posting of the semester, or at least relating to this art and concept bloggings that have been assigned, I look forward to ending the semester on a positive note and hopefully accomplish something that I have yet to do this semester. This final blog will be my best, yes I have it set in my head, thick as it might be, that I will get my best grade of the semester on this assignment in an attempt to meet a personal goal, in addition to ending the semester on a great note.
With that being said, I have decided to pick a piece of art that is from the Baroque period, and one that definitely stuck out to me for more than one reason. In addition to the contrast of color in this piece, it is also something that during this time period would have been socially unacceptable for a number of reasons. The individuals seen in this picture, the situation that might possible be taking place, and finally the social consequences for this sort of 'depiction'.
I have decided to elaborate further on Manet and Impressionism. The picture that I selected is Olympia by Edouard Manet. I took it upon myself to look at a couple of different color images of this painting on google. I found the photograph in the book provided me with sufficient reason to select it, however I wanted to feel the full perspective of the paintings power. It was truly amazing with color. This piece of art remains striking even today. People see this not as a classical beauty, but a very real and provocative perspective of a women, her naked and volatile body open to full inspection by anyone who wishes to see without inhibition. I find that the paleness of her skin is coupled with the brightness and beauty of the colorful flowers in addition to the previously touched on contrast to the dark skin by her servant blending into the background. There is also a black cat in the photo. This seems to show a more comfortable perspective, in addition to balancing the thin black ribbon found around Victorine's neck. When you notice the glazed look on her face, it is a cold look that shows no expression on emotion. I find it to be challenging and direct in almost a confrontational manner. As stated in the book (The Human Spirit, page 192), "it is almost as if she were staring into the very eyes of her next client, placing the viewer in an immoral position". I find this last statement to be even colder than the glaze Victorine maintains in her eyes. Creepy in a sense of emptiness and endlessness.
But with every piece of artistic expression comes critiques and accusations. Many saw this painting as "ugliness", and an impersonation in the sense that, "the body has lurid tones of a corpse at the morgue". All painful at the time, but this painting has withstood the test of time.
People saw Olympia has the heroine of shocking modernity. Manet at times was shaken by the criticism. His desire for formal acceptance by the art establishment conflicted directly with his equally strong sense of artistic independence. Manet was a traditionalist, though a rebellious one.
Ultimately, after reflecting on the artistic features of the painting, and investigating the perspectives and opinions of those who witnessed the Olympia, it is considered safe to say that this piece was definitely considered provocative during the Baroque Period. Not only did the color definitions used in this painting express ideas of lucid vulnerability and social outcasting of this Victorine individual, it was many years ahead of being socially acceptable. The expressiveness of Manet was one inn which brought people together to reflect on a different perspective that wasn't restricted by the corset of societal norms.
This painting I found to be inspirational, not only for its reactions, but for the rules it broke and the barriers it brought down. It allowed Manet to show the world that restrictiveness doesn't produce greatness, it produces complacency.
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