2. Theme: Human NatureTheme: Human Nature
1. The usage of texture helps create and1. The usage of texture helps create and
establish an overall mood/atmosphere.establish an overall mood/atmosphere.
2. Each following composition will reveal2. Each following composition will reveal
a universal nature of humanity.a universal nature of humanity.
3. In this exhibition, each artist’s usage of3. In this exhibition, each artist’s usage of
texture further bolsters the reality and/ortexture further bolsters the reality and/or
heightens the mysticism of theirheightens the mysticism of their
composition.composition.
3. Andrea Mantegna, Dead Christ, c. 1500.
Tempura on canvas; 67.9 x 81.0 cm
2. Death is an inevitable
and universal part of
human nature.
1. The itchy texture of the
uncomfortable rectangular
bed, the wrinkled skin of the
two old onlookers, and the
humid and wet feel of the
drapery and body creates an
overall mood that is haunting.
3. The reality of death is
bolstered by Mantegna’s usage
of uncomfortable textures.
Composition’s relation to time period: Linear perspective, developed by
Brunelleschi in the 15th
century, can be seen used in this Early Renaissance
composition.
4. Raphael, Madonna of the Meadow, 1505.
Oil on panel; 1.13 x 0.87 m
1. The smoothness of the three
figures’ luminous skin, the soft
texture of the grass, bushes, and
trees, and the creamy feel of the
weightless clouds creates an
overall mood that is innocent and
playful.
2. The depiction of peace and
happiness are two of the most
universal feelings present in
human nature.
3. The innocent textures in the
composition create a sense of
lustrous mysticism.
Composition’s relation to time period: Raphael has a distinct style from other
High Renaissance artists, such as Michelangelo, that is harmonious and calm
rather than anxious and contorted.
5. Peter Paul Rubens, Raising of the Cross,
1609.Oil on wood; 4.62 x 3.30 m
1. The bulkiness of each
masculine body, the rough
texture of the splintered cross,
and the dry feel of the withering
trees creates an overall mood
that is shocking and brutal.
2. Struggle and conflict are
inevitable happenings in the
nature of human beings.
3. The accentuated textures
help to bolster the artwork’s
reality, which conflicts with
the actual spiritual and
religious event that is taking
place.
Composition’s relation to time period: Rubens’ composition about Jesus and the
Cross is a clear indication of the Catholic Church’s power as the primary patron
for the arts during the Baroque era.
6. Caspar David Friedrich, Two Men Contemplating
the Moon,1819, Oil on canvas; 35.0 x 44.5 cm
1. The jaggedness of the
sharp branches, the hazy
quality of the hills and sky,
and the drooping feel of
the tree’s leaves creates
an overall mood of
sublime terror.
2. Dark, secretive fear is
an undeniable aspect of
human nature.
3. The eerie textures in
this composition
heighten the mystical
qualities of the
uncanny.
Composition’s relation to time period: The Romantic period was an era that saw the
illustration of vehement passion. Terror and danger, as can be seen in this
composition, were deemed the most powerful passions according to Burke’s theory
on the Sublime (1757).
7. Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Moulin de la Galette, 1876.
Oil on canvas; 1.31 x 1.75 m
1. The soft feel of each
wardrobe article, the
fluid textures of the
ground and scenery,
and the velvety texture
of the composition in its
entirety creates an
overall mood that is
joyous and eventful.
2. Celebration and
socialization are all
events that human
beings take part of.
3. The playful
textures in this
composition
ironically heighten
the seemingly
mystical qualities of
a realistic situation.
Composition’s relation to time period: Characteristic
of the 19th
century Impressionism was a cropped view
or a “slice of life,” such as depicted in Renoir’s
celebratory composition.
8. Umberto Boccioni, Unique Forms of
Continuity in Space,
1913; Bronze; 111,2 x 88.5 x 40.0 cm
1. The masculine feel of the
accentuated muscles, the metallic
texture of the entire sculpture, and
the conflict of strong jagged edges
on a smoothly formed bronze
creates an overall mood that is
powerful and bold.
2. Eager determination is a
strong and positive quality of
human nature.
3. The edgy yet smooth textures in
this composition bolster the
magnified and abstract qualities of
this sculpture.
Composition’s relation to time period: Characteristic of the 20th century style
was Futurism, present in this modern, futuristic, and robotic depiction of a
man striding passionately towards his goals.
