Art History test 3

Artemisia, Rubens, Velazquez, Watteau, Boucher, Fragonard, & Chardin

Artemisia is regarded as

the most celebrated and famous female artist of the 17th century (and one of the greatest followers of Caravaggio)

Artemisia was the first woman

woman to become a member of the Academy of the Arts of Drawing in Florence and was awarded numerous commissions throughout her career

Artemisia’s focus in her paintings were

mythological, historical, and biblical subjects (often dramatic and gory; in direct competition with male artists) with an emphasis on legendary female heroines in contemporary dress (*she had a slight defiant attitude; some of her works are difficult to date)

Artemisia once wrote that

she had the “spirit of Caesar” and the “soul of a woman” and “let me show you what a woman can do.”

While Artemisia lived in Florence

she became a court painter for the Medici, learned to read and write, developed an interest in music and theater, and moved within intellectual circles obtaining numerous commissions

When Artemisia returned to Rome

her works were eagerly sought after by cardinals and princes, and then spent time in Venice, London, and Naples, where she set up a highly successful workshop, often collaborating with other artists

Artemisia’s Important work is

Suzanna and the elders. The painting depicts the moment in the narrative when Suzanna, aware of the consequences of refusing the elders’ advances, stays true to her beliefs and is thus willing to die for them; the two elders are physically separated from the viewer by a solid wall; the painting turns the viewer into a witness of Artemisia’s faithfulness and is thus encouraged to model her example (the viewer shares Suzanna’s space)

Important fact about Artemisia’s Suzanna and the elders painting:

Judith is a self-portrait, and Holofernes is a portrait of Tassi; violent

gestures, darkened background, tenebrism lighting, theatrical

Peter Paul Rubens was regarded as

an artistic genius, one of the greatest Dutch masters alongside Rembrandt, and an effective diplomat (he was extremely wealthy; greatly admired and respected throughout Europe; although he was skilled at diplomacy, didn’t particularly enjoy it)

Rubens artistic focus was

human dramas and storytelling (biblical, historical, mythological,

etc.); a master of painting animals

Rubens 1st important work was

The Elevation of the Cross, 1610-1611, altarpiece, The Cathedral of Our Lady in Antwerp: a reflection of his time in Italy, e.g., vivid colors, strong contrasts, Michelangelo “hyper-musculature”; speedy action (raising the cross) and “visual muscle”

Rubens 2nd important work was

The Descent from the Cross, 1611-1614, altarpiece, The Cathedral of Our Lady in Antwerp: a focus on emotional depth and the weight and limpness of Christ’s body; slow tenderness (lowering Christ’s body) and “emotional muscle”

Rubens was influenced by

by the artists of the high Renaissance, especially Michelangelo, and the works of Classical antiquity

About Rubens life:

He was raised Catholic and remained devout throughout his life

F. Much of his art played an important role in the Counter-Reformation

G. He established a highly successful artistic workshop and/or factory in Antwerp

employing up to one-hundred workers (the Rubens brand name)

1. Rubens would make a detailed sketch (oil), another artist would produce

the work, and then Rubens would finish it off and fix any errors (prices

depended on how much of Ruben’s hand was involved in the work)