Introduction
The Getty Villa is a significant cultural and heritage center in the United States. Based in Malibu, it accommodates thousands of ancient pieces of artwork that marked important European era. Paintings are essential elements in this museum. Through this paper, I focus on two paintings I encountered during my visit to the museum. A critical analysis of the two artworks will be used to reinforce the arguments presented in the paper. Additionally, the similarities and contrasts of the two pieces of art will go a long way in shedding some light on the magnificence of Getty Villa’s inventory. Inarguably, Getty’s painting exhibition is exceptional. It features items that may provide answers concerning the tastes and personal contentions held by their collector. Above all the pieces of artwork, the paintings Youth seated, Study for the Entry of Alexander into Babylon by Charles Le Brun and the Miraculous Draft of Fishes by Rafael were the most outstanding.
The Miraculous Draft of Fishes by Rafael
In the first entrance to Getty Villa, I was guided through an atrium. Further inside, there was a porch that led to rooms that contained the various paintings held in the center. The Miraculous Draft of Fishes by Rafael was noticeable from the rest of the pieces held in the chamber. It was presented in simple materials. Silk and wool were used to weave the painting into a good finish. The modesty of the materials used to construct this artwork was admirable. A medium effort was directed towards the development of the art's textural design. Nevertheless, the integrity of the features and themes expressed by this piece of art was unshakable.
Direct experience with this painting was phenomenal. Hitherto, I had been exposed to information about this artwork. I understood the underlying principles that motivated Rafael to do this painting. However, my direct exposure to the painting opened my mind further. I was able to analyze the piece from a critical point of view. Additionally, I could correlate the observable features of the painting to its significance in history. First, the painting's name enlightened me on the meaning of the artwork. I realized the religious importance of this painting from the title term "miraculous." Christian scriptures are considerably based on the works and experiences of Jesus Christ. According to the gospel of Luke, Jesus made significant attempts to spread the Christian faith. He chose his disciples from humble social backgrounds. In this case, Simon, Peter, and Andrew are selected as helpers of Christ. The three friends had fished for prolonged periods. However, they had been unsuccessful on this fateful day. Christ appeared in the Sea of Galilee to find the trio engaging in their endeavors. He beckons to Peter and challenges him to cast his net into the seawaters. On doing this, they have a breakthrough. The catch of fish that they obtained was so massive that it seemed to overwhelm the laden boat. In the same painting, James and John are shown to struggle with handling another huge catch of fish. In the meantime, Zebedee strives to maintain the steadiness of the boat using an oar. In shock, Peter acknowledges the miraculous power of Christ and kneels in worship. This represents an attitude of prayer and submission to high power. Additionally, Andrew is shown to step forwards as if in awe about the happenings of the day. The painting further shows Christ raising his hands in divine calmness. Another feature of the painting is the depiction of onlookers occurring on the shoreline. They appear to be in amazement of the miraculous event.
The meanings of the painting are embedded in the items shown by the artwork. First, Peter's role appears to be that of a "fisher of men". He is responsible for bringing masses into the religion of Christianity. This concerns the aspects of executing religious conversions and ensuring that people adhere to the teachings of Christ. The fact that he is kneeling before Christ symbolizes his humility before a great being. Additionally, this may also be interpreted as a form of repentance to Christ. The creator of this painting expressed the fundamental beliefs of the Christian faith adequately. Since time immemorial, the ship has been used to symbolize the early church. Fish has been used to personify the numerous souls that would be converted to Christianity along the teachings of the Holy Bible. In the painting, the crested cranes that appear in the foreground are seen to consume shellfish that has been rejected by the fishermen.
Concerning the importance of this painting, it reflects the history of the Christian church. This is an important event that led to the advancement of the Christian faith before it spread across the world. Peter was a meek fisherman who chose the path of Christian piety. He was Christ’s first apostle and operated alongside Paul. Together, they established the Roman Church under Christian doctrines. Later in history, popes of the Roman Catholic Church have been regarded as successors of Peter in his role of converting the masses to Christianity. They are the ambassadors of Christ on earth.
Youth seated, Study for the Entry of Alexander into Babylon by Charles Le Brun
This painting was located within the room that accommodates the Miraculous Draft of Fishes by Rafael. It is inscribed with red and white chalk on the surface of a beige paper. The significance of this artwork lies with its painter.
Youth seated, Study for the Entry of Alexander into Babylon is a valuable work of art. According to historians, Charles Le Brun is considered one of the most influential artists of his time. Additionally, his importance as a designer during Louis XIV’s reign is appreciated. His artistry penetrated many sectors of society as he participated in the production of various paintings and sculptures. The French court commissioned most of these items at the time. Le Brun was a qualified painter who had been trained in one of the best art schools in Europe. This aspect advanced his merit in society as he worked alongside other great artists in ancient Europe. Most of these people, like Simon Vouet, had schooled with him in Rome. Le Brun attracted admiration from all directions. Individuals who belonged to high social classes and nobility recognized his brilliance. Just to mention a few, the Queen, King, the Pope and leaders of the French government applauded his artistic prowess. Based on the success of Le Brun’s works, this painting is an among the various landmarks that represent European history.
The personality presented through this painting highlights Le Brun’s mood. It expresses the personal approach used by Le Brun in his work. This is attributable to the fact that he had attempted to detach himself from the masters that had influenced him for a long time. This painting fully presents the essence of Le Brun. The specificity of this painting is followed by the involvement of real elements that include the facial features of the seated youth and exclusion of colorful objects. The beige paper on which the painting is done creates a calm mood in viewers. A close look at this painting creates a constant reminder of the attributes of mental freedom that motivates artistry.
The choice of Alexander the Great reinforces the value of this painting. Alexander the Great was a prominent figure in European history. His battles affected the social and economic status of the civilized world during his existence. Le Brun dedicated most of his works to the battles fought by this military leader. In the painting, the fairness of the seated youth symbolizes the magnificence of Alexander the Great. This theme selection is relevant to European history and the might of Alexander the Great.
Compare/Contrast assessment
Considering both paintings, they reflect European social history. Both artworks provide some answers concerning the origins of the European Society. Youth seated, Study for the Entry of Alexander into Babylon by Charles Le Brun touched on the subject of European politics. This function of social life was important in shaping the values of the civilized world. The Miraculous Draft of Fishes by Rafael was created on religious lines. It sought to capture the unifying aspect of religious faith with an emphasis on Christianity. As a dominant force in ancient Europe, Christianity formed the core of social control in many parts of Europe at the time. Additionally, the prominence of the creators makes these two paintings very valuable within artistic circles.
Some differences can be cited concerning the two paintings. First, Youth seated, Study for the Entry of Alexander into Babylon by Charles Le Brun employs a subtle approach to artwork. The number of elements represented in the painting is limited considerable. This aspect also makes it simple to interpret. On the other hand, The Miraculous Draft of Fishes by Rafael is a complex piece of art. Many details have been involved in the creation of ideas presented in the painting.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these two paintings created lasting impressions in my mind. They had some similarities that augmented their significance in the field of artistry. Their contrasts distinguished their specificities about the themes portrayed. Truthfully, the direct experience I had was instrumental in reinforcing the foreknowledge I had about the pieces of art.
Bibliography
Bosworth, Albert Brian. Conquest and Empire: the reign of Alexander the Great. Cambridge University Press, 1993.
Lawrence, Cynthia. "The Iconology of Rubens's" Miraculous Draft of Fishes" Triptych." Simiolus: Netherlands Quarterly for the History of Art (1984): 25-35.
Posner, Donald. "Charles Lebrun's Triumphs of Alexander." The Art Bulletin41, no. 3 (1959): 237-248.
