1. The figure below shows a collection of art work by Lucas Cranach. It shows a feast of Herod whose head is held by a woman. It is from the Ella as well as Mary Sumner fund, 1936.339
This picture gives a representation of a feast that happened in the ancient period, at a time in the Old Testament during the rule of a king by the name Herod (Andrew, 114). The artist, by the name Lucas was did this work of art with the primary reason of illustrating hope in the New Testament since the woman in the drawing is carrying the head of the King. However, the art work captured my attention since in the sixteenth century, men had power over women but the drawing shows a new era of women gaining control over men as well as proving that women had equal ability of leadership as men. In addition, various elements of art work are evident that give this work a distinct appeal.
Color is the first element. This work took my attention since the colors used are bright meaning there is a sense of hope in the era of New Testament when women are elected into power. For example, the use of primary colors like red and white as well as secondary ones like orange signify a mood of happiness in the ordinary citizens. Also, colors have been used to show value and intensity in the sixteenth century. For example, the presence of a bright light over the woman carrying the head of king Herod signifies that women will in the near future gain full control over men. In addition, color took my attention since it has been used to differentiate people in the art work. For example, men in the drawing have mainly red colors which could signify blood or even memories of the past injustices they did to men while women have been drawn using white as well as a mixture of colors which is a message the author is sending that women are still dominated by men but hope is on the way (Lank, 22).
In addition, this painting captured my attention due to a white color used in the table cloth of the feast, where everybody will dine. This shows equality in both genders. Adding to the above, color has been used to differentiate people, hence without it, the drawing would not be attractive as it would take one meaning.
Moreover, I like this picture due to the aspect of lines. The painting is mainly done by the author using relatively lines of equal thickness meaning if I was to be placed in the drawing, my shape would clearly be seen. The joining of all these lines gives a pattern that puts more emphasis on equality of gender, since everybody can be seen clearly in the painting.
Adding to the above, shape is another element that captured my eye. In this case, most men in the painting have a groaning facial expression, which means that they are opposed to the equality of men and women. On the other hand, this art is distinct due to the fact that women have mainly bright faces showing a sign of happiness
2. The figure below was done by an artist by the name Cardinal Silvio. It shows the picture of people in a big room with a very big space as well as the collection of drawings in a gallery of a Pope by the name Benedict the fourteen surrounding the walls. It was made in Italy, specifically between 1691 and 1765.
This is a picture done in the sixteenth century when art was at its earliest stages. The architect has used a mixture of a variety of elements of color, shape as well as space which has illustrated unity principle of any good design (Andrew, 119). I was keen to analyze this picture due to the factors discussed below.
First is the aspect of color. It has been used to give different details of the picture. I like this picture since the architect has used color to show a distinction of individuals in the picture. For example, the people in the drawing are seated while others are standing up and each is doing his or her own activity hence color illustrates the place is used for relaxing. Also, there are different colors in the drawing, for example red, yellow as well as black. For instance, red in the drawing could mean blood or memories the paintings in the gallery represent. Also, the picture is interesting to me due to the presence of bright colors which illustrate happiness as well as hope among the people on the Pope, since they are faced by challenges which they can pray to God for help through the pope. In addition, color has been used to symbolize various aspects of the drawing hence without it, the picture would carry one meaning.
Secondly, the aspect of light in the drawing made it distinct. There is a bright light upon the windows of the gallery, meaning hope among the people that the Pope will intervene in their Prayers and they will be answered.
Moreover, the aspect of space and size made this picture match my selection. All the people in the drawing are smaller in size compared to the big as well as empty space at the top. In addition, if I was to be placed in the drawing, my picture would not be seen clearly. This signifies the level of importance, where the people relaxing are less important compared to the collection of drawings and the light from the windows.
In addition to the above, line is an important aspect of this painting since the author has used thick lines to separate the people and the big gallery. This shows that the room carries greater power and value compared to all the other human beings. Also, lines have made this picture distinct since the use of thick lines at the top and thin lines in the bottom give the picture an excellent pattern as well as enabling the shaping of characters in the drawing (Andrew, 122) .
In conclusion, the issue of importance of various elements of art which include color, shape as well as lines among others cannot be over emphasized. In the two ancient works of art above, the role played by these elements in making art work natural, special as well as enabling the author to communicate a message in addition to enhancing creativity and liveliness of art ( Lank ,25) . Therefore, artists should make it their primary goal to blend in unity of all the above elements in order to make their work stand out in history.
References
1. Andrew, Wyeth. A collection of art work through the ages. Hartford. Wadsworth Museum. (2008). Print.
2. Lank, Jeans. The History of art and Literature. New York. Arno Press (2002). Print.
