There
are many artists around the 17th century who were greatly impacted and
influenced by the wok of Michelangelo
Merisi da Caravaggio.
Because of this it allowed Caravaggio’s distinct styles to continue to live on
past his lifetime. Although there are many similarities between Caravaggio and
other artists, there are subtle differences throughout. It is when one pays close
attention to the artwork that the subtleties are noticed. One artist that is
often compared to Caravaggio is Valentin de Boulogne. Although there are many
other artists we could compare to Caravaggio, in this exhibition Caravaggio and
Boulogne are the two which are going to be the focus. The style of Caravaggio
in paintings became a movement throughout the 17th century and is referred
to as Caravaggism. In this exhibition, we are going to look at these two
artists in light of the Caravaggism movement and how they are representing it
by the use of contrast, realism, and drama. The
main aspect going to be focused on throughout the artwork is the contrast of light
and dark. Many of these paintings were chosen to be placed in this exhibition
because of their close similarity with each other. One other similarity is found
in the medium which they used. Different than other artists of the time, all of
their artworks were oil on canvas instead of fresco paintings. Because of the
close similarities it requires the viewer to look even deeper in order to
discern the differences between the closely associated artists.
Title: Lute Player
Artist: Valentin de Boulogne
Date
Created: ca.1625-26
Medium: oil
on canvas
Ascension #2008.459
Valentin de Boulogne uses a lot of contrast
between light and dark in this painting. However, the contrast between light
and dark is seen to be a more amplified in the work of Boulogne than Caravaggio
sometimes which is definitely portrayed here in this artwork. The realism which is portrayed here is also
another attribute that is also reflected in Caravaggio’s art work. The
attention to detail is seen in this painting especially through the wrinkles of
the clothing.
Title: Still Life
with Fruit
Artist:
Caravaggio
Date: c.1603
This artwork
by Caravaggio is one of his still life paintings. It shows great attention to
detail, and is very realistic. This realism is seen especially in the seeds of
the fruit. There is also a natural pattern of light seen casting down on the
fruit. The contrast of light and dark, which is very characteristic of
Caravaggio, is seen in this artwork. The heavier shadows and use of light helps
to add to the realistic features of the fruit.
Title: Boy with a
Basket of Fruit
This artwork shows the use of chiaroscuro and
tenebrism which is found frequently throughout the work of Caravaggio. The use
of shadows and light helps to add a sense of drama to the artwork. The painting
also shows a use of realism, especially when looking at the leaves. When
looking at the leaves one can see the different veins running through them.
Caravaggio was known to paint both still lives and everyday scenes which both
seem to be encapsulated in this one photo.
Title:
Saint Paul Writing His Epistles
Creator: Probably Valentin de
Boulogne
Date Created: c. 1618 - 1620
Medium: Oil on canvas
Location: Museum of Fine Arts,
Houston
This artwork is credited
towards Valentin de Boulogne, and when looking at it there are many reasons why
this might be the case. There is a use of chiaroscuro in this genre painting in
order to keep the subjects and objects of main importance to the viewers’
attention. St. Paul, his papers on the desk, and his sword at his side hold the
audiences’ gaze because of the use of light and dark. This contrast also helps
one to pay attention to the realism happening throughout the artwork. The pages
are very naturally placed across the table, some flipped or curled rather than lying
flat. When looking at the figure drawn we again see detail in the clothing, but
also wrinkles on his forehead. The wrinkles help to add to the emotional
expression of the figure which was seen to be characteristic of Valentin de
Boulogne’s figures.
Title: The Concert
Creator: Valentin de
Boulogne
Date: about 1625
Medium: oil on canvas
Location: Indianapolis Museum of Art
Valentin
de Boulogne repeatedly uses shadows and light in his painting, however this
time there is not as much stark contrast between the background and foreground.
There is rather shadows on the figures throughout the painting and in some of
the corners. A couple of the figures are halfway off of the canvas which gives
the viewer a sense of them protruding into their own space. This is a genre
painting, which means it is a scene from everyday life. One feels almost as if
the figures have been frozen in time. All of the characters have somewhat melancholy
expressions, which again, is unique to Valentin de Boulogne. He was seen to
take Caravaggio’s style to a whole new level with a heightened sense of drama.
Title: The Cardsharps
Creator: Michelangelo
Merisi Caravaggio
Date Created: c. 1595
Medium: Oil on Canvas
Location: Kimbell Art Museum
In
this painting Caravaggio uses the light to help expose the card player who is cheating.
The most light seen in the painting is surrounding this figure, whereas the
shadows are encompassing the bodies of the others, but with light illuminating
there persons. There is a great sense of realism in this painting. Realism is
seen through wrinkles on both skin and clothing. Another feature that is
realistic is holes in the gloves of one of the figures. This is a genre
painting which is dramatized. We also see the figures coming off of the canvas
pushing into the viewers space.
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