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For this specific blog, I've decided to examine works that relate to the Art and Scientific discovery of the 1700s. A reason why this was happening was due to the Enlightenment movement, it was during this time when the interest in science was incredibly high as many people were curious. It was something that was shared in both upper and lower classes. This movement, many people participated in Modernist, Romantic, and Post-Modern Movements which had spanned from both the 17th and 18th centuries.
"An Optician and his Attendant"/ John Zoffany/ 1772 / Created in England
In this first painting, we can see a clear subject, which is also the name of this painting: An Optician and his Attendant." One element I really enjoy is the usage of color and lighting, as the environment is a rich color of brown but also slightly orange from the sunlight. Texture in this painting is also a very noticeable component as there is much detail to the two men's clothes as well as the bowls and ceramics in the background. John conveys a relaxed emotion from both the setting and the men's faces, looking unresponsive but still detailed. This painting was first presented at the Society of Arts located in England, where John was a member. It was one of the first works he presented, with a man named David Garrick presenting himself in the role of Abel Drugger in Ben Johnson's Alchemist. While the painting itself isn't relatable, for this to be one of the artist's first works is impressive with how detailed it is, in both texture and color. I wouldn't own a copy of this painting personally, as it doesn't really fit with my own theme. I believe that a private exhibit would be best viewed since this painting was well-liked by royals and was an influential piece during the Enlightenment Era.
SOURCES:
Carstensen, / Sarah. “Art and Scientific Discovery in the 1700’s.” Sarah Carstensen, 15 May 2015, sarahcarstensen.wordpress.com/2015/03/06/art-and-scientific-discovery-in-the-1700s/.
“Johan Joseph Zoffany (Frankfurt 1733-London 1810) - John Cuff.” Royal Collection Trust, www.rct.uk/collection/404434/john-cuff. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.
"Experiment on a Bird in an Air Pump" / Joseph Wright of Derby / 1768 / London
Unlike the last painting, this painting has a much different tone in regards to setting, tone, and color. The environment is a dark setting with the only light source coming from a lantern. The lighting is my favorite part of this painting because the use of oil to shade the light reflecting from the people is incredibly well done. This painting is important to this specific era because the painting shows the discovery of the air pump, and new inventions and curiosity are a huge part of the Enlightenment Era. Curiosity is also present in the people's faces in this painting, which is something else I enjoy. I enjoy this painting more because it shows more passion and it also relates more to the fact that during this era, more discoveries were made due to people's curiosity. I wouldn't own a copy of this painting, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't recommend another person to view this painting for themselves if they were interested. Even though the name here is an "air pump" in the future, it would be later renamed a "vacuum" Joseph made this painting to express both curiosity, fear, and happiness with how he painted the humans and the cockatoo presented in the middle.
SOURCES:
Says:, Kicksaver, and Micperez Says: “Science and Art during the Classical Era.” Khinshaw22, 17 Oct. 2013, khinshaw22.wordpress.com/2013/10/17/science-and-art-during-the-classical-era/#:~:text=Entering%20the%20Classical%20Era%2C%20scientific,being%20captured%20in%20visual%20art.
"Newton" / William Blake / 1795 / Lambeth
In this painting, there is already a clear presentation with texture and color. The background has a grainy and sandy texture with dark blue colors, as well as the presentation of Newton's muscles and the attention to detail to the rock he is sitting on. It's a little unclear where exactly Newton is, but it is theorized that he is underwater because of the algae that is shown. Even though Willam created this painting, he admits that he didn't believe William's teachings and words because he believed that science was something that brought death. This painting is different because it shows the Enlightenment era from a negative perspective, as this era had caused controversy and anxiety to churches and Christians since this went against their beliefs. I wouldn't own this painting, but I believe this painting would be great in science museums as well as talked amongst religious environments due to its impact and story.
SOURCES:
“Alan Moore on William Blake’s Contempt for Newton: Exhibition: Royal Academy of Arts.” Article | Royal Academy of Arts, www.royalacademy.org.uk/article/william-blake-isaac-newton-ashmolean-oxford. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.
Hello! These paintings all do a very good job of displaying science during the 1700s. They all capture how people responded to science and scientific discoveries of the time. I love the detail in "An Optician and His Attendant." I notice that the tools are very well organized. This gives you a glimpse of what these men were like and the high level of precision required for their work. I agree with what you said about "Experiment of a Bird in an Air Pump." The people's faces show a wide variety of emotions. "Newton" is precise and angular. I think this is fitting because of the work Newton is doing in the painting. He is measuring an angle, which requires him to be very accurate and detailed.
ReplyDeleteThe focus of science captured through art during this time period has created some interesting overlap. I was personally quite fixated on the artwork “Newton” that you’ve included in your blogpost. Clearly, the musculature of the figure in the painting seems to be the primary focus. But because the muscles of the man’s body are so over-exaggerated, he looks quite lumpy, like he could become part of the rock that he is sitting on. His body position is odd and he looks to be an extension of this rock by the way he is completely folded over on himself, angled at the same slope. The angle he is measuring below him reminds me of the shape his body is contorted in.
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