StudentShare
Contact Us
Sign In / Sign Up for FREE
Search
Go to advanced search...
Free

A Very Important Period in the History of Art - Assignment Example

Cite this document
Summary
The paper "A Very Important Period in the History of Art" explores American impressionist artists. The painting quality and uniqueness of the painting demonstrate the uniqueness of genius artists who incorporated styles from Japan into impressionist art…
Download full paper File format: .doc, available for editing
GRAB THE BEST PAPER92.9% of users find it useful

Extract of sample "A Very Important Period in the History of Art"

Visual Art Mary Cassatt is perhaps one of the most celebrated and notable American artists belonging to the impressionist art movement that had roots in France. Although Cassatt originally learnt art in America at the Pennsylvania School of art, it was perhaps her extensive travelling and her French roots that endowed her with the unique talent of cultivating within the impressionist art a new approach. Cassatt had profound regard for Edgar Degas who introduced her to impressionist art and perhaps acted as her mentor too. However, unlike most artists who usually extend the influence of their tutors to their styles in canvas, Cassatt’s style was notably different from the one used by Degas (National Art Gallery). According to the National Art Gallery, Degas also introduced Cassatt in the asymmetrical styles employed by Japanese artists and the use of bright colors. The use of bright colors according to Web Museum demonstrated a mood of gentleness that served to brighten by her constant use of the “golden lighting.” These aspects worked in harmony with the family and children which was the dominant theme in most of her works. Cassatt was always a quick learner who learnt the basics about a particular style in art and instead of reproducing the same pieces, she would always ensure that she employed her innovativeness to come up with impressive masterpieces. The best example is her portrayal of the techniques she learnt from Japanese art for instance asymmetry and wood block print. She was able to mould these techniques in such a way that they fit so perfectly within her own impressionsim themes. The paper looks at one of the works of Cassatt, “The Little Girl in Blue Armchair” (Figure 1) in order to relate it with its historical context, to establish the impact it had during the historical context, and the importance of the piece in contemporary art. Figure 1 The Context in which the Work was made. The painting of the Little Girl in Blue Armchair was done in 1878 and it painted in an oil canvas. The painting depicted the image of a little girl relaxingly sprawled in a chair. As outlined by National Art Gallery, the work demonstrated the keen observation of Cassatt in the way she managed to emphasize and display on an aspect that would otherwise be considered subtle and inconsequential. Cassatt manages to display the innocence of the little girl as she sits in the chair in a childlike manner. In a unique fashion of impressionism art Mary managed to use color, everyday life and light to demonstrate the beauty in an otherwise normal posture of a little girl. The impressionism group began as a movement to oppose the rules that dictated that art was supposed to resemble photographs (Mattern 23). However, the impressionist wanted a form of art that was liberal and that allowed the artists to depict life as it was using color and light to emphasize on important aspects. Cassatt was brought up in a liberal family. Despite the fact that women during the 1800s were expected to stay at home and take care of children, Cassatt’s mother was educated. Cassatt’s parents also allowed her to further her studies in Europe despite all the cultural and political hurdles evident in America during the 1800s (Mattern 14). Although Cassatt travelled a lot and was exposed to gender discrimination and stereotyping, she still managed to learn various forms of art through her observation. Her aggressiveness in art was perhaps fuelled by the discriminations she experienced as a woman in the field of art. According to Mattern, it was unusual in the 1800s for a woman to pursue her career dreams let alone travel abroad to pursue further studies (16). The work was made after Cassatt had been exposed to the essentials of impressionist art and she had also travelled a lot and learnt the various painting styles employed by the Japanese. Perhaps Cassatt wanted to demosntrate that being a woman and having been born and educated in America, she could still learn foreign styles in art and actually produce works that showed her mastery. According to National Art Gallery, one of the major highlights of Cassatt’s works were her ability to emphasize on clarity and structure. Figure 1 demosntrates clarity in colors, contrast and contour of as employed by Cassatt. Cassatt has even clarified on the facial expression of the girl and the posture, thereby managing to bring about the concept of everyday life of impressionism. Her mastery in the use of colors have brought out the curves of the arms of the chair very smoothly. A single glance of the piece of art gives the impression of an artist who is neat and very detailed. The posture of the girl and the innocent expression of her face bring out calmness, peace and the essence of nature. The painting also demontrates lack of symmetry because the girl is not placed at the center of the painting. Cassatt employed so much clarity and detail in the painting perhaps to demonstrate her mastery of the impressionism styles and the Japanese style of painting. The Impact in the 1800s. According to Brettell, modern reality in art can be demonstrated by the representation of objects or subjects not previously used (87). Cassatt in the painting managed to use various aspects that had not been used by artists thereby playing a significant role in bringing about modern reality during the 1800s. Cassatt paints a small girl sprawled in giant chair in a huge room full of upholstery. Brettel attributes Cassatt’s use of these features as an attempt to demonstrate the little stature of feminity in a vast world dominated by men (89). These claims could be true because Cassatt had an encounter with female discrimination when she was denid a place at an art school in France just because women were not allowed into the school. The large room represents the vast opportunities for women and the upholstery represents the hurdles that women have to undergo before being in a position to take full advantage of these opportunities. Cassatt struggled to pursue a profession in a male dominated field and eventually she managed to have her name inscribed in the artists’ hall of fame. The painting could have had a possible awakening of other female artists who would have otherwise been intimidated by the challenges. Cassatt’s combination of different artistic styles to emphasize on the potential of impressionsism art could also have had an impact on the manner in which other artists percieved art. In the painting, Cassatt even managed to incorporate the Japanese asymmetry. According to Brettell, Cassatt joined other artists like James Tissot in demonstrating modernity in a transparent manner such that there was no doubt that she was ushering in new approaches that were later followed by her contemporaries. Significance of Cassatt’s Work Today. The painting by Cassatt provides for the contemporary society a chance to view the photographic image of feminism during the 1800s. According to Brettell, feminism was a subject as tiny and inconsequential like the painting of the little girl in a large room (82). Most people did not see any hope of feminism growing to the current state. Therefore, the painting promotes the historical undertanding of the society during the 1800s from an unbiased source. Impressionsim art major concern is to capture the glance of a scene just the way it is without exeggeration. Therefore, Cassatt’s painting manages to depict the feelings, state and the experiences of the 1800s woman. The painting is also significant because it demonstrates the genius that can be borne out of combining different artsitic styles. The painting by Cassett contains styles borrowed from the Japanese for instance block print and asymmetry. Modern artists enjoy more freedom in terms of styles and artists can take advantage of the freedom to come up with masterpieces. Modern artists also enjoy appreciation and support from art lovers and at least a modern artist can comfortably earn a living from art alone. From the painting, one appreicates how Cassatt spent her life struggling to learn art and embrace new styles and approaches. Her depiction of the family and children became her trademark. The research has significantly improved my perception of the “Little Girl in a Blue Armchair.” Intitially the painting just seemed like another impressionist oil painting but through research I have learnt that the painting and the painter both represent a very important period in the history of art. The fact that Cassatt wa born in America but went on to pursue a painting career in Europe where women painters were few, implies that Cassatt was a determined individual with the zeal to pursue her dreams. Although she met hurdles she still managed to learn various styles that eventually singled her out as one of the greatest American impressionist artists. The painting quality and uniqueness of the painting demonstrates the uniqueness of a genius artists who incorporated styles from Japan into impressionist art. The lighting, the contours and the colors have all been used to put emphasis on two important aspects in the painting; the girl and the space. All these aspects represent the challenges faced by women during the 1800s. In essence, the painting is proof enough that the 1800s woman was just as competent a painter as men artists despite the hurdles placed on way way. Works Cited Brettell, Richard R. Modern Art, 1851-1929: Capitalism and Representation. New York: Oxford University Press, 1999. Print. Mattern, Joanne. Mary Cassat. Minnesota: Avdo Publishing Group, 2005. Print. National Art Gallery. "The Collection." 2012. National Art Gallery. 23 February 2012. Web. . Web Museum. "Mary Cassat." 19 August 2002. Web Museum. 23 February 2012. Web. . Read More
Cite this document
  • APA
  • MLA
  • CHICAGO
(A Very Important Period in the History of Art Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words, n.d.)
A Very Important Period in the History of Art Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words. https://studentshare.org/visual-arts-film-studies/1589950-a-very-important-period-in-the-history-of-art
(A Very Important Period in the History of Art Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 Words)
A Very Important Period in the History of Art Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 Words. https://studentshare.org/visual-arts-film-studies/1589950-a-very-important-period-in-the-history-of-art.
“A Very Important Period in the History of Art Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 Words”. https://studentshare.org/visual-arts-film-studies/1589950-a-very-important-period-in-the-history-of-art.
  • Cited: 0 times

CHECK THESE SAMPLES OF A Very Important Period in the History of Art

The Most Turbulent Period in Modern America History

Perhaps one of the most significant and turbulent time periods in American history was the 1960's.... Even though this country cannot boast as rich of a history as England or Greece, its citizens have experienced a great deal of important events and changes within a relatively short time period.... In terms of racial inequality, no other time period has come to match the 1960's in terms of turbulence and instability.... Although it began in prior decades, the movement grew in terms of size and effectiveness during this particular time period....
5 Pages (1250 words) Research Paper

Classical Art and Renaissance

According to King (2003), throughout the twentieth century in the history of Italian society, individuals' perceptions transformed as they appreciated their individual uniqueness.... ccording to King, throughout the twentieth century in the history of Italian society, individuals' perceptions transformed as they appreciated their individual uniqueness.... This paper is focused on the concept of classical art and Renaissance.... Reportedly, classical art and Renaissance are significant developments that mirrored the historic cultural activities and ideology of the ancient European society....
5 Pages (1250 words) Term Paper

A History of American Literature

Summary The Colonial period The early colonial period has been described as the darkest period in the history of American literature.... Book Review Author: William Peter Trent Title: A history of American literature, 1607-1865 Published in: 1920 Publisher: Appleton and company Place of publication: New York Scope of Book The book “A history of American Literature, 1607-1865describes the development of a literary sense in the American society in the early 17th century to the late 19th century....
6 Pages (1500 words) Book Report/Review

History of the Second Temple Period

history of the Second Temple Period Name Institution Course Date Table of contents 1.... 1 history of the Second Temple Period Introduction The second temple period lasted in the period between 630 BCE and 70 CE in Jewish history in Judea1.... Highlight of the Second Temple period………………………………………………….... The second temple period became complete at the beginning of the first Jewish-roman war and the demolition of the Jewish temple....
10 Pages (2500 words) Research Paper

History and Growth of Art

Then came Medieval to early Renaissance Art which last from 400 ADD to 1400 AD, and included Early Christian Art, Byzantine, Islamic, Migratory, Carolingian, Ottonian, Romanesque and Gothic types of art.... Each period of art reflects not only the growth in intellect but also the evolution of techniques which were honed to change the expression of art.... The three types of art which will be discussed are Renaissance, as a whole from the 1200 to the 1600, which was the most exciting time for art....
6 Pages (1500 words) Essay

History of National Association for Advancement of Colored People

hat is so significant about the history of NACCP is its ability to mobilize almost every segment of the society to fight for the rights of the black people.... his paper will attempt to discuss the history of NACCP and how it contributed towards the rights of black people.... This paper however will also provide alternative views about the role and history of NACCP also.... Over the period of time, it has been able to pursue for achieving many rights for the blacks of America and has been instrumental behind the civil rights movement of the… The struggle during 1945 to 1968 was mostly focused on fighting for the rights of minorities in courts and it is during this period that it has been able to achieve most in terms of achieving many rights for the blacks. ...
5 Pages (1250 words) Assignment

Mary Cassatt the Notable American Artist

Cassatt is one of the most celebrated and notable American artists belonging to the Impressionist art movement that had roots in France.... She used the visual effects of impressionism art to bring out unique.... hellip; This paper explores Mary Cassatt and her art.... According to the National art Gallery, Degas also introduced Cassatt in the asymmetrical styles employed by Japanese artists and the use of bright colors.... Cassatt was always a quick learner who learnt the basics about a particular style in art and instead of reproducing the same pieces; she would always ensure that she employed her innovativeness to come up with impressive masterpieces....
7 Pages (1750 words) Assignment

Three periods of the history of the Church

During this period of time, the tradition of the Catholic Church can be explained as follows (history of the Early Church, web.... A critical look at the development of the history and the traditions of the Catholic Church shows that Catholic tradition is mediated in history and instantiated in culture.... The aim of this paper is to demonstrate how Catholic tradition is mediated in history and instantiated in culture.... The early church period that we are looking at is the period from 70 A....
10 Pages (2500 words) Research Paper
sponsored ads
We use cookies to create the best experience for you. Keep on browsing if you are OK with that, or find out how to manage cookies.
Contact Us