Week 2 Assignment Art 101.docx

1 Comparing Movements and Works of Art Joel Saysay The University of Arizona Global Campus Art 101 Professor Linda King Nov. 20, 2023 Introduction

2 In this essay, we will dive into the world of art and look at two amazing paintings. Théodore Géricault made "The Raft of the Medusa," showing survival and strong emotions, fitting the Romantic style. Claude Monet painted "Arrival of the Normandy Train," capturing the energy of a changing time, typical of Impressionism. Both paintings help us understand human life and how society changed through art. Art One Title : The Raft of the Medusa

3 Artist : Théodore Géricault Date : 1818-1819 Location : Musée du Louvre, Paris Movement : "The Raft of the Medusa" is associated with the Romantic movement in art. The Romantic period emerged in the late 18th century and lasted throughout the 19th century (Black McCoy, 2021). An emphasis on emotion, individualism, nature, and the sublime characterized it. Théodore Géricault's "The Raft of the Medusa," painted between 1818 and 1819, depicts the aftermath of the shipwreck of the French frigate Méduse in 1816 (Black McCoy, 2021). The painting captures the chaos and desperation of survivors stranded on a makeshift raft, reaching out for a distant hope of rescue. Géricault masterfully employs the interplay of light and shadow, known as chiaroscuro, to accentuate the drama unfolding on the makeshift raft. The stark contrast between illuminated figures and shadowy depths creates a palpable sense of tension and impending doom. Diagonal lines weave throughout the composition, adding to the dynamic energy that permeates the scene. The figures, meticulously

4 rendered in their expressions of anguish and despair, serve as poignant reminders of the human spirit's struggle against adversity. Beyond its technical brilliance, "The Raft of the Medusa" serves as a profound commentary on the human condition. Géricault's unflinching portrayal of the survivors' plight, ranging from desperation to cannibalism, exposes the raw emotions and primal instincts that emerge in the face of imminent death. The painting also serves as a scathing indictment of the French government's negligence, which led to the tragedy and subsequent suffering of the survivors (Black McCoy, 2021). Upon its debut in 1819, "The Raft of the Medusa" sparked intense controversy, challenging conventional artistic norms and societal expectations (Black McCoy, 2021). The painting's unflinching realism and unapologetic portrayal of human suffering shocked viewers accustomed to idealized depictions of heroism and glory. Yet, over time, the painting's power and significance have only grown, cementing its status as a masterpiece of French Romanticism. "The Raft of the Medusa" is a testament to Géricault's artistic genius and his profound understanding of the human condition. The painting's enduring appeal lies in its ability to evoke empathy, provoke

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