Madonna and Child by Duccio di Buoninsegna - Essay Example

Art History Museum Paper Introduction Art history can be traced as far as fourteenth and fifteenth century, when the different artists made various artifacts for display at the museums. Notably, the artifacts range from carvings, paintings, weaving, molding among others. For this paper, it looks, compares and analyzes the first-hand works of; an Italian artist called Duccio di Buoninsegna, who is the pioneer in paintings in the fourteenth century. The title of his work is Madonna and Child created in the year 1300.1 The painting is the median point in terms of size and done on an uneven medium. The subject of the art work is 2004.442. Another work is the one that Fra Filippo Lippi did in 1440, whose title is Madonna and Child Enthroned with Two Angels.2 Notably, the medium for this art work is gold and tempera on wood. The size measures 122.6 by 62.9 cm, and was done on a fairly smooth material. The subject of his work is 49.7.9. The Artistic Works and their Creation Period It is very crucial to distinguish an artistic work with the period when it was first done. The time frame helps one to identify if the work pioneered the particular artistic design. Furthermore, the period was very important in art works since it marked the renaissance in Italy, when the artists attempted to make many changes in their works. Indeed, expression of ideas and the need for creativity engulfed the period and the artists were very eager to pioneer in doing unique things.3 The art works, Madonna and Child and Madonna and Child Enthroned with Two Angels were created during the renaissance period by the artists who pioneered the art of painting, which subsequently led to the improvements in sculpture almost in the same period. Composition, Treatment of Space In the painting Madonna and Child Enthroned with Two Angels, the composition has a third dimension. When looking at the painting, one notices that the bases of all the portraits are relatively expanded to give the length. Notably, this applies to all and the pictures seem to be stationed, showing some height from the ground. In addition, the available space is fully utilized as the arc shaped portrait has no space left. Sitting on the throne, Madonna holds a rose on the right hand and holding the child using her left hand.4 Similarly, the painting in Madonna and Child portrays a third dimensional art work. In addition, the use of different wood types created an effect resembling shadows in the background, showing the third dimension of the painting. Notably, the ceiling of the pictures also creates an effect of a third dimension. Indeed, this is a creative artistic work that appeals to the onlookers. Articulation of the Human Form The human form has been expressed clearly in all the paintings, with most of the physical features that a human being, has shown. For example, the paintings show a clear form of the human head, eyes, ears, mouth, and nose are properly indicated, Madonna holds the child, thus indicates the human approach towards children. Color and Light In the paintings, there was an effective use of colors. For example, the human form was painted with different bright colors and light effect to depict different parts of the exposed body and the clothes, which the person wore. For example, in the painting Madonna and Child Enthroned with Two Angels, Madonna’s full dress is painted using a navy blue color, while that of the child is reddish.5 The two angels wore greenish attire, with a red strip of cloth cut across their chest, depicting an attire of the clergy. In the other portrait, Madonna wore a black full dress, still holding the child. However, in this painting, the color is not very bright as the people on the background are painted using a faint color. Use of Perspective In an art shell, the picture portrays a learning scene, where the items symbolizing religion, literature, music and science are put in the cabinets. Factually, the artistic work depicts the person’s level of creativity and experience in doing the task.6 Notably, the creating a scene and painting some convincing pictures is demanding a lot of imagination to make the products look real and attractive.7 General Outlook of the Painting Since the work involved paintings on a piece of wood, the viewer might not detect the surface unless he/ she actually touch the painting.8 In the painting Madonna and Child Enthroned with Two Angels, the outlook of the paining does not indicate any bruises or the brushstrokes. In addition, the wooden plates, where the figures are painted have the shape of a pyramid. In the perspective of a worm’s eye-view, Madonna’s face is at the central point, not looking directly at the audience. The child however looks directly at the audience, while carrying a bible, as they sit on a beautiful throne, indicating a sense of Christianity and holiness.9 The works are typically amazing. They look real, but when closely looked at or analyzed, there are a lot more. Their Differences in Effect The textual effect varies according to the physical outlook of the forms indicated on the painting. Notably, different objects are painted using distinct colors to make the portrait convey some meaning.10 In addition, every color used, has been toned to create a particular effect. For example, one color has been used to paint the faces of Madonna, the child and the two angels to create a smooth textual effect. Notably, the texture is used to describe the surface feel of the object. Conclusion From a careful look, comparison and an analysis of the two paintings, one notes that not much is distinct in terms of artistic nature, composition, treatment of space and use of color. Moreover, the articulation of the human form really depicts that true physical outlook of a human being. The paintings show a clear perspective of human’s creativity, done using a combination of different colors to create different textual feel. Works Cited Buoninsegna, Duccio di. Gothic Art. Retrieved from Harris, Ann Sutherland. Seventeenth-Century Art & Architecture. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2nd edition, 2008. Print. Hartt, Frederick and Wilkins, David. History of Italian Renaissance Art: Painting, Sculpture, Architecture. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2006. Print. Metropolitan Museum. Madonna and Child Enthroned with Two Angels. 2011. Available at Minor, Vernon Hyde. Baroque & Rococo: Art & Culture. New York: Harry N. Abrams, 1999. Print. Rosenberg, Jakob., Seymour, Slive and Kuile, Ter. Dutch Art and Architecture, 1600-1800. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1993. Print. Snyder, James. Northern Renaissance Art: Painting, Sculpture, The Graphic Arts from 1350 to 1575. 2nd edition; revised by Larry Silver and Henry Luttikhuizen. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall; New York: 2005. Print. Vasari, Giorgio. The High Renaissance and Mannerism. Available at Read More