This painting titled The Duet was created by Dutch painter Gerrit van Honthorst in the 17th century. According to ArtfixDaily, this painting was confiscated by Nazis during World War II from an art collector and has been auctioned recently in New York. What I enjoy is the color and passion that is illuminated by the candle. It allows us to see the emotion from the woman and the joy of the man as they share the song together. Also, like the first painting, the candle only shows the action that's taking place and not the entire scene.
I really like the dark setting being dimly lit. It definitely makes the focal point clear. I think the use of light in these is pretty accurate, as in nothing is being lit that wouldn't logically be. The warm colors used also set a mood for both pieces. Very interesting!
ReplyDeleteFor Gentileschi's painting, I'm curious as to what light source is supposed to be present, because I feel like this is a much more higher-quality light than that emitted by candles. But the fact that it is located on the side and leaves the other side dark adds to the torturous mood portrayed by a man being beheaded.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Ivan regarding Gentileschi's use of light - perhaps instead of a candle she imagined a lamp. I think it is also interesting to note that the man's face is almost completely in shadow. Why is that? Is his identity not important? I think you're right that Gentileschi's light choices are meant to emphasize the brutal act itself; however, I would go even further and argue that the identity of all the people involved are not to which she calls attention. Both women's faces are obscured in shadow to the point of being unrecognizable.
ReplyDelete