module 9 video

1. Explain why you selected each of the TWO videos you choose from the selection listed above.

I chose the video “The Power of Art: Caravaggio” because I have heard about Caravaggio before and was interested in his dramatic violent rowdy nature which is very unlike most artists in history. I chose “Velazquez” because I have heard his name a lot but never learned about him in detail.

2. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.

Caravaggio was a troubled drunk whose behaviors seemed similar to that of a historical gang member. His paintings are very technically accurate but the context is unusual. He does religious commissions for churches as a devoted Christian. The paintings are particularly gruesome ones that almost seem to scare people into worship. He uses the technique of streetcasting, using people off the street to create religious scenes. His paintings are very controversial. One of the most controversial was The Death of Mary commissioned by two sisters. Caravaggio painted Mary dead, something that was appalling. There were rumors that he actually used a body from the morgue as a reference. The painting is full of grief and represents mortality rather than immortality. The sisters who commissioned the painting actually gave it back.  

Velazquez served the King Philip the Fourth’s court which guaranteed his life as an artist. It seemed to be the deal of a lifetime as he was allowed to paint whatever he wanted, him and the King were friends. Velazquez studied painting and artists in Italy. Through this he became much more technically aware. He was a slow painter and most of his masterpieces were lifetime works. His work isn’t quite realism, but more likely idealism. He painted much of the royal court including the jesters and fools. He also painted those with deformities or illnesses such as dwarfs, those with downs syndrome, and other ailments or differences. He used shadows and light play to attempt to show that it is what is inside these humans that matter, and the outside should make them no different in treatment by the general public. Velazquez was an accomplished painter during and after his life due to his higher education and technical mastery.  

2. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?

The text mentions Caravaggio in the Baroque period. He influenced many painters with his use of shading including Gentileschi and Peter Paul Rubens. It was clear that despite his troubled mannerisms he was a very influential painter of the Baroque period and beyond.

The text also compares Caravaggio and Velazquez together. It mentions Velazquez’s typical style of light and dark to create drama. Velazquez uses spotlights to control how the viewer sees the painting.

3. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the readings and art concepts?

“The Power of Art: Caravaggio” seemed very opinionated but it had a dramatic TV show feel so it was entertaining to watch.

“Velazquez” was an interesting watch as the video explained some of his personal philosophies and practices in art. It was interesting to hear the difference between an artist that served a kings court and one that was trying to make it on the streets.