Subject: picnic, 4 figures, naked woman, clothed men.
Technique: Manet used realism, which was controversial because usually when a woman was painted nude she was a goddess. Here she is a regular woman. He exposed the underbelly of Parisian life. He didt correctly proportion the woman in the back. She should be much smaller. Most pieces where done with a lot of light and shadow. Manet chose to give this peicew a slightly grey dull feel. He also painted it inside giving it a different effect.
Symbolism: He is showing how men treat woman as if they are disposable. The woman being naked juxtaposed with the men being fully clothed gives us that contrast, and feeling of inequality. This is a normal everyday woman, not a goddess who is basking in her glorious body. This almost feels degrading and discussing. These are working woman so at least they ae consenting and professional. But They didn't have much of a choice this was one of the only jobs available for woman.
Space and light: Composition wise thee are three subjects taking up the positive space. All of them being pretty crammed together, having kimbs over lapping. Then in the negative space we see a woman bathing. Usually when painting woman nude an artist would use pinky tones, here it is a lot more pale grey making it more human. there isn't much contrast in the light and shadow.
Historical Style: Manet was on the border of Realism and Romantasisms. Hence why it was so contaversial if this was painted in a more romantic, contemporary style. It might be less shocking just because it would portray a dream. Which is still gross if you consider someone dreaming about this. But because it is so realistic it shaked the public. Manet chose to show events that are always shoved under the carpet.
Personal Interpritation: At first I was offended by this painting because I thout Manet was Idealizing this. Showing how woman should bow to men, men are superior, woman are made to please. But as I learned more I knew he was exposing those who ojectified woman in this way. Showing the public what goes on behind the curtain. It seems that everybody already knows this is true otherwise it wouldn't be so controversial. Manet is showing that this is not ok....(even tho he frequented many places these lovely ladies worked.)
Woman Frying Eggs by Diego Velazquez
Subject: I see a woman, boy (perhaps her son), eggs in a pan, one egg in hand, spoon in the other, knife, bowl, lantern? and other things in the boy's hand?
Technique: Velazquez used oil on canvass for this painting. The painting is very dim low lighting so Im guessing Velaquez probably used cool toned colors or the opposite colors on the color wheel from the colors he used to pint the women. Ive herd that sometimes black, even though it is the darkest pigment, can make a painting loose depth. Even though the shadows look black I think he my have mixed different color to create them. Its also very relstic so long with being Bodegone pointing it also looks like relism. Considering the mount of detail that went into the figures. I also see the attention pyed to the drapeing fbric on the womns hed. He used shding to add depth and make it look as though the folds in the fabric were real. The shadow of the knife in the bowl is also very good detail that should be admired.
Symbolism: The painting is made in the bodegone genre. The Spanish bodegón is defined as a type of genre picture depicting normal, humble people in everyday situations and in the company of food (typically in a restaurant or tavern). Considering that I don't think there is relly super deep meaning here. Not trying to fight for something or protest. Its not sure exploring the subconscious. But I do think its more than just pointing what everyone sees. I think this my just be trying to get us to pprecite the little things. Or maybe relate to a different croud. Ive seen lots of art that's painted for kings and queens but this is just for everyday people. Im not going to judge but this to me looks like a lower class family. They re in low lighting perhaps they cannot afford electricity. People can make eggs for dinner but maybe its the morning. Who knows? This may be trying to reach towards an audience who grew up in poverty. The artist may want to give them something they can connect to. I think its truly beautiful that there is a whole genre dedicated to painting the humble people in everyday situations.
Space and Light: Composition wise there are two subjects in the foreground of this painting. Although they are the main figured we are supposed to look at they are sitting behind the food. Perhaps showing that what the figures are doing is just as important as they are. This painting is very crowded. There is not much space around them and the space that is around them is occupied by the kitchen utensils and food. The background is realling the only negative space in this painting and that is because it is very dark. Begging the question if there is anything back there? it doesn't look like they are in front of a wall it looks as if it is just very dark in the room they are in. His use of color creates depth and allows the audience to be drawn deeper into the painting.
Historical style: This is a bodegone painting. Spanish bodegón is defined as a type of genre picture depicting normal, humble people in everyday situations and in the company of food (typically in a restaurant or tavern). This makes sense considering the artists seroundings and where he grew up. THis genre itself represents something very close to this artists and many peoples hearts. I googled it and it said that this painting was a Bodegone painting but other sources suggest that a Bodegone painting is a still life of pantry items. so I'm not entirely sue what style this is historically but I do really like it.
Personal interpretation: I think this pieces messgae can be taken in many different ways. I think it could be very wholesome pointing of scene that many people my be able to relate to. Depicting something that may be rough at times but feels like home to many. Or it may just be a depiction of poverty. Why eggs? is that all they can afford? why are they in the dark? I personally think it may be part of both. Showing how this situation may be sad, considering the somber look of the woman face, but it is also comforting. It is home and it is normal.