The sculpture "Seated couple" illustrates a great companion and shared equal responsibility of women and men in the Dagon society. The sculptures are symmetrically identical that indicates parity in their roles. Symmetry may imply that one individual cannot do without the help of the other. The "seated couple" sculpture is made of metal carvings and it is black in color. 1 Due to the color that has been used in creating the seated couple, it is obvious that the couples are Africans. On the other hand, the "enthroned Virgin" shows an authoritative woman made of clay carving and white in color. The white color used indicates that the "enthroned Virgin" is a white lady who is in power because she has a crown of a queen. The two sculptures, "enthroned Virgin" and the "seated couple" compare and contrast in different ways as I am going to illustrate in this essay.
Comparison and Contrast
In both cases, the sculptures are seated. In the "enthroned Virgin," the woman is seated on a throne while in the "seated couple" on a stool. 2 The fact that the couples are seated on the same stool shows a sign of unity that exist between them. Additionally, all the carvings have a negative space painted gray. The gray background is an indication freedom of movement. All of the works show figures that are asymmetrical an indication that both the artist used fine arts to create the carvings despite being made in the different region and with different materials.
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The works of "enthroned Virgin" portray a lonely woman. Though she appears to have a lot of authority, she also seems to be lonely probably lacking a companion in life. On the other hand, the works in the "seated couples" show a man and a woman who are comfortably seated on the stool. The woman feels relaxed. The man is holding the woman who is an indication that the woman is receiving the required support from the man. Additionally, "the enthroned Virgin" portrays that the entire powers are in the hands of a woman while in the second pictures creates a perception that both the man and woman have the same power. This is illustrated by the way the artist created symmetrical objects of the same size. This can also indicate that both a man and a woman have the same roles to play in the society unlike in the "enthroned Virgin" where the woman feels like she is in control of the entire society. 3
Another distinguishing feature is that in the "enthroned Virgin," the woman has a flat chest which may be an indication that the woman has not given birth as she is incapable of breastfeeding them. On the other hand, in the "seated couple," the woman has succulent breasts which illustrate that she has children to breastfeed or she is able to breastfeed the young ones. There is a promise of continuity in the works contained in the "seated couple" as potential parents are shown in the sculpture. 4 However, continuity is not assured in the "enthroned Virgin." Even the title "seated couple "and "enthroned Virgin" give a clear message that in the former, there is hope for the continuation of generation while in the former there is not. An old woman in the "enthroned Virgin" may have no preference for men, and hence she is not ready to give birth to young ones.
The "seated couples" are black in color while the "enthroned Virgin" is white. The message that comes out may be that African individuals value family a lot while the whites prefer living an independent life by remaining single. 5 The "Enthroned Virgin" appears too comfortable in life without a partner despite her old age as shown in the sculpture. The fact that the "enthroned Virgin" is created without hands is an explanation that she is not complete and that maybe she lacks the support from a male counterpart as required by any woman. Also, the sculpture in the "enthroned Virgin" is made with clay while that of the "seated couple" is made of metal. 6 This may also imply that the life of the latter is compact and strong as they can support each other while that of the former is delicate as she is not stable enough to support herself. The simple explanation is that clay is not durable enough like metal. The life of an enthroned woman, therefore, is delicate and not as strong as that of the "seated couple."
The "Enthroned Virgin" seem to have existed a long period as portrayed with her tattered clothes while the "seated couples" seem to have existed in recent past. Despite the fact that the "enthroned Virgin" appears to have lived many years ago, she seems to be civilized as she is created with clothes on. On the other hand, the "seated couple" appears to be uncivilized as they are represented with no clothes on. The two artistic works represent both civilized and uncivilized countries. In uncivilized countries, individuals believe in marriage and giving birth to young ones. However, in the civilized countries, people are interested in the economic growth and not in marriage.
Conclusion
There are big differences and similarities in "enthroned Virgin" and "seated couple." We have to appreciate that in both works there is a presence of a woman. The only difference is that in the "enthroned Virgin" the lady appears to be lonely without a companion while in the "seated couple," the lady has a companion. Both the arts had the message to portray in their artistic works.
Bibliography
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