Introduction
The two selected art works ‘The Swing’ and ‘The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa’. The Swing was a created by Jean-Honroe Fragonard in 1776. In a period when aristocracy was dominant, his work of art is seen to be a perfect example of culture and thinking the society had developed. On the other hand, ‘The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa’ was painted by Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1647-1652). 1 Gian successfully melded two completely opposite thought ideologies of worship or divinity and the idea of carnal indulgence during The Roman Catholic church making the art work so outstanding (Kid et al., 115). Below are images of ‘The Swing’ and ‘The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa’
Figure 1. The Swing. Figure 2. Ecstasy of Saint Teresa
Thesis statement
This paper is going to point out key differences by comparing two works of art. The aim of the essay is to discuss the differences in painting of two artists. The art works were also done at different times so the common areas that will be highlighted include style, ideas, relativity and thought pattern according to the society the artists belong to.
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Comparison
Albeit these works of art have different historical and cultural contest, there are still a lot of factors or features that can be compared and contrasted. ‘The Swing’ of Fragonard was performed in Rococo style which originated during the 18th century. 2 On the other hand, ‘The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa’ was done during the Baroque period. According to Kid et al., (118), ‘The Swing’ is an oil Canvas painting measuring 81cm by 64.2 cm while ‘The Ecstasy of Saint Theresa’ sculpture has a height of 3.5 meters and was made of bronze and marble.
As pointed out by Wren (145), the works differ in subject and message because of different cultural background and style. Historians frequently underlined that during Baroque the Roman Catholic Church suppressed many forms of religion society and science (commonly known as reformation). 3 The greatest conflict that existed during Baroque period was the war between Catholics and Protestants. ‘The Ecstasy of Saint Theresa’ sculpture points out a period of joy and pain which reflects on how the period was full of drama. The sculpture is a reflection of how Europe got enlightenment leading to change in financial systems, trade organizations and lifestyle in the 17th century. Moreover, there were numerous discoveries by scientists such as Newton and Galileo during Baroque period. Owing to this, ‘Ecstasy of Saint Theresa’ is deeply religious, perhaps to restore belief in God and not only in scientific advancement. ‘The Swing’ which is also known as ‘The Happy Accidents of the Swing’ has a gay and light atmosphere probably due to the epoch of its creation. In fact, the painting was produced at a period often called ‘the epoch of King Lois XV’. Unlike Baroque era which was associated with thrust in science and religion, the time of ‘The swing’ was characterized with happy moments, luxurious fashion and aristocratic beauty. Although the art works differ, there may be elements of Baroque in Rococo in some delicate and sophisticated lines but elaborate forms. 4
Citing Wren (147), ‘The Ecstasy of Saint Theresa’ represent the episode of a nun and reformer known as Teresa of Avila that takes place in a cloud. This art is sacred, showing a vision Teresa had of a young angel standing next to her body. The spear with fire on the point carried by the angel symbolize great spiritual pain but her look portrays someone who is blessed and satisfied with God. ‘The Swing’ is a paint of a young beautiful lady swinging in the garden with a man behind her and another watching her from behind the bushes. Unlike the Teresa in the sculpture the lady carelessly lets her leg free allowing the young fellow to see them showing her concentration on bare amusement. ‘The Swing’ is therefore a secular art work.
The messages of the chosen articles also seem to differ. The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa war created to bring back belief in God among people and shows how the woman is happy and only cares for God though she should be in pain after being pierced with a spear. Payne (73) asserts that, ‘The Swing’ depicts infidelity of a young woman undecided on whether to be with her husband who is symbolized by the bishop pushing the wing or to go to her shadow lover represented by the young guy in the vegetation. 5 Peeping and swinging is a child hood game showing the desire of adults for childish natural joy gotten from movement or playing.
In summary, ‘The Ecstasy of Teresa’ and ‘The swing’ in style, subject, historical and cultural background. The Swing is secular while ‘The Ecstasy of Teresa’ is sacred. Both works differ in message and have a lot of symbolism the gentle hands, bare foot and half opened eyes of Teresa manifest spiritual ecstasy the girl and the young lad peeping depict eroticism. The folding of cloths in both works also depict movement perfectly but that in ‘The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa’ seem heavier and caused by gravity than ‘The Swing’.
Bibliography
'Comparing And Contrasting Two Works Of Art' Researchomatic 4 , 2012 .Accessed 4 , 2012. http://www.researchomatic.com/Comparing-And-Contrasting-Two-Works-Of-Art-128874.html
Kidd, Jenny, Sam Cairns, Alex Drago, and Amy Ryall. "Contemporary Challenges: Artist Interventions in Museums and Galleries Dealing with Challenging Histories." In Challenging History in the Museum , pp. 115-128. Routledge, 2016.
Payne, Alina. "On Sculptural Relief: Malerisch, the Autonomy of Artistic Media and the Beginnings of Baroque Studies." In Rethinking the Baroque , pp. 57-82. Routledge, 2017.
Roston, Murray. Changing perspectives in literature and the visual arts, 1650-1820 . Princeton University Press, 2014.
Wren, Linnea. "Perspectives On Western Art: Source Documents And Readings From The Renaissance To The 1970s." (2018).
1 'Comparing And Contrasting Two Works Of Art' Researchomatic 4 , 2012 .Accessed 4 , 2012. http://www.researchomatic.com/Comparing-And-Contrasting-Two-Works-Of-Art-128874.html
2 Kidd, Jenny, Sam Cairns, Alex Drago, and Amy Ryall. "Contemporary Challenges: Artist Interventions in Museums and Galleries Dealing with Challenging Histories." In Challenging History in the Museum , pp. 115-128. Routledge, 2016.
3 Wren, Linnea. "Perspectives On Western Art: Source Documents And Readings From The Renaissance To The 1970s." (2018).
4 Payne, Alina. "On Sculptural Relief: Malerisch, the Autonomy of Artistic Media and the Beginnings of Baroque Studies." In Rethinking the Baroque , pp. 57-82. Routledge, 2017.
5 Roston, Murray. Changing perspectives in literature and the visual arts, 1650-1820 . Princeton University Press, 2014.
