A hero is someone who is willing to give up his or her time, energy, and life in his or her attempts to help out those who have little or no voice in society. In doing so, this hero will be successful in bringing a positive change to his or her society. A true hero is one who truly focuses on the issues and works tenaciously to do something about them. The theme for this gallery is the sacrifice that many heroes must make. In this context, sacrifice means the difficult choices that one unselfishly makes in order to help his or her people. I feel that each of the following art pieces represents true heroes; those leaders who have made several of these sacrifices throughout their lives for the good of the majority. By focusing on each individual artist’s techniques and message within the paintings, one can achieve an understanding of what it is to be a true hero.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Crucifixion by Diego Velazquez, 1632
The first piece that represents this theme is Crucifixion by Diego Velazquez. Velazquez was a Spanish painter who was the most prominent artist of the court of King Phillip IV. Most of his work was made for the Spanish royal family, powerful European figures, and even commoners (“Diego Velazquez”). This piece, also known as Christ Crucified, exemplifies Velazquez’s technique to draw a nude Christ in a dignified, respectful fashion. This is a technique that he picked up on during his time spent in Rome (“Diego Velazquez”). Originally, this paining was believed to be a commission for the San Placido Convent, and was finally completed in 1632. (“Diego Velazquez”).
Looking at just the techniques of this piece, Velazquez has several diverse artistic influences. The Classical influence is evident through characteristics such as the tranquility and idealistic features of Christ’s body. Also, influence from the Renaissance is seen through the use of Chiaroscuro (“Christ Crucified”). Both of these features help Velazquez in depicting Christ as a hero. While the techniques mentioned above make him stand out as an ideal being, there is much more to this oil on canvas. This crucified Christ is in fact the savior of all human beings, and the hero of all Christians. Christ represents what it is to be a genuine hero in that he sacrificed his entire life as a messenger to God. He dedicated his entire life to his people, and in the end sacrificed himself so that his people could reach salvation. From just looking at this piece, it is evident that this was no easy task. Through his weak posture and expression of hopelessness, this physically weakened Christ is showing the fatal signs of exhaustion and excruciating pain. Nevertheless, he does not regret his situation nor pities himself for he knows that his actions are leading to the benefit of his people. In this painting, is shown as the quintessence of a hero, and his actions throughout his life support this depiction.
The Sacrifice of Abraham by Andrea Del Sarto, 1527-1528
Another art piece that depicts both heroism and sacrifice is The Sacrifice of Abraham by Andrea del Sarto (1527-1528). Andrea del Sarto was an Italian painter from Florence who thrived during the High Renaissance (“Andrea del Sarto”). This painting depicts a very well-known biblical story, the story of how God asked Abraham to do the seemingly impossible: sacrifice his own son. This was meant to test Abraham’s loyalty to God. Although Abraham was willing to sacrifice his son Isaac, he was prevented at the last minute by the angel Gabrielle, and was given a ram to sacrifice instead. This “last minute” scene is illustrated in del Sarto’s piece.
Abraham showed tremendous qualities of devotion and heroism in his attempt to sacrifice his own son Isaac. Despite being faced with a tremendously difficult sacrifice, Abraham was able to overcome his emotional struggles in order to make the correct and ethically complex decision. Nevertheless, Abraham’s decision to follow through with the Lord’s seemingly ludicrous command is astonishing, and the fact of the matter is that he was truly committed to follow through with his task. Looking at del Sarto’s piece, Abraham was completely focused on executing his own son and it took the arrival of an angel to stop his attempt. Although Abraham did not have to fulfill the act of sacrificing the bewildered, terrified Isaac, the fact that he was able to bring himself to do the act in the name of God shows a lot about his character. This shows that Abraham is truly devoted to God and his message. Because of this sacrifice, Abraham is a true hero who fits the role of forefather to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. This is ultimately what del Sarto is attempting to represent in his piece. He is trying to give the viewer a new perspective of what it is to be a believer in God. He uses Abraham as his example since he has accomplished the ultimate task. Abraham achieved a tremendous devotion for God; to the point where he was willing to sacrifice his own son in the name of the Lord. This is why del Sarto portrays Abraham as a hero.
Oath of the Horatii, Jacques-Louis David, 1784
Another depiction of heroism is the Oath of the Horatii by Jacques-Louis David. David created this painting in 1784 before the French Revolution (“Oath of the Horatii”). Jacques-Louis David was a French painter in the Neo-classical style (“Jacques-Louis David”). This painting shows the three sons of Horatius as they give the Roman salute, and swear on their swords to protect Rome to the death. The main use of this piece was pre-French Revolution propaganda (“Oath of the Horatii”). The French government actually presented this piece to its people as propaganda in order to promote a sense of nationalism. They wanted the feeling of pride, duty, and loyalty that the Horatii brothers had for their city of Rome to transfer over to their own French people. Its purpose was to bring people together, and build loyalty for their country (in this case France).
David created in order to inspire feelings of heroism and loyalty within the French people. There is more to this however. In this scene, the sons of Horatius are risking their lives in order to protect their home of Rome at all costs. Their serious demeanor shows that even the woeful and sobbing women do not affect their actions despite a very complicated situation. The complication of the situation is that two of these women are associated with the Curiatii, which is the family who is threatening Rome. One of these women is a sister of the Curiatii and married to a Horatii, while the other is a sister of a Horatii and married to a Curatii (“Oath of Horatii). Yet, despite everything, these men are also showing signs of true sacrifice; the type of sacrifice that brings about heroism. The sacrifice that these heroes made is evident. After the brothers defeat the Curiatii, they return home to find their mourning sister, who was engaged to one of the Curiatii, cursing Rome. Horrified by this, they had no choice but to slaughter her (“Oath of the Horatii”). Through this painting, David is truly attempting to give his people a sense of sacrifice. He is trying to promote loyalty and sacrifice for his country that will inevitably give rise to outstanding heroes during the French Revolution. This is David’s main purpose of for his painting.
Maya Lin, Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial, 1982
The Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial is a national memorial in Washington D.C. that honors those who fought in the Vietnam War, died in Vietnam, and went missing during the Vietnam War (“Vietnam Veterans Memorial”). The wall itself is constructed by two walls that are almost 250 feet long and about 10 feet high. On these walls are the names of those who were killed in action or missing in action. This wall was designed in 1982 by Maya Lin, who won the public design competition in 1981 against 1, 441 others while she was still an undergraduate (“Maya Lin”). Ironically, she received a “C” for her design when she used it as an art project in college before submitting it to the public design competition. Nevertheless, her determination led to a phenomenal memorial.
The artistic design or nature of this monument seems to be simple. The wall merely consists of the names of those who died or went missing during the Vietnam War on a black stone (“Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial”). Furthermore, a visitor can see his or her reflection with the engraved names, and this is supposed to connect the past and present. With this idea in mind, visitors are able to understand the sacrifice that soldiers during the Vietnam War made for America. This monument has been successful in giving people an appreciation for those who fought tenaciously and lost their lives for their country. Maya, along with the rest of America, believes that these soldiers are the definition of true heroes, and they deserve to be portrayed in this honorable passion. This was Lin’s true intent in creating this piece.
TIME Magazine: Rev. Martin Luther King Art by Boris Chapailin (February 18, 1957)
This piece depicting the late Martin Luther King Jr. was used as the front page cover for the February 18, 1957 issue of Time Magazine. The actual art piece for the magazine culture was created by a man named Boris Chaliapin. This piece was actually made only two years after the famous year-long Montgomery Bus Boycott of 1955 that helped lead to the repeal the transit Jim Crow laws (”Art Posters Fit for a [Martin Luther] King”). Because King helped organize these efforts, a bus is portrayed in the bottom right hand corner to show this. As far as the author, Chaliapin, he worked for TIME Magazine from 1942 to 1970. Although he was not an artist who was particularly focused on King or the Civil Rights Movement in his work, his personal passion for King is evident in this piece.
To give background on King, he is widely accepted as the prominent leader of the African Civil Rights Movement from 1955 to 1968 in the United Sates (“Martin Luther King Jr.”). In fact, King was seen as a hero by his fellow African-Americans as he lead non-violent protests in an attempt to end racial discrimination and segregation. By dwelling into the life of King with this piece, Chaliapin attempts to, and is successful in, portraying King as a true hero through the representation of both his actions and sacrifices. For example, as I stated earlier, Chaliapin includes a reference to the popular and successful Montgomery Bus Boycott of 1995. Also, there is a good deal of allusion to the influence that King had upon the Christian, or more specifically Baptist, community. Along with the title reverend, there is a person giving a sermon in the background. This person helps reinforce the great influence that King had to the movement as a very motivational, nonviolent speaker (”Art Posters Fit for a [Martin Luther] King”). Actually, Gandhi truly influenced King’s methods in his non-violent protests through civil disobedience (“Martin Luther King Jr.). Another aspect of this piece that stands out is the youth represented in the face of King. Chaliapin used this to his technique in order to emphasize many elements of Kings life including the facts that he graduated college at the tender age of 19 and was the youngest person ever to win the Nobel Peace Prize at age 35 (“Martin Luther King Jr.). More importantly, however, Chaliapin wanted to represent that King died at the young age of 39 (“Martin Luther King Jr.”) Nevertheless, King did not die in vain. He died in his unselfish efforts to make America a better place for the people that he loved. In fact, King knew that he was near death which he implied in his speeches and sermons leading up to his death, and yet continued with his efforts in the Civil Rights Movement (Speaker at the Webb Schools, Gaye). In essence, King is the epitome of the ideal hero. He peacefully fought for the rights of those who were discriminated against, and inevitably paid the ultimate price: death. Throughout his life, King continuously lived with a heavy burden on his shoulders that would lead to his death, and this is why Chaliapin commends him as a hero.
Bibliography
A Source for David's 'Horatii’. Robert Rosenblu. The Burlington Magazine. Vol. 112, No. 806 (May, 1970), pp. 269-271+273.Published by: The Burlington Magazine Publications, Ltd. Article Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/876303
"Abraham and Isaac in Genesis 22." Facing the Challenge. Facing the Challenge, 2011. Web. 18 Apr 2011. <http://www.facingthechallenge.org/gen22.php>.
"Art Posters Fit For A (Martin Luther) King." Seize the Day. WordPress, 01 Jan 2010. Web. 12 May 2011. <http://www.dayafterstore.com/blog/tag/martin-luther-king-art/>.
de Vergnette, Francois. "The Oath of Horatii." Paintings: French Painting. Louvre.fr, n.d. Web. 18 Apr 2011. <http://www.louvre.fr/llv/oeuvres/detail_notice_popup.jsp?CONTENT%3C%3Ecnt_id=10134198673225718&CURRENT_LLV_NOTICE%3C%3Ecnt_id=10134198673225718&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=9852723696500815&bmLocale=en>.
"Martin Luther King - Biography". Nobelprize.org. 19 Apr 2011 http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/1964/king-bio.html
McBride, Bill. "The National Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C." The Wall. VietVet, 11 Mar 2000. Web. 18 Apr 2011. <http://www.vietvet.org/thewall.htm>.
"The My Hero Project: Jesus Christ." Heroes of Faith. The My Hero Project, inc., 07 Dec 2010. Web. 18 Apr 2011. <http://myhero.com/go/hero.asp?hero=jesus>.
The Student Papers of Martin Luther King, Jr.: A Summary Statement on Research. Martin Luther King, Jr., Papers Project. The Journal of American History. Vol. 78, No. 1 (Jun., 1991), pp. 23-31. Published by: Organization of American Historians. Article Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/2078081.
Pages under: Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, n.d. Web. 12 May 2011. <http://www.wikipedia.org/>.
Diego Velazquez
Christ Crucified
Andre del Sarto
Oath of Horatii
Jacques-Louis David
Vietnam Memorial
Maya Lin
Martin Luther King Jr.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)