Theodore Gericault Raft of the Medusa
I am providing links that may assist you in this assignment, particularly if you do not yet have your book. If this is your first time participating in a discussion forum on Canvas, you may also find the following link helpful:
First Discussion Forum: Post due Monday 8/27 (11:59 PM). Two peer Responses due Wednesday 8/29 (11:59 PM).
It is said that modern art began with revolution: industrial and political. It also began with the revolt of artists like James Mcneill Whistler against the artistic traditions that had dominated art since the Renaissance. For the first time, some artists began to explore art as an expression of individual will and vision while others continued to uphold tradition. In your first Discussion Forum, you will choose a painting from the late 18th or early 19th century by a Neoclassical or Romantic artist.
In your two paragraph response (250 to 300 words), you will describe the ways in which this painting reflects the spirit of either Romanticism or Neoclassicism. Be sure to do the reading and watch the video supplements so that you understand these two movements before you begin. As you approach the assignment, consider the following:
- Briefly identify the artist and describe the subject of the painting.
- What were the artist’s goals?
- Does the painting tell a story? If so, how is it visually communicated through color and mood?
- Does the painting express social and political ideas? If so, what are they?
- How does the painting express the visual characteristics and themes of either Romanticism or Neoclassical art?
Normally your posts will be due Friday evening but this time I am giving you additional time so that you have time to become acclimated to the course. This week your discussion post should be completed by Monday 8/27 at 11:59 PM. It should include an image of your subject. The image icon is fifth from the left on the bottom row of the text editor and looks like a small rectangle with a mountain and sun.
Answer previewThe Raft of the Medusa is an oil painting done from1818-19 by Theodore Gericault (Alhadeff, 2002). The painting shows the survivors of the wrecked naval identified as the Medusa French naval. The painting displays lifeless and helpless survivors lying down on the raft while others are trying to assist a black person wave a flag in the direction of the rescue ship at the far end. The goal of the artist was to bring out a real dramatic presentation in a modernized way…
(300 words)