I remember having an Art Class where the instructor challenged us to look at the deeper psychological intentions of the artist. Believe me, I can never look at a painting of a naked woman and a swan with innocence anymore. I just thought it was a nice nude painting with a bird. The teacher said it possibly meant that the artist wanted to paint the sexual tension between a man and woman. Say what? So why did he use a bird with a long neck....oops...I think I get it....
Believe me, I'm all for symbolism and I was inspired to post this painting after reading Gilberto's thoughts on the last post. I'm still giggling in part because I know something is being lost in the translation from Spanish to English. Bravo Gilberto!
First off, this beautifully framed painting is at the De Young Museum in San Francisco and it is by George de Forest Brush. Good George actually studied with Gerome and it seems he assumed some of Geromes delicacies in depicting women. There was a retrospective of his work 2 years ago at the Smithsonian that I was able to see and it focused on his paintings of Arapaho Indians. The show was stunning and he was more " brushy" in his application of paint than Gerome his teacher.
The painting is called Celtic Huntress. Was this painting symbolic of a deeper meaning or did he just love painting a strong assertive Amazon with dazzling red hair? Notice how the end of the arrow goes directly to the right corner. The frame really compliments the painting in my opinion and it adds weight and elegance to our tribal warrioress. Does the dog symbolize her masculine dimension? Why is the arrow so close to the dog's skull and brain? There is a repressed sexual tension to this alpha girl although I sense there are those that will find her very seductive.... hey its a full moon.....i gotta run before I get myself in trouble...you go figure it out....
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Ok, I'm foolish enough to comment, it's all open to the viewer interpitation.
ReplyDeleteYour opinion during a full moon my differ from that of another time.
Art today, probably takes a back seat to the art of yesterday.(I'll explain that..)
Some of the meanings have been lost in translation, or time.
Today she may be viewed as a beautiful women,
yesterday she might have taken you life.
Perspectives change, yet the art remains.
I don't try to assume to much into it.
Bill....thanks for being brave and giving me a good chuckle....yesterday she might have taken you life.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I wonder if the artist him/herself actually know the full meaning of what they are communicating.
ReplyDeleteFrank,
ReplyDeleteThat is an interesting painting. The proportions remind me of an artist who's name slips my mind.
I had the same reaction when I found out the meaning behind "Leda and the Swan". Pretty funny. Some of those old paintings can look pretty innocuous, and it turns out they have a lot more going on than meets the eye.