Kass's Art Writing

  The Awe-Inspiring Baroque: Caravaggio’s  Medusa Medusa by   Caravaggio Merisi in Florence, Italy, 1597 from  https://www.caravaggio.org/medusa.jsp Introduction The Baroque era, which lasted from the late 16th to the early 18th century, is characterized by dramatic expression, emotional intensity, and intricate detail in art and architecture. One remarkable example of Baroque art is Caravaggio’s Medusa , painted in 1598. This compelling work reflects not only Caravaggio's unique artistic style but also the significant historical and cultural influences of the time. Background of the Artist and the Era Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio (1571-1610) was an innovative painter who broke from traditional artistic conventions. His use of chiaroscuro (the contrast of light and shadow) and tenebrism (a more dramatic use of chiaroscuro) set him apart as a pioneer of Baroque art (Smith). Caravaggio’s reputation was notorious; he led a tumultuous life filled with scandals, ofte...

Renaissance Reflections: Sin and Redemption in Bosch's  The Garden of Earthly Delights Introduction Hieronymus Bosch’s  The Garden of Earthly Delights  is a captivating triptych that goes beyond the norms of both the Italian and Northern Renaissance. Created in the 1490s, this intricate painting conveys profound religious and moral messages woven with vivid imagery. As a Christian, I find this artwork profoundly resonates with the Genesis creation story and the contemplation of human nature and morality during the Northern Renaissance—a period characterized by significant Church reforms and the rise of humanism. In this blog post, I will delve into the artistic elements of the work, my emotional response to it, the historical context, and its connection to the Reformation. The Garden of Earthly Delights : Google Arts & Culture Image Artistic Elements and Emotional Response Bosch's use of various artistic elements elicits a wide range of emotional reactions, from awe t...

The Dance Class by Edgar Degas Image from The MET One of my favourite works of visual art is Edgar Degas's painting The Dance Class, created in 1874 (Metropolitan Museum of Art ). As someone who grew up as a ballet dancer, I find this piece resonates deeply with me. Degas's masterful ability to capture the elegance, grace, and dedication of ballet training evokes a strong sense of nostalgia and admiration for the artistry involved in this discipline. Through subtle nuances in his technique and composition, Degas invites his audience into the intimate world of ballerinas, revealing the complexity and beauty of their rigorous training. Art Elements Line:  Degas employs various line techniques to convey movement and emotion throughout The Dance Class . The fluid and light brushstrokes he uses embody the elegance of ballet, making each pose appear graceful and ethereal. The dancer in the centre, performing a piqué attitude, exemplifies this elegance with her raised right arm and...