Importance of Art in the Society
Art is important to the society as it promote expression and creativity. Additionally, it represents the society collective memory and hence can be used change opinion while instilling values. They are mainly preserved since they carry a rich culture on a certain society and therefore carry their memories across time and space. Since time in history Ginevra de’ Benci has been among the most valued arts ever done. It is stored in Nation Gallery of Art, Washington Dc and has been among the arts that captivates most of those who visit the museum. The portrait painting was done by Leonardo da Vinci in the 15th century. Notably, this is the only work of Leonardo da Vinci that is publicly accessible in the American soil. Leonardo da Vinci is among the greatest artist that ever lived in history and that is why most of his work is highly valued as he propelled in a generation when art was not common. Additionally, he believed that “Painting is concerned with all the 10 attributes of sight; which are: Darkness, Light, Solidity and Color, Form and Position, Distance and Propinquity, Motion and Rest”. To make his art at its best he focused on all attributes making his work spectacular and unique.
The art was created in Florence Italy between 1474 and 1478.the main medium used on the painting is oil on panel which makes it retain its originality despite being in the museums for centuries. This great piece of art was done on a 14.9 by 14.5 inches panel making it the first ever known three-quarter-view portrait in the history of Italian art.
This artwork is unique in that despite being among the oldest pieces in the museum the lady on the paint seems like “she may come to life”. Additionally, da Vinci had among the best talent and knowledge on anatomy and hence all his drawings and portraits are unique as they portray even the smallest feature of the object that was drawn. Additionally, considering the time the art was done, it is possible to learn the history of Florence, Italy and thereby establish the purpose why it was commissioned.
The art is a must see for anyone visiting the museum since most artists are interested in the history of paintings. On close focus on the painting, it is evident that the painting has little wrinkling on the surface indicating that the artist was still learning. Despite being a great portrait it is evident that Da Vinci did it when he was only about six years and its features exceed what most would expect from a person that young. Notably, there the portrait is an indication of innovation as it was done when women were placed within the walls of their family homes but he puts the lady in the portrait in an open setting. Additionally, its uniqueness also lies in its quality of being unpredictable since despite the assumption made by most people that the portrait was commissioned during her wedding or engagement, it lacks jewelry. These items were common during such functions as they displayed family wealth.
It is possible that this portrait was done to commemorate the marriage of Ginevra to her husband Bernardo Niccolini at the age of 16 years. Notably, at this time in history marriage portraits were designed in pairs whereby the woman was on the right facing the left and since the lady on this art faces right it might be that the portrait was commissioned during engagement. By just looking at the portrait it is possible to learn about the history of the involved community indicating that its meets one of the purposes of art.
The artwork is a portrait as the artist was commissioned to draw a living person representing her on a panel that is upright. Additionally, the artwork portrays most of Ginevra physical features.
From the portrait it one can see a young lady facing to the right. From the look it can be estimated she is in her youth hood. Additionally, the artwork is done in an open setting as there are trees right behind the woman. Raised landscape is also evident from a distance as well as the blue sky. Notably, from the art, despite the lady wearing elaborate dresses, she has a black scarf on her neck. The environment around her is green and her portrait is made right in front of an evergreen juniper bush which symbolizes beauty and chastity as juniper was the Canaanites fertility goddess.
Despite the mixture of colors in this artwork, the mood of the painting can be described as calm. The setting around the lady is calm and despite the trees and mountains there is nothing much to see. Additionally, the sky is clear which indicates the weather was calm. Additionally, there is absence of ant defined emotion on the lady’s face despite the gaze she makes.
It was hard to stop looking at the portrait after I first saw it as this piece of drawing looked like a real photo. I really loved the art and hence I could not stop admiring it.
The focal point of this portrait lies on the lady’s face since despite being a three-quarter-view painting the mixture of colors and how the features are portrayed is amazing making it look more like a photo. The perfectness in the drawing including the curls on her hair are the first things that one realizes after looking on the portrait. Despite its age, its perfectness and balance indicate it was done by a professional artist.
The texture of the painting is matte as it reflects a dull soft light. The texture makes the surrounding of the paint look more real and it is in line with the calm mood.
Color harmonies and contrast indicate the effectiveness of any artist as these are the main feature that a person realizes when they look at a certain artwork. Da Vinci uses different properties of color in this artwork balancing between hue and intensity effectively. The balance in color allows the painting to have a 3D view thereby containing the foreground, middle ground and background. To achieve this an artist requires to have a powerful principle of design.
Considering the worth of this portrait it is evident that the artist was great as through the painting some of the values embraced during its time can be portrayed. Additionally, he indicates on the importance of using the different principle of art as well as the elements to ensure that what is in the painting is a direct reflection of what is in mind. It bis therefore important to ensure that we support all artists in all dimensions of art as they are the custodians of our history and culture. Painting is a poetry that is seen rather than felt and hence there is a need to ensure that all feature are portrayed in the artwork.