Jan Vermeer

Allegory of the Art of Painting

1670-1675

Jan is wearing the latest fashions, with a barret as with studies. He's painting a portrait of Clio the muse of history. The map has a fold down the center which shows the split between protestants and catholics the north and south. Jan left a thumbtack mark to show that he knows perspective. No candles can refer to loss of power of the hamburg empire. The table shows music and theatrics.

Peter Paul Rubens

Elevation of the Cross

1610

 Northern Baroque

Jesus doesn't look pained but rather like a hero. Jesus is still alive here rather than dead. The painting looks as if somethings going to happen and hasnt happened yet. The diagonal of Christ and the cross is an influence of tintoretto. An ecplipse is starting to happen- darkness on eart when Christ was crucified. Hebrew, Latin, Greek shown lettering and languages that say "The king of the Jews". Strong colors from Titian. Theres a spotlight on Christ and there are shadows beyond him.

Peter Paul Rubens

Consequences of War

1638-1639

Northern Baroque

Painted in response to the thirty-years war. Mars main character, flanked by Venus. A fury is pulling him forward (fury alekto). People personifying Pestilence and Famine which come with war. Also mother clutching child to show that fecundity, procreation and charity are thwarted by war. An architect with tools on ground to show that a peaceful cuty cannot be constructed. Woman with lute on ground to show that harmony is trampled. Woman in black without jewels is Europe. 

 Frans Hals

Archers of Saint Hadrian

ca. 1633

Northern Baroque

The men have natural poses and postions. More of a snapshot or photograph than a portrait painting. Diagonals are shown through bayonets. Since the men dressed so alike, the collars of their dress was painted in a different way to give them individuality. Movements and moods vary between members. 

Rembrandt van Rijn

The Company of Captain Frans Banning Cocq (The Night Watch)

1642

Northern Baroque

The environment seems noisy, it looks like through all the commotion you could almost hear the noise. Portrait of a group who patrolled the streets. The luminiscent woman is an emblem for the militia group- also a chicken and drinking horn. There is a use on tenebrism. Shows them in action of arranging themselves rather than already lined up. Recorded three stages of using a musket- loading, firing and readying for reloading.

Pieter Claesz

Vanitas Still Life

1630s

Baroque

Shows appreciation and enjoyment of beauty and value of items depicted also reminded viewers of life's transience by incorporating references to death. Momento Mori. Skull, timepiece, tipped glass and cracked walnut reminders of mortality. Included self portrait to look like painting still life - emphasized element of time. Immortalized himself and items in portrait.

Hyacinthe Rigaud

Louis XIV

1701

Baroque

Appears to be looking down on subjects. Louis was center in picture because he thought he was center of universe. Fur lined cape thrown over shoulder to show an air of haughtiness. Exposed legs to show that King was a ballet dancer in his youth. King wearing red heeled shoes to look taller. Detailed environment contributes to portraits stateliness and grandiosity.

Jules Hardouin-Mansart and Charles Le Brun

Galerie des Glaces (Hall of Mirrors)

ca. 1680