This is a painting entitled Odysseus Returns Chryseis to Her Father created by Claude Lorrain in Rome, 1644. Lorrain was well known for his landscapes, it was said that he told those who purchased his paintings that he sold them the landscape and the figures were gratis. Rumor has it that he would even have other artists paint the figures in for him. During this time of Counter Reformation and following the guidelines laid out by the Council of Trent, patrons of the arts were seeking pieces with either a mythic or religious theme, landscapes alone would simply not do. At this time landscape paintings ”reflected an aesthetic viewpoint regarded as lacking in moral seriousness”. To circumvent this issue Lorrain, and other landscape artists of this period, simply incorporated a religious or mythical theme into their work. ”Perhaps to feed the public need for paintings with noble themes, his pictures include demigods, heroes and saints, even though his abundant drawings and sketchbooks prove that he was more interested in scenography.”
I think what drew me to this particular painting was the fact that it wasn’t about the people. So much of what had been painted up to this point was all about the people, either portraits or scenes of their activities, but always the focus was the human form. I much prefer the paintings of things or places so this painting had instant appeal. The figures do add to the picture by providing a sense of movement and energy, but they aren’t the main focal point. I love the detail work of the architecture of the buildings, architecture is an area I’ve always had a passion for and Lorrain’s work makes me want to seek out this port for a closer look. The main aspect that drew me to this painting was the way he washed the entire scene in the golden hues of the setting sun. Having grown up near the coast I can almost feel the sun on my face and smell the tang of the sea air just looking at this painting. It is unfortunate that Claude Lorrain couldn’t just follow his passion for landscapes without the constraints conforming the moral requirements of the time. We are fortunate that he found a way around the system and was still able to bring us such fabulous works.
source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claude_Lorrain
This painting is very well detailed in every way possible. I also find big scenery paintings as one of my favorite types of art. I agree with you that this painting focuses more on the human form than anything else and that makes this painting great because of the true symbolism behind it. Just by looking at this painting makes me want to travel back in time to experience this type of scenery in person.
Odysseus Returns Chryseis to Her Father
This picture has a very calming, welcoming feel to it, and it’s quiet beautiful how the people are placed, waiting for Chryesis’s arrival. The pastel coloration of this picture really appeals to me. It’s not too eye popping and the feel of the picture is definitely partially created from the way placement of everything, from the ship being centered, with the people at the bottom, it was purposely done so the idea would come across. The fact that this picture isn’t religious and is as beautiful as it is says a lot, because most religious art has that graceful soft appeal as this does.
It seems that everyone is more relieved to be seeing paintings that aren’t focused on religious figures. I think many of us would find a landscape painting more eye catching simply because a scene like that is something we’ve most likely experienced. I like how you really laid out the history leading up to this style of painting and detailed what really influenced Lorrain. The human figures don’t detract from the painting’s beauty, but it is odd that Lorrain found it necessary to include them; even if he wasn’t quite excited about the idea. I guess the rules of art were still changing. I too though that the effects of the light were the best part of this painting. The radiating light seems like something you could easily see yourself, and the calmness of the sea and sky really come through. The shadow of the ship also adds to the calm feel, the length of the shadow just seems to imply a quiet evening.
This painting has a beautiful landscape that allows us to almost ignore the people within it. I think that landscape paintings give the viewer a feeling of isolation and a pure reaction without having to empathize with the other characters, which can lead to a more peaceful state of mind. I can see why landscape paintings appeal to you and how when looking at people so much the viewer is lost and there is more concern with the character in the art work. The information from outside sources is used in a way that does not take away from the blogger’s voice but strengthens it. I’m curious of whether Lorraine’s “Odysseus Returns Chryseis to Her Father” would be less realistic if people were not included?
This painting is more interesting after reading your blog than looking at it without background. I didn’t realize that he would have to paint the people in just because of the Counter Reformation. That makes sense though and is almost sad that he had to modify his passion for the public to accept it. I would like if you could go more into detail about the gratis but I suppose I can look that up as well. The quotes in your blog fit in very well without being awkward and added insightful details. I can see why you like this picture, landscape pictures are so popular today that this one would fit right in but has more background to it than those of today. Do you think this painting would have been famous if he didn’t include the people though? I am wondering if the public would have put the social norm behind them and enjoyed the beautiful landscape by itself?