Sayre – Chapter 2 (pages 33 – 43)

For a majority of people who would like to make consistent explanations about how they
observe and understand various artworks, writing about art is always a big challenge. As some
useful words to describe art are not frequently used in the society such as baroque, or
postmodern; defending our opinions in art seems a little bit difficult for us. Each artist has his/her
own style which creates the uniqueness of artworks. An artist’s composition can look very
spontaneous, that means formed rapidly with emotions. In fact, a real work of art has a very
complex forming process; everything is made on purpose by the artist.

Artist’s choices set the destiny of the work. First of all, he/she decides which subject
he/she wants to approach. Then, the appropriate methods, and artistic preferences (colors,
technique etc.) are chosen. Finally, the artist makes decisions for how to organize the whole work.
If all these procedures are understood clearly by the observer, it is easy for them to write effective
essays.

Subject matter represents all the indications (symbols, icons etc.) that we identify in a
work of art. Thanks to these references we can produce certain opinions about the work.
Sometimes, the title is also very helpful for defining an artwork. Moreover, in some paintings the
title has no actual relationship with the work. The subject matter is not the hint of an artwork’s
meaning. Two paintings can have the same subject matter, but they can explain the incident
selected in different ways. The meaning differences between Perugino’s and Crivelli’s
Crucifixion can be a great example for that topic. Perugino’s Crucifixion reminds the observers a
very calm, relaxing, and innocent atmosphere. Furthermore, Crivelli explain the same subject in a
more aggressive way. His description provides several connotations such as a having an
enormous pain. As each idea creates a specific image in a person’s mind, each subject can be
described by the artist in a special way.

Lines are also important in both paintings. In Perugino’s Crucifixion, lines are very
geometrical and perfectly balanced; but in Crivelli’s there is no synchronization in any line order.
This “voluntarily applied” disorder is felt in every inch of Crivelli’s work. There is also a
clearness which reflects the peace theme in Perugino’s painting, while a huge confusion ambiance
is dominant in Crivelli’s artwork.

Shapes and space is another point to think about when we try to analyze a painting.
Normally, shapes and space are applied with simple methods, but some artists such as Monet used
their skills for composing amazing masterpieces which redefine the meaning of perspective
methods. To show the irony of “creating something three-dimensional in a two-dimensional
canvas”; he not only formed a three-dimensional space, but also put a two-dimensional surface in
his painting “Gare Saint Lazarre, Paris”. That’s why, it can be definitely said that handling was
very important for Monet as subject matter. Therefore, for some artists like Mondrian the form
itself is everything. Especially in the painting called Painting I; there are only some lines on a
diamond-shaped plane. Still, these simple shapes explain too much. Horizontal, and vertical lines
symbolizes the oppositions (good-evil, heaven-earth, man-woman etc.), diamond shape represents
three physical elements (air, water, and earth), and one abstract element, spirit.

Mert KAYGUSUZ
Mustafa KUSEYRİ
Vanessa MENASE
Berke MENDERES