You're walking down the street when suddenly, someone thrusts a microphone and a camera in your face and demands, "Name any artist!" Naturally, names like Monet, Van Gogh, and Picasso might spring to mind—icons whose works resonate with many. But what about the countless other remarkable artists whose creations are just as deserving of acclaim?
During a recent visit to the National Art Gallery in Washington, DC, I found myself drawn not only to the usual masters but also to the extraordinary works of less celebrated artists. Let me take you through some of these lesser-known, yet equally captivating pieces and share their fascinating backstories.
#3 Wealth and Benefits of the Spanish Monarchy under Charles III (1762) - Giovanni Battista Tiepolo
I mean, this painting looks like it came out of heaven. The way it's framed, the pastel colors, everything about it. The viewer's eye is masterfully drawn to the middle, with the use of curvature and color.
📜⋆meaning & history
This painting was painted by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, an Italian painter. He was well known for vibrant color palettes and dynamic compositions, as highlighted by this piece. In many places across Europe, you may find Giovanni's paintings on the ceilings of chapels, sides of buildings, and towering palaces. This painting was a model for a ceiling painting for the Royal Palace of Madrid, which is one of his most known works.
The painting is a grand celebration of Spain's power, achievements, and influence. Through allegorical figures, historical references, and symbolic elements, the painting pays tribute to the grandeur of the Spanish Empire and its illustrious history. Looking closer at the painting, you might find Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, and Christopher Columbus leading his famous voyage to the Americas.
#2 Voyager (1992) - Kerry James Marshall
I remember walking into the room where this painting hung- it captivated me from the start. First, the painting was huge, more than 7x7 feet. Secondly, the colors were striking. I loved the contrast between the soft pastels and the bright blue, red, and black that were used. Thirdly, the meaning of the piece puzzled me. So many different pieces, but how did they fit?
📜⋆meaning & history
This painting was painted by Kerry James Marshall, who tries to highlight black struggles and lifestyle through art. This piece represents the last yacht, "Wanderer" which brought the last enslaved people to the United States from Africa.
Mr. Marshal likes to contrast light backgrounds with the subject's dark black skin to draw attention and show pride in the distinct appearance of Black Americans. He seems to use juxtaposition often in many of his works.
He also uses a lot of symbolism. In this painting, the skull found floating in the water shows the horrid conditions on the boat, and the repeated number 7, which is an important religious symbol in Vodou, a practice of many Haitian communities.
"One of the reasons I paint Black people is because I am a Black person." - Kerry James Marshall
#1 The Writer (1912) - Mary Bradish Titcomb
This was my favorite piece of the trip. Unlike the symbolism and grandeur of the prior two pieces, I really appreciate the simplicity of this piece. Just like Wealth and Benefits of the Spanish Monarchy under Charles III, this piece draws the viewer into a focal point, albeit in a different way. The piece is hazy, except for a detailed and rosy face, which demands your attention. I love the homey colors and the pure composition.
📜⋆meaning & history
This painting was by Mary Titcomb, who was an American painter. She was a pivotal member of the Boston School Art Movement, a group of painters who pioneered "American Impressionism, with a blend of impressionism and the conservative method of figure drawing.
The painting depicts a woman writing intently, surrounded by disorganized papers, highlighting her focus on her work over appearance. Titcomb, known for her independence, supported herself by teaching art before studying at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, starting in 1889. She trained under notable Boston School artists and began her professional career. "The Writer" was never sold, possibly because it personally symbolized the struggle for women to be taken seriously in their professions. As it was painted in the middle of the suffrage movement, it acts as an important piece of feminist history.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed this short walkthrough of my experience at the National Art Gallery! I hope this opened your eyes to the amazing art world: even a seemingly simple painting can have an amazing backstory! Next time you visit an art museum, I urge you to find your favorite pieces and research- you never know the stories you could uncover.
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