28 August, 2019

White Art

Posted by Socrates in art, Socrates, White art/architecture at 1:55 pm | Permanent Link

Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres (1780-1867), oil on canvas, titled “The Princess de Broglie” (1853).


  • 3 Responses to “White Art”

    1. Antagonistes Says:

      First off, notice that this painting is composed of the top part of a large oval at the bottom of the painting, consisting of her dress and the far edge of the chair. The next oval is her torso, and it becomes more circular. Her head is the next round shape, and it is almost a perfect circle, with the veil.

      Notice how the near edge of the chair’s back is continued—to her bracelets, to her medallion, to her face.

      There is a strong triangular base formed by her dress and the white fabric on the chair. The white fabric line is continued to her face by her left arm.

      Just the composition of this picture points to a woman well-grounded (the triangular base) and also quite sensual (the curves of the ovals and circles).

      She is rather relaxed against a rigid background, with her right hand guarding her heart. This woman is no fool.

      In terms of color, she is luminous against a rather grainy and dim background.

      This is a woman of wit, style, and poise, who probably could probably deliver a very good double entendre!

      Photography could not do this masterpeice. This is a spiritual interpretation by the artist. Who is doing this today?

    2. BroncoColorado Says:

      The artist’s technique is amazing, and the lady beautiful. The lady could be the ancestor of the famous early 20th century physicist of the same name.

    3. BroncoColorado Says:

      Some second thoughts about the picture. A fine work of art, but it reflects the extravagant life-style of the upper crust in France during the mid 19th century. I presume that class tolerated Napoleon III and his military adventures.
      How may tens of thousand of young French men were killed and mutilated in the wars of Northern Italy, The Crimea, Mexico, and of course the Franco-Prussian War.
      Instead of attending elegant balls these people should have thought of the welfare of France and their fellow country men and women. A tall order!