Within Claude Monet’s The Rue Montorgueil, there are so many initial elements that capture our attention and make us want to dissect this piece of art. First off, this piece is filled with excitement, the streets are just flooded with people while the overwhelming amount of French flags are crowding the buildings towards the sides. In terms of color and shades, there is such a variety that it makes the painting extremely busy. There appears to be a fairly darker balance of shades towards the bottom half of the painting, while the tone eventually brightens as it makes its way to the sky, giving this piece a good sense of balance. The piece doesn’t necessarily represent extreme avant-garde messages, but does help portray the importance of the festival and really captures the essence of the revived French citizens.
In contrast to Monet’s piece, Edouard Manet’s The Rue Mosnier with Flags seems to take an entirely different approach on the outlook of the June 30th Festival. Unlike Monet’s painting, the streets are empty. While some flags are still hanging on the sides of the buildings, it doesn’t nearly express as much excitement as the other piece. In fact, this piece has a rather darker side, especially focusing on the French veteran who appears to be missing a leg. Like mentioned in the lecture, this is an important part of what Manet is trying to depict in terms of how the French are thankful for their freedom and expresses just what they had to go through to achieve this new standard of life. In regards to color on Manet’s piece, it is very different to the cluttered piece constructed by Monet. This oil canvas has a more slightly limited amount of color and shades, but utilizes the shades from the shadows and blacks/whites. Also discussed in the lecture, Manet focuses on more political based aesthetics, especially considering his past influence from political events. Although the term avant-garde has been slightly diluted from what it used to mean or means to us today, this piece is a great representation of what avant-gardism symbolizes. To elaborate, Manet has a certain aspect of trying to create political messages within his paintings, and has yet to let go of his already acclimated ways.
While both of these paintings seem very different, they do have some things in common. Aside from the artists having similar last names, they both appear to have been composed in plein air (both painted outdoors) and share common brushstrokes within certain pieces, such as the French flags strung around. While both artists created different messages or imagery through their paintings, it is quite evident to determine each artists unique style of painting through the era of Impressionism.
Comparing and contrasting both paintings shows that though there may be many difference between the painting, there are still some similarities. Interesting that you brought up how the term Avant-Garde has been "diluted", why has it been diluted as time went on? Great job on depicting the pictures as well as explaining how each one is smilar and different, it sheds light on how Manet's and Monet's name is not only similar and different, but so is there art.
ReplyDeleteMy first impression of Monet's painting I thought it was rather overwhelming. There's so much going on, the flags are colorful and lively, while the crowd below fill the street. I find it very interesting how different the vibes are for each painting.
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