Lessons From Art History, Part Two of Four

LIFE LESSON LEARNED FROM BOTTICELLI
Do your own thang; haters gonna hate.

Botticelli's work is beloved today. It is light, colorful, joyful, with beautiful mythological subject matter, long, lithe figures, and Disney-worthy landscapes. It completely went against art trends of the time--instead of being rationally executed, with correct proportions and accurate atmospheric perspective, it is poetic. Lovely. Botticelli's work was criticized until the 19th century. Haters gonna hate.


LIFE LESSON LEARNED FROM LEONARDO DA VINCI
Lines should be blurred

Sfumato: blending of harsh lines in artwork; a misty, foggy, hazy effect which adds roundness to figures. 
Lines should be blurred. Labels should be mixed, removed, harsh edges should be removed. Softness is key.


LIFE LESSON LEARNED FROM CARAVAGGIO
You mess with the Pope, you'll get the horns

Caravaggio was commissioned to create a version of St. Matthew being inspired by an angel to write his gospel. The piece would hang as the main artwork on the altarpiece (the spot behind where the priest would offer the sacrament in a cathedral). This was his submission (originally in color; the painting was destroyed during World War II. Thanks a lot, Hitler!)
I adore this painting. The church, however, did not. To them, this showcased St. Matthew as a barely literate, peasant with bare feet having an angel literally write his words. To them, the angel's relationship with Matthew teetered on flirtatious, which was inappropriate. Most cleverly, the bare feet were exactly at the level of the holy water when the painting was hung. Caravaggio was asked to remove the painting and make a more appropriate commission. (P.S. It's boring!)
I just love art that pisses off Popes. But can we even begin to list the amazing masterpieces that were at one time condemned or frowned upon by the church? Hint: most of them are ones we love and admire today. Infallible my ass!


Part three coming soon!