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| Claude Monet’s The Rue Montorgueil |
Option #1 Compare and Contrast...
For this weeks Blog I decided to write about option one, Compare and Contrast the two paintings by Monet and Manet. There are many things different within these two images, mostly on subject matter and only slightly on technique. however there are also a lot of things these two paintings have in common.
For example, in Manet's interpretation of the fair, the streets are practically empty, aside from only a few pedestrians. there are flags adorning the buildings however its mostly bare, and there is a lot of empty space. it doesnt seem like this fair is very popular, or rather, it seems as if the fair is over, or hasn't started yet. where as in Monet's painting the street is packed with people, so much so that its hard to see the ground. Along with this factor there are hundreds of flags everywhere, there seems to be naught a spot where the building is bare. this is what I think of when I think of a fair in this time period. Another thing different about these two images is that Claude Monet's depiction of the fair is as if he is floating high over head looking down, or in a building. far off in the distance buildings tower upwards into the light blue sky, and there is a sense of crowding going on even in the negative spaces in this image. On the other hand Manet's depiction of the fair is from a slightly higher angle, such as a second story window, or on the top of a sudden hill looking down a long street. There is no sky in Manet's painting, however we get a sense of how nice of a day it is by the shadows and light cast onto the ground and the flags in the foreground. Manet's image suggests to the viewer that he attended the fair (or what is left of it) while Monet's depiction makes it seem like he is above the fair, not willing to participate.
As for what these two images have in common, they both are obvious depictions of the fair, they both have many of the same elements, and they are both painted in a impressionistic style. they were both painted outside, and they both have the element of spontaneity of a time in the day. Monet more than Manet, however since he literally has a flag being blown in the wind above the festival while Manet only has carriages waiting to pick up or drop off the people for the fair. also both of these paintings are painted with what appears to be quick brush strokes, nothing seems to be blended too much with the colors around it, and there isn't any small details such as facial features of the people on the ground, or writing on the buildings.
Both of these paintings represent a major element that has yet to be discussed in this blog; they are both avant-gaurdeist paintings. they both depict a modern france after the war, and they both have a very un-salon worthy style of extreme amounts of unmixed color and no smooth brush strokes. they are both worthy of being called avant-garde paintings however because of these elements and more.
all in all, both paintings are beautiful representations of the Rue Montorgueil and the Rue Mosnier, and are both a shining tribute to their home country of France. I believe both painters are very talented and that both of these paintings are very beautiful. However there were more differences between these two paintings than there were similarities and both would have been seen as sloppy or "impressionistic" in their time.
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| Edouard Manet’s The Rue Mosnier with Flags |
I think it's interesting how you depicted Manet's painting of the fair as being over, like this is an illustration of what's left over after all the celebrating and energy has subsided. I think that's a great way to look at it because it would seem that Manet is showing a side of that period in history that was, and has been over shadowed by the country's independence. I feel like Manet wanted to show us that even after all the glitter and excitement have subsided, there are still consequences and an after math that came from France's triumph; there are still lonely veterans who sacrificed themselves and their lives, and there are still families torn apart and left empty and alone, just like this street...
ReplyDeleteReading the differences you presented about the two paintings was intriguing. It was good that you presented both how in Monet's painting it looks like he is either floating or in a building. Presenting all these different scenarios gives many ways for the viewer to see the painting. Same with Manet's painting. Also stating how each picture, though showing flags, was different. In a way they are both opposite.. whether one is during the parade and the other is afterward, or one is during the parade and the other shows that lack of celebration and unity for that country.
ReplyDeleteAs I look closer to both paintings, I can see more and more similarities. If I didn't know better I could be fooled into thinking it was some sort of series from the same painter; same painter but perhaps different moods while painting. Despite this, however, I can also see many differences, especially in the ambiance. I've already mentioned this on another post response, but I think both painters have an underlying tone of a brighter future. One is showing it in a celebratory way and the other one is showing it in a peaceful way. Both paintings are great though!
ReplyDeleteI thought it was interesting that you said Monet is not willing to participate in the festival because Monet used bright colors that look very lively, like he was interpreting the crowd's joy and excitement. I feel that Manet is not participating because the painting seems as if he did not truly enjoying the festival. Perhaps that is why Manet used pale colors.
ReplyDeleteEven though others have also commented on your discussion on the point of view from which each of these paintings were rendered but I really wanted to comment on it because I find what you had to say extremely interesting. You said, "Manet's image suggests to the viewer that he attended the fair (or what is left of it) while Monet's depiction makes it seem like he is above the fair, not willing to participate."This is interesting to me because after considering each of the paintings in terms of subject matter it would have made more sense for Monet's to be in the view that Manet's painting was constructed because of the liveliness of Monet. Also if Manet's was depicted from a second story or from an above the scene location I feel like it would have sort of further empathized the meaning behind his painting. I feel this would have been so because it would be more like he is wanting us to remember what France had been thought in a dreamy and complacent way.
ReplyDeleteThe thing I like the most about these two pieces is that these pieces both symbolize two opposite extremes of emotions. I think that focusing on the subject matter mixed with some of the elements also made your post more interesting to read. Good comparison!
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