My critical approach to Max Ernst's works.
Tag: Art Criticism
Pierre Puvis De Chavannes: “Young Girls By The Seaside”
I examine the unique composition of Pierre Puvis de Chavannes "Young Girls by the Seaside"
James Ensor: “Intrigue”
In No Exit, Jean Paul Sartre makes the claim "Hell is other people ('L'enfer, c'est les autres')." The viewer examining James Ensor's Intrigue may wonder if Ensor would have seconded Sartre's sentiments. We know of Ensor that he was inclined towards solitude. For instance, though he had a privileged slot among Belgium's very fashionable Les XX … Continue reading James Ensor: “Intrigue”
“Aubade (The Messenger)” – Short Story
A Short story of parting, longing, intoxication of new love, and some unusual company.
Odilon Redon: “Sad Ascent,” Plate IX of “Dans Le Rêve”
I consider the 9th plate of Redon's "Dans Le Rêve" Portfolio in my series on the graphic works of Redon
Portrait of Giovanni Arnolfini and his Bride
This is the rare occasion of a cross-post with my poetry blog. It is a poem, something that won't be a regular thing on this blog. It's about art history and criticism though, so it seems appropriate enough. One of my favorite paintings from one of my favorite painters.
Redon: “The Gambler,” plate V of “Dans le Rêve”
The inherently illusory nature of the catalogue of Dans le Rêve is suggested by its very name, translated to English as In the Dream. Plate V from the series, The Gambler, has the unique quality of revealing in full detail the setting of the picture. No area of the picture plain is left in obscurity and doubt, merely alluded … Continue reading Redon: “The Gambler,” plate V of “Dans le Rêve”
Odilon Redon: “Dans le Rêve” Frontispiece
The Frontispiece to Dans le Rêve is, primarily, an overture to a larger work. It introduces 10 pieces with a common theme of dream imagery and imagination. The portfolio taken as a whole takes its cue from the Göthean idea of genius- i.e., becoming the wellspring of new and original creation. We're to understand it as some mystical … Continue reading Odilon Redon: “Dans le Rêve” Frontispiece
Felicien Rops: “Death at the Ball”
Félicien Rops, the Belgian printmaker and illustrator, had an undeniable connection to decadence. In particular, that decadence which emphasized decay of the moral order of the relatively young Bourgeoisie in Europe was something Rops reveled in. One must look no further than his broad portfolio of etchings and lithographs which celebrates a remarkably De Sadeian … Continue reading Felicien Rops: “Death at the Ball”
Leon Spilliaert: “Night”
Leon Spilliaert, a largely self-taught artist from Ostend, Belgium, was a life-long Symbolist and an artist fully engaged with his environment. Images of the Ocean, the landscape, and the isolation of his corner of the world are frequent subjects of his work. His art often expresses skepticism towards Industrialization and the idealization of Reason that … Continue reading Leon Spilliaert: “Night”
Coup De Dés 