This painting is called Mary Magdalen with the smoking flame. It was interesting to read about this painting. I like how the artist conveys symbols in the painting. When I first looked at the painting I noticed the skull and the expression on the woman and how the painting has that sad somber mood. I also like how when I look at the painting my eyes get drawn to the candle first and then to the expression on her face. This painting does not really remind me of anything special but I know that when I light a candle in my room or anywhere I can just kind of stare at it and zone out. It kind of reminds me of how when sometimes people pass on, their loved ones light candles. The painting has a somber feel to it but in a way it kind of has a peaceful vibe to it too when I look at it and I think its because of the flame.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
chapter 22: blog 5
This painting is called Mary Magdalen with the smoking flame. It was interesting to read about this painting. I like how the artist conveys symbols in the painting. When I first looked at the painting I noticed the skull and the expression on the woman and how the painting has that sad somber mood. I also like how when I look at the painting my eyes get drawn to the candle first and then to the expression on her face. This painting does not really remind me of anything special but I know that when I light a candle in my room or anywhere I can just kind of stare at it and zone out. It kind of reminds me of how when sometimes people pass on, their loved ones light candles. The painting has a somber feel to it but in a way it kind of has a peaceful vibe to it too when I look at it and I think its because of the flame.
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Hi Aditi,
ReplyDeleteI wrote about a pope named Alexander VII in my blog this week. He was also interested in skulls, but was not bothered by the thought of death. When I was learning about him, I discovered that he kept a skull that was carved by Bernini on his desk while a Pope. He wanted to remind himself that death is always there and can come for you at any time. I wonder if the artist is trying to say that Mary is concerned about death or at peace with it? Her face is sad, but her hand is resting lovingly on the skull- not repulsed or tense.
Kimberlie
Hi Aditi, I like what you said about lighting candles as remembrance of loved ones who have died. You're right, in this picture Mary does seem somber, but yet also somehow peaceful. It seems as if you picked up on what the artist may have been trying to convey about the solemn, yet peaceful, reflection of this woman, perhaps as she contemplated life and death.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you both as well, she does appear at peace while watching the candle burn. Its amazing what we focus on while we are looking at art. I saw her and the candle, but hadn't realized her hand was resting on the skull., Thanks for sharing, its nice to see others input into these pieces.
ReplyDeletei totally agree with you about how the candle is what first catches your eyes. i was so drawn into the candle that i did not even notice the skull until i read your blog. i love this lighting in this picture and how it makes the red stand out so deep and the expression on her face like she very deep in thought. great blog!
ReplyDeleteThe flame of a candle can induce a medititative state, the young womens face reflects this. Her hand on the skull is thought provoking and symbolic. Thanks for your interesting blog.
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