Visual Analysis Annunciation Essay Example

Visual Analysis Annunciation Essay Realism was an art movement dating from the early 1800s lasting through the 1900s and even beyond. During this time, artists responded to the previous art movement, Romanticism. While Romanticism presented figures to the world in an idealistic way, Realism broke the boundaries by presenting life as is, in its whole untouched form. The realists wanted to break away from the formal artistic styles and subjects of the past. To do this, they painted ordinary working class people as opposed to the heroic, biblical, or royal figures as in years past. Their ultimate goal was to capture the humility of everyday life (Scholastic Press.) Two paintings from this period represent the movement by portraying the Virgin Mary as a recognizable young woman encountering an awesome presence. Both pieces are entitled Annunciation. The Annunciation is the event from the Christian Bible where the Archangel Gabriel comes to Mary and announces she is going to bear the Son of God. This is a very famous event and has been painted numerous times in multiple art movements. In movements pre-dating Realism, the Annunciation was portrayed as a grand event. Mary had a halo and was dressed in royal blue robes looking frightened by the angel. She often looked like a heavenly figure, standing out from any of her surroundings. Gabriel was painted with grand glowing wings and rich robes, surrounded by cherubs. While that kind of depiction is elaborate and grand with detail and spectacle, the Realism-influenced paintings made the event serene and powerful in an emotional way. We will write a custom essay sample on Visual Analysis Annunciation specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Visual Analysis Annunciation specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Visual Analysis Annunciation specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Henry Tanner’s Annunciation portrays a young woman sitting on a bed just right of center. She looks Palestinian, with dark hair and eyes, dressed in rags. To the left is a large yellow-gold figure, blurred. The woman’s gaze is shifted towards the figure and slightly upward. She has her hands folded in the lap and slouches over and slightly back. Her toes stick out of the blanket on her lap. Behin