The Sacrifice of Abraham

The placing of these two paintings next to each other was an excellent choice. It showed the viewer the two artists tackled the same subject sometimes in totally different manners.

Rembrandts painting (1635 from the Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg) was composed horizontaly, while Caravaggios (1603 from the Uffizi Gallery in Florence) was composed horizontally. The figures are, therefore, full and half length figures respectivly. This changes the drama of the scene quite substantially from one image to the other.

While some have critised the Caravaggio depiction while displayed next to the Rembrandt on account of the formers apparent lack of expression - Mark begs to differ. Clearly the paintings are different. When Mark sees these pictures, it is his opinion that they depict slightly (yet fundamentally) different moments. Both show the angel holding Abrahams arm preventing the sacrifice of Issac. Rembrandts painting seems to capture to moment at which Ambrahams arms is grasped while Carravagios - slightly later - when Abraham has realised what is happening and is more confused rather than startled.

Clearly the Rembrandt shows more detail in the persons and their clothing to the detriment of the surroundings, while Caravggio has chosen to include some landscape towards towards one corner. The former seemed keener to depict this as a purely spiritual experience, while the latter seems to have contexualised spiritual experiences in an earthly existance.

The Conversion of the Magedelan

The Conversion of the Magedelan by Carravagio (c1598) shows the bibilical sisters Martha and Mary Magdalene. Martha is in the process of converting Mary to Christianity.

Marthas posture, leaning forward counting the points she makes on her fingers, shows an intensity of her intent to convert May. Mary, keeping a distance from Martha, seems to be plagued with doubts as she leans on the mirror which symbolises the life of vanity she is to give up.

Marys dress is finely detailed and the bloom she twirls in one had over her breast shows an intense attention to detail. The colours of the material draped over either arm of Mary are deeply realistic and utterly sumptuous. Use of colours such as these clearly influenced the later Baroque artists such as Rubens, who would also use exuberent colours in their own paintings.

This painting is held in the Detriot Institute of Art.

Bookmark this page

[ Delicious ] [ Digg ] [ reddit ] [ Facebook ] [ StumbleUpon ]