Le Chien Baroque
"Art, like nature, could ‘move the mind’ and ‘perturb the soul,'" (Sutton 475).
We take a turn to Baroque art. The Dutch Golden Age surrounding the 17th century became the epicenter for the art style. Dogs still permeate the surface of art, even within the Netherlands. Although, the dogs are still minor details. They are constructions that help deepen the image: never the main motif.
The juxtaposition between early Renaissance/Medieval art and Baroque is stunning. The stark contrast between religious-dominated themes towards a more secular one is profound. However, the existence of Baroque, like all art forms, is derived from history. More specifically, the Counter-Reformation. The existence of Baroque art trends towards more secular, natural, humanist, and science-based representations; it wouldn't exist without religion and the Catholic Church. It's inherently Protestant, but the Dutch were Calvinists and more tolerant of others for the time. But what influence does this have on Dogs?
Were dogs becoming secular? Was the dog a religious symbol in the first place? How did the symbolism adjust with the period? We find cultural constructions taking place but dogs amplifying their meaning. The Bolognese Dogs from Bologna highlight the implication of wealth and diplomacy. The virtue of feminity. The protruding social restraints.
Art represents society but provides a pathway to the soul, and hopefully peace. Pain and struggle inspire a variety of art. The continuum of human tragedy and downfall is peppered with metaphors. Rembrandt's obsession with dogs and animals, especially within biblical constructions, possibly showcases the inner turmoil with religion. The conflict expressed through dogs symbolizes purity represents hope. Hope for the future. Hope for religion. Hope for actually living.
To quote a previous reading from Marie Louise Van Franz, "Christianity did help people to die but not teach them how they should live"(Schweizer-Vuellers 245). Were inner turmoils surrounding society, culture, religion, etc. affecting artists during this time and before. I believe yes, however, I didn't realize the artist's perception until now. The use of dogs as purity, satire, or humor expresses a distinct tone and helps shape the art. Although, are animals used in constructs and meanings that we don't comprehend now. They could possibly be a distinct form of thought unknown to the modern era. The dogs within the greater painting represent more than meets the eye. A coping mechanism, an attempt at denial.
The usage of dogs in art continually points me towards a greater picture: one filled with conflict and meaning of purpose. Why do we live? Why do we judge and portray animals and people the way we do? What is the hidden sense of consciousness? How do we symbolize ourselves?
We squabble and turn with ourselves. Fleeting for life, pleading to live.
Eventually creating Le Chien Baroque.
Tu aimes l'art baroque aussi? Et c'est un tres belle peinture d'Artemisia Gentileschi. She's one of my favorite artists ever.
ReplyDeleteAh merci, tu es trop gentil! Ouais j'aime l'art baroque aussi et le Pays-Bas est très interessant. Je n'ai vu pas l'art d'Artemisia Gentileschi avant cet post, mais elle est elle magnifique et l'art très raffinée. J'adore cette piece spécifiquement.
DeleteI like how you address the transition from primarily religious art into more secular themes and how animals representations are affected by this. The best art definitely conveys meaning and the presence of animals, like dogs, does that in a special way.
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