Art Lovers discussion

Just in case you’d like to see more

https://www.timeout.com/news/this-vir...

Ruth wrote: "Just in case you’d like to see more

https://www.timeout.com/news/this-vir......"

That is SO cool! I like how they worded the first few paragraphs introducing the exhibit.
"we’re purr-leased to announce"
"for those who love both cats and art. (In other words, those with very refined tastes.)"
"But we can’t be all purr-fect, can we?"

I didn't quite read all of it before I started to look through the exhibit and the first two things I thought were 'wow! What an exquisite museum! The furnishings, pillars, rugs, etc.' Then it says it's computer-generated as a Parisian mansion.

Then I first saw Manet's Olympia and thought 'I didn't know that was there, and I didn't know there was a cat in that painting. Then I went back and read "the exhibition takes in everything from the hard-to-spot feline enigma in Manet’s ‘Olympia’". So is there really a cat in the original painting?

Ruth, that is so awesome and so apropos! How in the world did you come across that!

I answered my own question and had to go back and look some more. :)
Yes there is, and it's a black one, like my own that I'm so proud of. (Except I can't tell if it's Persian). In Manet's painting, is this cat supposed to be of the 'good' omen? or bad? I don't know the history behind the cat in the picture as I wasn't really cognizant of its presence.

Someone on Facebook posted it. For the first few minutes I thought it was real, too.

Thanks Ruth!

Takes a while to get used to navigating ( I rushed it a bit and got dizzy ;-) I'll have a longer look later today.

Thank you so much for sharing.
I would say the navigation tools need work, but it could easily just be me..
It was a lovely selection. Some very obvious, some unexpected.
Good fun.

Heather wrote: "I answered my own question and had to go back and look some more. :)
Yes there is, and it's a black one, like my own that I'm so proud of. (Except I can't tell if it's Persian). In Manet's painting..."

Short haired black cat, symbolising decadence and sex. Just as the black tie around the models throat, symbolises that she is a prostitute.
Manet was having great fun poking at the establishment, and the 'correct' way to paint women, hence this being described as filth and banned from the Salon.
The whole work is filled with symbols. It's one of my favourites.

Jai wrote: "Heather wrote: "I answered my own question and had to go back and look some more. :)
Yes there is, and it's a black one, like my own that I'm so proud of. (Except I can't tell if it's Persian). In ..."

Wow! I love symbolism. I studied a lot of it in the Renaissance art just because there was so much of it, but I really like this! I think I knew the symbolism of the women's dress of that time, but the cat I didn't know. Out of curiosity, since you really like this kind of thing, did you read any books that explain symbolism in art NOT of the Renaissance? I would be interested in that.
Thank you for answering that for me!

Museum cats are the best!

Heather, if you're interested in symbolism outside of the Renaissance then definitely check out anything to do with the Dutch Golden Age. So many double meanings! Simon Schama's 'An Embarrassment of Riches' is a good start, but really anything to do with Dutch 17th century art will inevitably talk about symbolism - it's so interesting!

Heather wrote: "Jai wrote: "Heather wrote: "I answered my own question and had to go back and look some more. :)
Yes there is, and it's a black one, like my own that I'm so proud of. (Except I can't tell if it's P..."

Ha, you touched on my obsession. Specifically, female iconography within western art history.
I could name so many, and much, not what most would expect it to be.

Edvard Munch is filled!! with female symbolism.

Franz Marc, included (among others), Goddess worship iconography.

Degas is an ever on-going argument as to what his symbols-hints, meant.

Brett Whitely created his own symbolism.

Ya need to be more specific 😬
Also, are you looking for accepted, recognisable symbols, or understanding the oeuvre of particular artists?
Lastly, specific to fine art, or all types of representational art?

Wow, this is almost overwhelming. Not really, it’s exciting! All this symbolism!

I would be more interested in artists more like Franz Marc, Degas, Edvard Munch, than I would the 17th century Dutch art, though I know a few of those already and they are fun!

I would probably first try out symbolism in fine art in specific artists, then branch out to more representational art. There is so much to take in and I have a poor memory but this fascinates me so much that when I see something twice, it usually comes back to me.

So, sure! Do you know any specific books I Can look for?

So, I had to stop and consider this one.
I have more concerning the feminine, than other.
But, I believe you should start with a broader point of view.
In order to fully understand one side, you need to be willing to see the other.

So start with 'Ways of Seeing', John Berger.
It's brilliant, revealing not just the established, but methods for searching out the newly created.

'Dealing with Degas' Ed Richard Kendall & Griselda Pollock.
Not an easy one this, but includes some great essays if your willing to persevere.

'Dreamers of Decadence: Symbolist painters of the 1890's' Philippe Jullian.
This is pure fun, and provides much that is continued to use, decades later.

I have so much more should you be so inclined, including one of my own..
Let me know how you go. 🧐

I agree with you Jai on John Berger's Ways of Seeing. A real classic, and one of my favourites.

'The age of Rossetti, Burne-Jones and Watts: Symbolism in Britain' is also worth considering, especially for anyone who's interested in Pre-Raphaelite and Symbolist art in the 19th century.

winterblue wrote: "I agree with you Jai on John Berger's Ways of Seeing. A real classic, and one of my favourites.

'The age of Rossetti, Burne-Jones and Watts: Symbolism in Britain' is also worth considering, especi..."

Not familiar with this. It's not in my area, but would be interested to look at..

My area 'How to Read Erotic Art' Flavio Febbraro
This of course includes 'Willendorf Venus', 'The Birth of Venus' by Botticelli, and Manet's 'Olympia' to name a few.
It's an excellent beginners reference, introducing certain ideas, and grouping together a cadre of works, that reveal consistent patterns.
Doesn't take a lot of imagination to begin to question after this 😄

Oh, also.. 'Ways of Seeing' is also a documentary. It's basically a moving version of the book, word for word, but worth viewing as you get bigger, close-ups of some of the works.
Book is of course better for keeping, referencing, and studying.
Plus, cause it's a pretty book 🤓