Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Klimt And Grandma Moses Paintings

By Darren Hartley


Three Klimt paintings, namely, Philosophy, Medicine and Jurisprudence, were criticized for their radical themes and material. They were considered pornographic. These paintings transformed traditional allegory and symbolism into a new language which was more overtly sexual, hence, more disturbing. Unfortunately, all three paintings were destroyed by retreating SS forces in May, 1945.

Another example of Klimt paintings, meant to shake up the establishment, was the Nuda Verita. Completed in 1899, it pictured a starkly naked red-headed woman holding the mirror of truth. The quotation, "If you cannot please everyone with your deeds and your art, please a few. To please many is bad," was printed above the image.

The most renowned of Klimt paintings in 1902 was the Beethoven Frieze, featuring a monumental, polychromed sculpture by Max Klinger. It was painted directly on the walls using light materials. The face on the Beethoven portrait showed a resemblance to Gustav Mahler, with whom Klimt had a respectful relationship.

House paint was the medium for the first Grandma Moses paintings. They were classified as folk art, which is self-taught art, also often times called primitive art. Grandma Moses began painting seriously only when she was already in her 70s. Not considered artistic by many was her inclusion of glitter on her snow scenes.

Grandma Moses paintings consist of simple pictures of family, church and community scenes, extolling the virtues of honesty and hard work. Grandma Moses provided the example for these virtues. Her studio was an old kitchen table placed in a utility room.

Grandma Moses paintings showcased homespun, country scenes which brought out wonderful feelings and memories for many people. Most of them were done on strong cardboard with a scale of 24" by 30" or lesser. They were portrayals of happy scenes from rural home life. They sometimes pictured herself as a small child. Among these paintings are a number of historical scenes, usually about her ancestors.




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