Albrecht Dürer Self Portrait at 26

Dürer self portrait has many similarities to his first self portrait.  First, like the first one, he does still have a likeness to Jesus christ but the postioning is different.  This partial face view is less daunting than the full on position of the first.  The colors are softer as well, and the shadows are less dramatic.  There is the popular use of a window to allow for landscape and an extension of the scene.

Rosso Fiorentino- Musical Angel

Musical Angel By Rosso Fiorentino (1520)

This painting uses the pyramidal structure to focus the eye, going from the angel's face to his hand strumming the mandolin then toward his hand on the neck of the mandolin and back to his face.  The angel has a very somber feel that is common with most high renaissance art.  I like this piece, because it also has a relaxing feel.  Like other high renaissance paintings, a dark background is used to cause the foreground character to stand out.

Portrait of Simonetta Vespucci By Piero di Cosimo

 

 

Portrait of Simonetta Vespucci By Piero di Cosimo (1490)

 

 

This portrait shows a lot of the typical features of a portrait painting from the 15th century, which are the use of the profile with intricate jewels and riches.  This also has a linear perspective evident by the decreasing size of the trees in the distance.  The strange thing about this  painting is the very revealing manner in which this noblewoman is being portrayed.  Simonetta Vespucci was said to be one of the greatest beauties in Italy at the time and very wealthy.  I find it surprising for her to be so exposed.  Also, the snake around her neck is very peculiar, and am not quite sure what that is supposed to signify.  The warm colors used to depicted her I really like in contrast with the dark black snake around her neck and the cool colors of the sky behind her.

Rider with Greyhounds by Jan van Chelminski (1890)

I really enjoy the way this piece show the compainship of the three characters, the man, the horse and the greyhound.  I have a greyhound personally that why I was originally drawn to it.  His decision to use oil makes it have a softer and warmer feel to it that helps to heighten the friendly feel of the group. 

Prometheus Bound By Peter Paul Ruben

Prometheus Bound by Peter Paul Ruben, 1610-1611

This is a piece that has always interested me.  I enjoy the color scheme and the intensity of his expression as he gets attacked.  I am very familiar with mythology stories such as this one and I think this piece does a great job in portraying the severity of that moment.  The composition of this flows nicely across the canvas.  I also love the contrast of the darkened background to the bright and intense foreground that really focuses the eye on the hawk and his prey.