Grobstok 1
Hans Grobstok
Professor Hallie Meredith
Fine_Art-101–4014 [Online]
July 7, 2017
In reading the assigned chapters, looking at the overview on Blackboard, and reviewing
outside sources I have constructed the answer to the three assigned questions. In this essay, I will
be discussing concepts of Classicism, tenebrism from Chapter 15, and an image I will discuss
with you classmates.
Question #1 Answer:
First, let’s define Classicism, and its main concepts. Classicism, is a 17th century
movement which inspired the revival of the Classical art of Greece and Rome, and was meant to
represent the highest and most serious thoughts in its works, and appealed to the viewers
“reason, not to their base emotions.” Which creates a very logical and orderly art. (Lewis, pg.
335). The main concepts of Classicism: First, to reject Naturalism, specifically its portrayal of
authentic emotions; Secondly, that the main goal of a work of art is to represent serious and
noble thoughts; Thirdly, that an artist must have order and logic in their images, “not as things
really are but as they should be” (Lewis, pg. 335); Finally, that art is only true if it depicts great
themes and appeals to the viewers reason, not their base emotions. These doctrines are the
concepts that make up Classicism and must be present in a Classicist work of art. The most
famous Classicist artist was Nicolas Poussin. All his work is characterized by its clarity, logic,
order, and his favoritism of lines over color. These characteristics can be clearly seen in his work
Esther before Ahasuerus.
Question #2 Answer:
Grobstok 2
I chose to discuss the artistic style known as tenebrism, created by Michelangelo de
Merisi, better-known as Caravaggio (The name of his hometown). Tenebrism also known as
tenebroso is, “a style of painting especially associated with the Italian painter Caravaggio and his
followers in which most of the figures are engulfed in shadow but some are dramatically
illuminated by a beam of light usually from an identifiable source” (“Tenebrism” 2017). His art
style would influence many famous artists, which the textbook states, “Among the many great
artists who learned from his work were Velázquez in Spain, Rubens in Flanders, and Rembrandt
in Holland” (Lewis, pg. 318). While he also had a, “direct influence on another Italian painter,
