Compare and Contrast Two Fifteenth or Early Sixteenth Century Paintings

Compare and Contrast Two Fifteenth or Early Sixteenth Century Paintings

From reviewing art throughout history, it becomes clear how it develops and improves; still maintaining certain aspects as well as initializing new techniques. By studying two specific works of art, one is able to highlight such comparisons and contrasts. This essay aims to explore two studies from high renaissance: Giulio Romano’s piece, The Holy Family with the Infant Saint John the Baptist (Vierge de Novar) by Giulio Romano and The Holy Family Meeting the Infant St John the Baptist (The Madonna del Passeggio) by Raffaello Santi Raphael, particularly focusing on the differences and likeness of subject, iconography and composition which has been established by the artist in each piece to create the desired, appropriate effect.
The two works of art possess parallel elements to each other in their basic features. Both were created using the same medium: oil and gold on panel; with similar dimensions: Vierge de Novar measurements are 82.50 x 63.20 cm, again comparable to The Madonna del Passeggioat, which is a slightly larger 90.00 x 63.30 cm. From noticing the dates of production, another similarity can be accentuated. Vierge de Novar was created in c.1518 – 1523, and The Madonna del Passeggioat, c.1516. Because the artists worked in very close proximity of time, indeed during the same period, it can be determined that they both generate ideas from related influences and techniques, causing their styles to share more mutual features than that of variation.
The first obvious similarity between the two paintings is the featured religious figures: Christ, The Virgin Mary and John the Baptist, as well as Joseph being present in the background. In both studies, the composition has been skillfully arranged so that the respect John the Baptist feels towards Christ is indicated. In Vierge de Novar, the Christ child has been meticulously positioned at a higher level to John the Baptist, forcing the young Baptist to look up in a manner of admiration. The Madonna del...

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