Analysis of Artworks
Two-dimensional work of art: Tower of Babel by Pieter Bruegel the Elder- 1563
This piece features several elements of the Roman Architecture, including arches and brick-works, which mimic the construction and appearance of the Roman Colosseum.
The foundation and lower levels of the tower are incomplete, depicting the impermanence of human works, as compared to the heavenly works.
The arches form a perpendicular angle to the surface level, which renders them, as well as the building, as unstable.
Human pride is depicted in this piece- as the Roman Colosseum represents the harsh experiences of Christians in the hands of persecutors, the tower of Babel resembles the action of human beings challenging the might of the Creator.
Three-dimensional work of art: Dancer Moving Forward, Arms Raised by Edgar Degas- 1882
In this piece, a ballet dancer is shown in movement, as the weight of her body is over the left leg, her arms are in a relaxed pose, having not yet reached the fifth position of the ballet dance.
The dancer is in a Demi Derriere pose, which is ‘half-behind’ in English, purporting to the fact that her rear side is visible, as well as parts of her front side.
The negative space between the arms and legs, and in the background of the artwork is an off-white, which brings the focus of the viewer fully to the sculpture.
This artwork showcases purpose in the movement of the dancer, towards the completion of the movement of the dance.
This piece of art communicates the element of incompletion, an action in progress. Everything around us is a work in progress, not yet complete in various aspects.