Declaration of Concept: Wealth

I have decided to explore the concept of wealth because I feel it is unique. I think it might be something that not a lot of people look into when they think of paintings. I intend to learn a lot about different kinds of wealth. It could be people who are/were wealthy and the aspects that make them. Or it could be things in history that were worth a lot of money.

Louis XIV Wealth Critique #1

Hyacinthe Rigaud’s painting of King Louis XIV gives the viewer a chance to see what wealth looked like back in eighteenth century France. The eyes wander to Louis XIV himself, who becomes the focal point of the painting. Because he is positioned in the middle of the image, it creates a balance. The background shows a big column on the left side, as well as reddish orange drapes. There is also a chair with the same color fabric as his clothing. The foreground of the painting consists of a rug with what looks like vines and leaves.

To the left of Louis XIV, the viewer sees a footstool that also has the same fabric as his clothing. On the footstool lies a gold crown. The blue colors of his clothing suggest he was rather wealthy because buying dark dye in those times was extremely expensive. The same goes for his long, black wig, which must have cost more than the blue dye. Inside of his coat, there is a sword that looks like it has a gold cover.

Other wealthy aspects of what he is wearing in the picture are the tights and the shoes. The viewer may notice Louis XIV’s face in this painting. It is not exactly a smile, but it is not a frown either. The viewer might consider different possibilities of things he might have been thinking when this was being done. He could be looking serious, or he could also be looking slightly sad because of his drooping eyes. However the viewer perceives this painting, Rigaud certainly explores the different aspects that made Louis XIV a wealthy king.

Mind's Eye Painting Critique

The painting “Two Paths” by Brett Gamache brings the viewer into a peaceful woods setting with a road alongside a lonely shack. This becomes the focal point of the painting, as the two paths on the outside create a balance. In the background of the picture, blue sky appears above the trees, creating a calm mood. The colors of green and brown suggest it is a nice summer day. Mountains are in view over the path on the left. The path along the right side, however, seems to lead deeper into the woods.

The painting instantly gives the viewer two choices. The path on the left goes off to the mountains and clear sky. The path on the right heads further into the wood. It could mean that one must make a decision about something weighing on his or her mind. Or it could simply be a fork in the road on a serene walk through the forest. This could all depend on the viewer’s own perspective of the painting, leaving possibilities endless.

As the viewer takes in the scene, he or she considers the possible narratives and feels a cool breeze flow through the trees. The viewer notices the composition of the painting and feels secure and safe within the scene presented. The viewer may also be curious about the intention of Gamache, whether it is to present a challenge of decision or something completely different. However it is viewed, Gamache succeeds in making a tranquil setting carry several meaningful purposes.

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