Classical Exhibit
Hello everyone, for this week I will be taking a deeper dive into two classical pieces that are centered on the Art and Scientific Discovery in the 1700's. During this time period for art, there was also science discoveries that were then reflected back into paintings. There were significant advancements in astronomy, biology, and chemistry that were reflected into paintings so lets take a look at a few.
An Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump
By: Joseph Wright 'of Derby'
This painting was done in 1768 in London. Wright was known for creating a series of paintings surrounded by tasks done during candlelight that increased the complexity of the story being told. This one in particular showcases an audience gathering around a lecturer to watch an experiment. A white cockatoo was placed in a glass container from where the air was then pumped to create a vacuum. Wright focusses on the viewers of the painting depictions of what might happen, does the lecturer expel all of the air completely then killing the bird or allow the air to go back in an keep it alive is for the viewer to choose. I think leaving it up to the viewers depiction creates a dramatic moment during the science experiment of the vacuum on a living bird. There are deep contrasts of light and shadow which heightens the emotional tension of the onlookers which seems to be a variety there as well from distress and curiosity. Wrights work seems to not only document science advancements at the time but also the moral and emotional that goes with those times of exploration. Science discoveries were more of a public presentation back then which made knowledge more accessible while diving into reflection of humanity and animal relations.
In some ways I enjoy the painting because I do work in a career filed that it took many experiments and trials though the times when they did not have technology that they do now to figure out how things worked. As a viewer I believe that the air was let back into the glass bowl because the ladies were dressed to well to possibly the victim of their own eyes seeing something suffocate, but again those were different times back then and maybe the ladies could also go to the teacher during the dark to be able to get an education on sciences.
The Eruption of Mt. Vesuvius
By: Pierre-Jacques Volaire
Pierre-Jacques Volaire was a French painter who made a living as a souvenir artist in Italy. He is best known for his work of Mt. Vesuvius, that he also witnessed himself, and has painted more than 30 different views of the volcano. This painting in particular is a representation of natural disasters and scientific observations during this time period. The dramatic and violence of the eruption depicted reflects both the Enlightenment-era fascination with natural phenomena and the growing field of geology. There is a good mixture of reds and oranges as lava against moonlit sky that seems to heighten the painting. The colors and mood setting those play a part in the painting aligns with the theatrical presentation of nature seen in many scientific illusions over time.
The painting for me as a viewer seems like such a strong representation of that time during the eruption, especially coming from a painter who saw it himself. The painting seems to serve as a historical document depicting how people reacted to natural disasters running away from the lava as there is destruction taking place behind them that they have zero control over to stop it. I chose this one as well as it symbolizes the power of nature and scientific curiosity and discovery that took off following the event. The piece captures beauty of geological forces and also reflects on the eras dedication to studying and understanding the natural world.
The Academicians of the Royal Academy
By: Johann Zoffany
Zoffany's painting was completed in 1772 in London where he resided for his painting career. This painting in particular has a great representation of the relationship between art and scientific discovery during this time period being a lot of studying things in their bare form to see how they work. The painting captures a gathering of artists and intellectuals at the Royal Academy of Arts in London. The painting itself shows the importance of life drawing and anatomical study as foundational to artistic practice. There are highlights of how scientific understanding of the human body was integral for artistic training as they sought realism and their study for human anatomy was deeply influences by scientific dissections and medical advancements. The inclusion of sculptures and classical references within the painting suggests a dialogue between science, art, and history. There are a lot of connections to traditions in the painting and also the Royal Academy as a modern intellectual hub.
I chose this one as my last piece to work on because again being in the medical field, how did they truly do it back then. It had to be on so much study of every piece and everyone truly working together, while also many a ton of mistakes back then as we have studied now, but it is truly amazing. Basing on what is shows in the painting, just a few men undressed being studied by a couple dozen to advance in science is really great and I enjoyed learning about this one probably the most in learning what they though they were seeing the body work to what we know now, but them only having limited tools is amazing work.
Work cited:
Ray, Ronald. “The Eruption of Mt. Vesuvius (Work of Art).” The Eruption of Mt. Vesuvius – NCMALearn, 2017,https://learn.ncartmuseum.org/artwork/the-eruption-of-mt-vesuvius/.
Tate, Sandra. “Joseph Wright ‘of Derby’, ‘an Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump’, 1768.” Joseph Wright “of Derby” | An Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump | NG725 | National Gallery, London, 1 Jan. 1768, https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/joseph-wright-of-derby-an-experiment-on-a-bird-in-the-air-pump.
Farrel. “Johan Joseph Zoffany (Frankfurt 1733-London 1810) - the Academicians of the Royal Academy.” Royal Collection Trust, 2009, https://www.rct.uk/collection/400747/the-academicians-of-the-royal-academy.
Hi Kelly,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your blog post! The way you connected art and scientific discovery in the 1700s was both insightful and engaging. I found An Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump especially compelling because of the moral tension you highlighted—Wright’s use of dramatic lighting really does force the viewer to wrestle with the ethical implications of scientific experimentation. I agree with your point that this painting not only documents scientific advancements but also reflects the emotional and moral complexities of the time.
Your discussion of The Eruption of Mt. Vesuvius also stood out to me. I appreciated how you connected the painting to the Enlightenment fascination with natural phenomena. It’s fascinating to think about how artists like Volaire not only captured historical events but also contributed to scientific curiosity by documenting these disasters in such vivid detail.
One thing that I think could add to the discussion is the role of public spectacle in both scientific and artistic advancements of the time. Just as scientific experiments were performed for audiences, artists also staged dramatic scenes to captivate viewers. This seems to tie into the larger theme of knowledge being both a pursuit of truth and a performance in the 18th century.
Overall, your post does a great job of illustrating the intersection of art, science, and morality during the Classical Era. Thanks for sharing such an insightful perspective!