This is a representational painting (also called objective, or figurative) because the artist has emphasized the fact of the pipe as a sold object having a shape that we recognize and associate with our experience of "pipeness." In this painting, there is no question that Magritte was representing a pipe. What was the meaning of Magritte's written statement below the pipe- "Ceci n'est pas une pipe" ("This is not a pipe")?
Magritte said that "People who look for symbolic meanings fail to grasp the inherent poetry and mystery of the image." He tells us not to look for meaning, but rather to let the picture penetrate our senses and our imagination. He said that "One object suggests that there is another lurking behind it." In other words there is always more than meets the eye.
A great example of balance in artwork. A successful composition usually conveys the impression of balance, or equilibrium. If you are a picture straightener, then you know how annoying it can be if an object is tilted and appears unbalanced. The simplest form of balance is symmetry, in which there is an exact correspondence of parts on either side of a central axis. In other words, the left side of a work is a mirror image of the right side.
The human body is an example of symmetry (not exact), as shown here. With the exception of the turned feet, if we draw a line down the middle, this is a mirror image.
This famous pastel work conveys a personal experience Munch had. He said he was walking with two friends at sunset, the sky turned blood-red, he felt a surge of sadness and stopped as his friends carried on. The clouds were like flaming swords hanging over him. He was seized with fear and panic as he heard a scream tear through the world around him.
The content of this piece shares a theme of death, depression, and anxiety. There is also a sense of suspicion and danger. He may sense a presence, although he does not see them. He pushes against his ears so forcefully that his face resembles a screaming skull.
This oil on canvas painting is an example of implied (simulated) texture. When we touch the painting it is smooth on the surface, but when we focus on it we see a number of textural illusions. The textures seen, are there to represent Napoleon as an ancient Roman emperor and convey his imperial power. Everything from his intricate velvety outfit, to his shoes, to the rug underneath him; we can imagine the feel of these materials because of the artist's skill in creating illusions of texture.
This oil on canvas is a great example of the optical effects of color. The colors seem to change depending on the degree to which the figure at the right is enlarged. Our eyes can simulate the effect of mixing colors, called optical mixing. It happens when two colors are placed next to each other and our eyes combine them as if they are actually mixed. Seurat uses dots of color placed next to each other and the dots seem to merge into their combined color.
