The National Gallery
Research Task
An Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump, by Joseph Wright 'of Derby'
The important element in this portrait is the light which is placed in the centre of the painting. The light illuminates the people and surrounding darkness. Having this light source reflect upwards to each individual, it is beautifully portraying the different expressions some in profile, others full-face. This made the painting overall more interesting to observe giving attention to each of these faces.
Belshazzar's feast, by Rembrandt
Here, the brightest element is the lighting composited in the top right of the painting. This immediately leads the human eye to the writing itself and all of the luminosity surrounding it. It also reflects on the individuals, showing their clear facial expressions.
The Concert, by Hendrick ter Brugghen
The candlelight is the key light source in this painting, one obviously centred in the middle and the other on the wall. From this set up it shows the half lit figures against a light background. Them crowding together within the centred candlelight gives light to their faces and garments.
A Lady with a Squirrel and a Starling (Anne Lovell?), by Hans Holbein the Younger
In this image Holbein's use of colour is used to separate the background from the sitter. This is effective as it allows each details within the image to be clearly recognised. Although the tone of each colours are not extremely different from one another, there is an opposition between all. The artist keeps the sitter's face being the main focus, with the help of the white garment. Also her complexion contrasts against the teal background and the surrounding darker colours. The animals are also painted in darker colours, giving the subject the full attention.
Colour Schemes
These are examples of paintings with strong poses. The Portrait of Doge Leonardo Loredan is calming but very powerful. The plain background and tucked in garment ensures that our eyes focuses on the sitter and his structured facial features. The second image is of Saint Catherine of Alexandria. She posed in a rather angelic position, turning her head upwards to her right looking directly at the sky. Overall this posture is rich and charming. The last portrait is of Susanna Lunden. Her pose gives out a relaxing attitude and the cross arms could indicate that she is a modest person. I admire the way Rubens enhances Susanna's beauty by presenting her elegancy and softness.
