VA Comp Assessment 2

Art Criticism

Edward Hicks
A Peaceable Kingdom

Description

What can you learn from the title of the artwork?

The name given to Artwork 5, referencing a kingdom, represents
the harmonic cooperation between the animals and the people.

Description

What subjects in the artwork can you recognize?

I recognize the many different species of mammal within the
image. The landscape, present in the background, appears to be a
deciduous setting, most likely in a forest or woodland area.

Description

Looking at the elements of design, describe what

qualities you see.
In this piece, the most visible elements include color, value,
form, and texture. This is because of the vast quantity of shading
stroked into each object, incorporating realism.

Description

What media and techniques did the artist use?

The artist, in this piece, used oil paint to add great detail to each
mere edge of the frame.

Analysis

Emphasis: Is there a dominant element or focal point

that you see first?
I feel that Artwork 5 is essentially made up of color specifically warm
colors. This is because of the everlasting hues of brown and red, alongside
many other shades.

Analysis

Balance: Is there a special balance, or weight, among

the elements? What mood does it create?
Because of the essence of brown, red, and many other existing
warm colors, this piece of artwork gives off a mounting feeling of
intensity. Yet, visually, the setting is very calm and peaceful
throughout each individual movement.

Analysis

Proportion: Do the proportions look normal, ideal, or

unusual? Why?
I find that the consistence of texture and value create a
proportional image of realistic aspects. Many of the animals, however,
tend to feature exaggerated facial expressions, yet remain fitting with
the background and the events occurring around the setting.

Analysis

Pattern: Are elements repeated to create a pattern?

Where? Why?
In all honesty, I find that there is little to no repeating element or
visual pattern within Artwork 5.

Analysis

Rhythm or Movement: What visual rhythms or paths of

movement do your eyes follow? Where? Why?
Rhythm and movement in this piece are very mixed. Many
creatures, such as the lion, the cheetah, and so on sit motionless,
whereas animals like the cow and wildcat are seemingly paused
before a movement.

Analysis

Unity and Variety: What elements bring together, or

unify many parts of the design. Why? What elements
add variety? Why?
The variety of design and character in Artwork 5 is very plentiful,
as the differing species within the landscape create a feeling of
unity and togetherness.

Interpretation

Is there symbolism in the artwork? What do you think it

means?
Personally, when symbolism comes into mind, I immediately
reflect upon the hidden meaning within any form of art, including
literature, media, or even a painting. In Artwork 5, one may notice
the theme of cooperation, as the people and the animals are
uniting in order to survive in the open lands ahead.

Interpretation

What feeling do you think the artist wanted to give the

viewer when looking at the work?
I feel that the artist, Hicks, longed to incorporate a feeling of
something new enough to fit the visual and imaginative appeal of
those who have viewed it.

Interpretation

Does the work remind you of other things you have

experienced?
Truthfully, I have seen many pieces in the past very similar to this,
incorporating the unison of people and animals alike to present a
theme of cooperation.

Interpretation

How does the work relate to other ideas or events in

the world and/or in your other classes?
I believe that this piece is meant to symbolically represent a form
of equality, hence the supposed theme.

Judgment

What parts of the work make you feel it is a success or

failure?
The realism incorporated into this painting and the message of
unity is what most likely had led to the pieces great success. The
time took to create such an artistic creation is also very admirable.
The great use of textures, values, and forms truly do add a
powerful emphasis that anyone could acclaim in an instant.

Judgment

What criteria can you list to help others judge this work?
The majority of Artwork 5 tends to lead a more realistic style. This is
because of the frequently-added contrast, balance, and value, giving the
piece a feeling of life.

Judgment

How unique is the work? Why do you feel this work is or

is not unique?
Perhaps, for its time, this piece was welcomed as an originality
and spectacle of the world of art. In my eyes, however, it would
seem as though I have seen many pieces that captured the exact
effect, visually and meaningfully. The vibe of unity is very detailed
and powerful, but I will never see Artwork 5 as anything new.

Judgment

What are some improvements you feel the artist could

have made to the work?
I understand that the artist was most likely unknowing and native
to the world across the borders of sea, never to lay an eye on the
majestic lion in his or her life, but the facial structure of the
creature simply tends to agitate me. It does not settle well with the
rest of the realism depicted in the work, as it is greatly exaggerated
compared to the fellow mammals surrounding it.