Ivan the Terrible and His Son Ivan
Ilya Repin, 1885
Oil Paint, Panel Painting
I admire this painting due to its intense pull of emotions; how dramatic one's style of painting can affect the viewers. This image depicts the aftermath of a man murdering his son, feeling the immense guilt and shame alone with fear or anxiety of what comes next. It was created by a man named Ilya Repin who was a Russian oil painter in the 1880s. He demonstrates terrific emotion and feeling as you move through the piece, connecting the surroundings to the foreground.
Daddy's Lap
Njalo Bongani, 2012
Used Reclining Chair, Shards of Glass
I adore this piece created by Bongani, because it demonstrated the uncomfortable and the jarring reality that is unfortunately common in most homes. It tells a story of the perpetual feeling of doom that emanates from a father figure or where they can often reside in a home, making it feel unsafe or unwelcoming. Bongani gives the viewer a visual representation of what this can feel like without the need to write it out or use facial representation on a canvas.
The Execution of Lady Jane Grey
Paul Delaroche, 1833
Oil on canvas
This piece of artwork is a devastation rendition of a young Lady Jane Grey being executed; it pulls deep despair and sadness from the viewer as it shows her unknowing demise being near. In this image, Lady Jane Grey is a sixteen-year-old girl whose life was taken noticeably early. The message to the viewer displays sorrow and fear of the unknown, something that is very raw and powerful as it strikes fear into the viewer. The values and contrasts between the figures' choice of clothing to demonstrate innocence and doom are choices I considered to be quite emotional and meaningful for this young woman's end.
War Pieta
Max Ginsburg, 2007
Oil on canvas
This image above portrays intense emotion of sorrow and anguish, it is showing the mother's loss of a son. Losing a son to war is one of the most gut-wrenching experiences a family ever has to endure, especially a mother. This mother's love is shown through her wails and cries painted on her face; she is grieving as this is the last time she'll be able to touch her son's head. Around the figures there are burning towers, a hat bloodied by the son's blood, a weapon, a few bullet casings, a crumpled up American Flag, and an empty canteen. The crumpled of flag is to explain the trust and belief of the country, almost saying, "Look what you've done." This piece is extremely powerful and gives a lot of emotion throughout the foreground and background.
