Emerald’s Blog

  The Virgin of the Macana , second half of the 18th century, oil on canvas (History Collections New Mexico History Museum) The Virgin of Macana painting is telling the story of the colonization of America and the Pueblo revolution. In tale of the statue, it begins with  another  statue, Our Lady of Toledo, which is struck on the head during a battle where a Native attempting to destroy it. After  it is  inexplicable survival, the statue transformed from Our Lady of Toledo into the Virgin of Macana. In the painting itself the indigenous people are attacking and killing the Franciscans. At the bottom  of painting  of the Virgin of Macana it even  contains  a resolution to the conflict .  Both sides the Native people and the priests coming together are coming together to pay their respects to the statue .   Thus,  the individuals that died trying  to  spread  the word of God  were   ma de  ...

Edo People,  Iyoba Pendant Mask ,  16th c., ivory, iron, copper  The Queen Mother Pendant Mask ( Iyoda ) was sculpted the early 16 th  century by the Edo people off the coast Benin in Nigeria. It is a depiction of the Queen Mother Idia created for her son in her honor. She was known for fighting merciless to secure her son lineage  as he was to be the future king .  It is said that Oba would have worn the mask on his chest during ceremonies to commemorate his mother. It is  apparent  that family especially the mother plays a significant role in these people's lineage. If the first born is a son, the Queen Mother will not have any other children and just focus on her son.    This is an  incredible intricate   piece that is made of ivory ,  copper,  and...

Portrait of Sin Sukju  (detail), second half of the 15th century, hanging scroll, ink and color on silk, 167 x 109.5 cm, Goryeong Sin Family Collection, Cheongwon, Treasure no. 613. Albrecht Dürer,  Self-portrait , 1500, 67.1 x 48.9cm (Alte Pinakothek, Munich) Portrait of Sin Sukju  (detail), second half of the 15th century, hanging scroll, ink and color on silk, 167 x 109.5 cm, Goryeong Sin Family Collection, Cheongwon, Treasure no. 613 When looking at both of these portraits one can get lost in the detailing, both artist took great pride in capturing important features of each of their subjects. Unlike Albrecht Dürer’s piece the Portrait of Sin Sukju is not a self portrait.  In fact during the time of the Joseon Dynasty the portraits were commissioned to honor the subjects in both life and death and was seen as a tremendous award to both artist and subject. The Royal court had a special bureau dedicated to artists who were elected to paint portraits of honored subj...

Judith Leyster,  Self-Portrait ,  c. 1633, oil on canvas Diego Velázquez,  Juan de Pareja , 1650, oil on canvas When comparing Judith Leystere’s Self-Portrait and Diego Velázquez’s Juan de Pareja one can see the obvious similarities like they both are oil paintings, and they both occur around the same time period. Another similarity that is not so obvious, is that of the subjects, they were both considered minorities, one is a black slave and one is a female artist. However, there are quite a few differences that stand out also. For instance, the colors in Leystere’s portrait are brighter and vibrant, making them stand out, as well as, bring a lighter feel to her piece. Velázquez’s piece has darker colors that brings more of a murky feel to it. Leystere’s piece is self-portrait, which showcases the fact that she is an artist, she herself is painting a portrait in the portrait. In Velázquez’s painting he painted a portrait of his assistant, Juan de Pareja who was also a sl...

The Oath of the Horatii  https://smarthistory.org/jacques-louis-david-oath-of-the-horatii/   is an oil painting on canvas that was commissioned by Louis XVI from artist Jacques-Louis David. This life size portrait was displayed in 1785, and embraced a new style known as Neoclassicism. This painting stands out because it not only embraces a new style that the time was in need of but artists like David took a stand and supported the rebellion of revolution through their art. This particular piece is based on a Roman legend, and depicts the grim reality of war. The legend involves a conflict between the Romans and the Albans, and according to the legend each region selects three brothers from each side to settle their dispute through combat. However, each side is related my marriage therefore whatever side wins also lose. This piece portrays the Horatii brothers taking their Oath to defend Rome in front of their father and the women behind him are the ones they are leaving behind...

 Hi! My name is Emerald Lovato, I’m a liberal arts major. I’m still not sure what I want to do once I graduate but hopefully I can make a decision soon. I took Art 211 last semester and really enjoyed the course. As far as my favorite artist goes, I really don’t have just one. I like a variety of all types art. My favorite thing about art is that it is a way of seeing something through someone else’s eyes, be it a beautiful scenic view or something more abstract. Right now, I don’t have a lot of time for hobbies because my kids are all being homeschooled, I’m in school too, and there aren’t enough hours in the day. I do like to crochet, diy stuff and hiking when the weather is nice enough.