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Essay / The comparison of the "Double Portrait" by Van Eyck and the "Meeting of Joachim and Anna" by Giotto
The two works compared in this work of writing (The Double Portrait of Van Eyck and the Meeting of Joachim and Anna by Giotto) are visually very different in several respects, notably by their: decor, support, techniques used, etc. Looking more critically at the two works, it appears that although there are many differences, there are also many similarities within the two pieces, including their symbolic references. and certain contents. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an Original Essay Looking at both works, it is clear in both works that couples are depicted in acts of union. Looking at Giotto's work, the viewer sees Saint. Joachim and Saint. Anne in an act of union under the golden gates of Jerusalem. The couple kisses intimately, signifying a strong connection and feelings of love that were emerging themes in art around the time this work was created. When looking at Van Eyck's work, the couple depicted is seen in a "bedroom" in a less intimate act of union. The couple can be seen holding hands and sharing a seemingly important moment together. In both works, it is evident that there are individuals watching the couples in their acts of union; in Giotto's work, the witnesses can be seen on the left side of the painting and under the golden doors with a woman (dressed in dark clothing) looking away from the union; In Van Eyck's work, the witnesses are visible in the reflection of the mirror in the background. In both works it is evident that there are strong allusions to God, using the symbolism of colors and objects. Both works use the color gold (which is often associated with Christ) strategically, implying that he is present in both unions. In addition to this, it can be seen in Giotto's work that Saint Joachim and Anne both have golden halos showing their association with Christ (their halos appear to become one when embracing), and in the work of Van Eyck; the single candle in the chandelier can be interpreted as the presence of Christ in the room, the mirror in the background of the painting can also signify the presence of Christ in the room, as the mirror could represent the abilities of "total vision » of Christ, as he shows it. visitors entering the room. Another comparison between the two pieces would be the strong presence of allusions to fertility. Since Giotto's work is based on the Gospels of James, the viewer can have advance insight into the story being depicted, making the piece easier to interpret. Giotto's work depicts Saint Joachim and Saint Anne in union after receiving the news that a child would be born to them, after many unsuccessful attempts to conceive a child. The child they will have will be the mother of Christ (called Madonna or Mary). In Van Eyck's work there are also strong allusions to fertility, including: the use of color symbolism (red fertility), the sculpture of Saint Margrette (protector of childbirth) on the back chair -shot and the big bulge in woman's belly. Given the above, it is clear that there are many similarities between the two works, but there are also several differences that can be noted such as: the differences in style and medium, the influence and meaning of the parts, as well as the different symbols and meanings. present in each room. The mediums and styles used by the two artists are different, Giotto's style can be considered ".