Rembrandt
Rembrandt’s ability to immortalise figures within his works almost seems contradictory to my portrayal of the futility of hyperbolically evolved ideologies of aesthetic perfection and morals. But what I was particularly interested in was his style of painting, as an anchor to the past mythologies and ideologies. But his paintings almost transcend the fantastical painted realm he creates into reality, the depth created from his use of tones, shadows and lighting is incredible. Of particular interest to me however was his treatment of religious iconography and the female body/form. I noted the placid passivity of the female body and its objectification, displayed almost as some alabaster statue in its environment in accordance to classical and patriarchal stereotypes of women as subdued and virtuous, yet were also expected to be objects of voyeurism. The treatment of westernised Christian religious imagery was also interesting, with very symbolic and well known scenes being portrayed and retold countlessly. But there always seems to be some great sense of awe about the figure, usually exemplified by the use of lighting and the fantastical.
Rebecca Elysium 