As ever, an excellent piece, George, and it reminded me that not only is great art a feast for the eye, but it can also educate. In first coming across Raphael's 'Resurrection', in those days when search engines were called libraries, I wondered why Christ was holding the flag of St George, not realising that it was also a symbol of the resurrection. That knowledge explained to this late teenage youth why the wonderful Covent Garden pub, the Lamb and Flag, is so named. By then, I'd drunk many a pint in that hostelry before realising its name symbolised Agnus Dei carrying the resurrection flag. Always lots to learn from art. Hope you have a good weekend.
Much appreciated Harry. I like how your pints at the hostelry were as much a key part of you learning more about these things alongside the library book and the art itself too!
But all jokes aside, I totally agree with you. It's those little details in art which open up so many other branches of learning right alongside the main subject too.
Great discussion and an excellent juxtaposition, for sure. In the earlier image, Christ appears to have a pancake stuck to his feet, a most certainly undesirable circumstance if there ever were one. No wonder he looks a bit stiff (right arm half-raised) and perhaps uncertain of Himself. In the final painting, though, he has become an absolutely profound expression of freedom. He's not merely defying the laws of gravity -- he's dancing that defiance, cut free from the bonds of everything imaginable other than the Divine. And his dance has gained the power to draw others into the same state of weightlessness. It's Raphael's own transformation from talented pupil to a true, full-blown artist, and no doubt about it.
As ever, an excellent piece, George, and it reminded me that not only is great art a feast for the eye, but it can also educate. In first coming across Raphael's 'Resurrection', in those days when search engines were called libraries, I wondered why Christ was holding the flag of St George, not realising that it was also a symbol of the resurrection. That knowledge explained to this late teenage youth why the wonderful Covent Garden pub, the Lamb and Flag, is so named. By then, I'd drunk many a pint in that hostelry before realising its name symbolised Agnus Dei carrying the resurrection flag. Always lots to learn from art. Hope you have a good weekend.
Much appreciated Harry. I like how your pints at the hostelry were as much a key part of you learning more about these things alongside the library book and the art itself too!
But all jokes aside, I totally agree with you. It's those little details in art which open up so many other branches of learning right alongside the main subject too.
Hope you also have a great weekend.
Great discussion and an excellent juxtaposition, for sure. In the earlier image, Christ appears to have a pancake stuck to his feet, a most certainly undesirable circumstance if there ever were one. No wonder he looks a bit stiff (right arm half-raised) and perhaps uncertain of Himself. In the final painting, though, he has become an absolutely profound expression of freedom. He's not merely defying the laws of gravity -- he's dancing that defiance, cut free from the bonds of everything imaginable other than the Divine. And his dance has gained the power to draw others into the same state of weightlessness. It's Raphael's own transformation from talented pupil to a true, full-blown artist, and no doubt about it.
Some really brilliant observations here! I really hope other readers will see your comment too.
Such talent at such a young age. Great piece, George.
You’ve excelled yourself - highly enjoyable and educational!
Thanks a lot, Mike. I appreciate it.
Merci
A highly valuable piece of content about Raphael.
Thanks for showing the Transfiguration. - an awesome painting.
The Transfiguration definitely shows more skill. It's great to see an artist grow. And I like the floating figure of Jesus. Amazing work, George.