THE MOON: BEYOND PLACE AND TIME

SELECTIONS FROM THE BRITISH MUSEUM

BY: DAVID RIOS

     In A Cornfield by Moonlight with the Evening Star, Samuel Palmer incorporates  visual elements such as line and space to present a peaceful scene. For example, in this image, line serves a variety of purposes. The technique of hatching is evident in the night sky which indicates its depth. Also, lines emerging from the moon suggest direction in the moonlight as it travels to the lower right of the painting. Furthermore, contour lines outline the organic shapes of the shepherd and his crops while darker lines illustrate their shadows. Overall, the use of line in this piece of art is used to illustrate a natural and calm process  where the moon slowly climbs the dark night sky and casts its light on the landscape. In regards to space, the artist employs aerial perspective through the effect of a brightness gradient. As the objects become more distant, their intensity lessens. This is evident when comparing the lighter orange of the shapes in the foreground to the dark orange of the hills in the background. The moon is an exception in this painting.

  A Cornfield by Moonlight with the Evening Star

Artist: Samuel PalmerOrigin: EnglandDate: Around AD 1830Medium: Watercolor with bodycolour,Pen and inkMeasurements: Height 197mm Width 258mm

     In the Sun, the Moon, and a Basilisk, Albrecht Durer includes artistic techniques that emphasize the importance of the figures to each other. For example, through their placement, Durer is able to incorporate implied lines into the drawings that form a triangle. As a result, there is a suggested connection between the three figures. Furthermore, the scales of the objects are relatively similar, indicating that they are equally relevant in this piece .  It is important to highlight the unity of these symbols because according to the British Museum, together they represent eternity. This art is also an example of iconography

The Sun, the Moon, and a

Basilisk

Artist: Albrecht DurerOrigin: GermanyDate: AD 1512Medium: DrawingMeasurements: Height 188mmWidth 86mm

    In The Rising Moon, Samuel Palmer introduces a familiar scene as the moon rises over the hills while a shepherd observes. However, Palmer resorts to various techniques to communicate the serenity and beauty of the scene. A main visual element present in the artwork is the use of chiaroscuro. Though this method, Palmer gradually shifts from light to dark though a successive graduation of tones. As a result, the value contrasts allow the figures of the shepherd and his flock of sheep to present a three dimensional appearance. Furthermore, the value contrast allows the audience to distinguish the figures from the background. Overall, the use of chiaroscuro gives the artwork a soft and smooth presentation. On the other hand, in order to present space, Palmer use relative size to create the illusion of three dimensionality. For instance, the sheep in the foreground appear larger because they are closer while the building in the distance appears smaller. Though chiaroscuro and relative size, we are introduced into a grand scene where the moon shyly rises and illuminates the area.

The Rising Moon

Artist: Samuel PalmerOrigin: LondonDate: AD 1855-1857Medium: EtchingMeasurements: Height 14.5cm Width 22.4cm

CAMEO     This piece of art grants human characteristics to the moon. For example, it presents organic shapes that are present in humans as well as the crescent shape of the moon. Furthermore, there is symmetrical balance in the face of the moon that is similar to that of the human face. 

Artist: UnknownOrigin: EuropeDate: 17th CenturyMedium: EngraveMeasurements: Diameter .7in

WHY THESE PIECES OF ART?

• I selected these works of art because I was interested in the portrayal of the moon in different times and places. I was pleased to learn that it was an important symbol for peacefulness, eternity, and nature. The last piece of art also was also interesting as it presented the moon with human-like aspects. Overall, I was amazed at the amount of artistic techniques the artists used to communicate their ideas.

• For my gallery I want people to view the serenity of the works of Pinter and then to see the personification of the moon. 

ART GALLERY

A Cornfield by Moonlight with the Evening Star

• The Sun, the Moon, and a Basilisk

The Rising Moon

• Cameo

Entrance