Depending on one’s
idea of art, different essential qualities define a work of art. Emotionalism
states that art should communicate emotion. Formalism states that art should
emphasize principles and elements of art, like texture, color, or line.
Imitationalism states that art should imitate the object in the real world. An ideal
piece of art satisfies all three of those ideals. My ideal piece communicates
emotion through the use of texture, color, line, and other principles and
elements of art while being reasonably realistic.
One masterful piece
that satisfies all three of those requirements is The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci. The contrast between the
light of the windows and the darkness nearby are used to emphasis the holiness
of Jesus. The line forming the arch above Jesus implies a halo. You can see and
feel the distress and trouble of Jesus’ disciples as well as Jesus’ acceptance
of his fate. Furthermore, all of The Last
Supper is realistic. You can distinguish every entity da Vinci was trying
to recreate in this painting. The only unrealistic article being the
disembodied hand purposefully painted to represent the hand of Judas betraying
Jesus. The true downfall of The Last
Supper lies only in its short life. Nonetheless, The Last Supper is an exemplary piece that satisfies all three
ideals regarding art.
Different people
have different ideals. To me, an admirable piece of art fulfills the provisions
of all three beliefs of art: formalism, emotionalism, and imitaionalism. Certainly
this is a lot to ask for, but this is
an ideal piece, non?
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