Week 2 Discussion: Critic of the Arts
Hello Professor and class
We learned from our reading that we are all critics already in our decisions we make
throughout each day. It states “Most of the time it is low-level criticism, almost
instinctive, establishing your preferences in music, literature, painting, sculpture,
architecture, film, and video art. “ (Jacobus & Martin P42) After reviewing the art options
to evaluate through our reading, which in itself a decision or criticism, I chose to
evaluate Nu Couche, which means sleeping nude, by Amedeo Modigliani. (Jacobus &
Martin P55)
Descriptive: Although there are seven elements, line, shape, form, space, texture, value
and color; I will be discussing lines, texture ad color in this painting (mymodernmet.com)
The lines within this painting are smooth and distinct. They are not realistic, as the
human body is more dynamic. The texture, which is defined as “the surface ‘feel’ of
something” (Jacobus & Martin P72) is also smooth and the attentional to detail has
added a deeper feel to the surface, adding another dimension. The colors used are
vibrant and simple. With the use of minimal colors, the intended focus of the painting is
obvious. Colors were also used to maintain the sense of human perfection by utilizing
only the flesh color for the entire body, showing no imperfections, pigment flaws, scars,
or bruises.
Interpretive: As defined in our reading, “Interpretive criticism explicates the content of a
work of art.” (Jacobus & Martin P48) I feel the meaning of this painting was to glorify the
naked body and the peacefulness of rest. In a world of constant motion and anxiety, I
feel it depicts the beauty of calmness.
Evaluative: ”Evaluative criticism presupposes three fundamental standards: perfection,
insight, and inexhaustibility.” (Jacobus & Martin P52) The painter incorporated many
dynamics into his work. “Experimenting with new forms is always challenging, and so it
is the perfect activity for artists.” (Summer P. 66) He blended the use of color and lines
to represent the perfection of the content he was drawing. His insight into not only the
appreciation of the human body, but also the appreciation of stillness is apparent in his
drawing. It is simple and organized. By definition of inexhaustible, this painting elicited
the appropriate response from me. The painting is simple in nature and may be
offensive to some, but the content and representation is quite complex.
Jacobus, L.A. & Martin, F.D. (2019). The Humanities Through the Arts. New York, NY:
McGraw-Hill Education (pages 42-90)
https://mymodernmet.com/elements-of-art-visual-culture/
Summer, Laura. (2003). The Elements of Painting. LILIPO. Bibliographic Records:
12/01/2003. Retrieved 7/12/20 from Chamberlain library via
webscohost.com.chamberlainuniversity.idm.oclc.org (pages 65-69)
This study source was downloaded by 100000847795904 from CourseHero.com on 07-04-2022 11:14:31 GMT -05:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/66838746/Week-2-Discussion-HUMN303docx/
Hello Professor and class
We learned from our reading that we are all critics already in our decisions we make
throughout each day. It states “Most of the time it is low-level criticism, almost
instinctive, establishing your preferences in music, literature, painting, sculpture,
architecture, film, and video art. “ (Jacobus & Martin P42) After reviewing the art options
to evaluate through our reading, which in itself a decision or criticism, I chose to
evaluate Nu Couche, which means sleeping nude, by Amedeo Modigliani. (Jacobus &
Martin P55)
Descriptive: Although there are seven elements, line, shape, form, space, texture, value
and color; I will be discussing lines, texture ad color in this painting (mymodernmet.com)
The lines within this painting are smooth and distinct. They are not realistic, as the
human body is more dynamic. The texture, which is defined as “the surface ‘feel’ of
something” (Jacobus & Martin P72) is also smooth and the attentional to detail has
added a deeper feel to the surface, adding another dimension. The colors used are
vibrant and simple. With the use of minimal colors, the intended focus of the painting is
obvious. Colors were also used to maintain the sense of human perfection by utilizing
only the flesh color for the entire body, showing no imperfections, pigment flaws, scars,
or bruises.
Interpretive: As defined in our reading, “Interpretive criticism explicates the content of a
work of art.” (Jacobus & Martin P48) I feel the meaning of this painting was to glorify the
naked body and the peacefulness of rest. In a world of constant motion and anxiety, I
feel it depicts the beauty of calmness.
Evaluative: ”Evaluative criticism presupposes three fundamental standards: perfection,
insight, and inexhaustibility.” (Jacobus & Martin P52) The painter incorporated many
dynamics into his work. “Experimenting with new forms is always challenging, and so it
is the perfect activity for artists.” (Summer P. 66) He blended the use of color and lines
to represent the perfection of the content he was drawing. His insight into not only the
appreciation of the human body, but also the appreciation of stillness is apparent in his
drawing. It is simple and organized. By definition of inexhaustible, this painting elicited
the appropriate response from me. The painting is simple in nature and may be
offensive to some, but the content and representation is quite complex.
Jacobus, L.A. & Martin, F.D. (2019). The Humanities Through the Arts. New York, NY:
McGraw-Hill Education (pages 42-90)
https://mymodernmet.com/elements-of-art-visual-culture/
Summer, Laura. (2003). The Elements of Painting. LILIPO. Bibliographic Records:
12/01/2003. Retrieved 7/12/20 from Chamberlain library via
webscohost.com.chamberlainuniversity.idm.oclc.org (pages 65-69)
This study source was downloaded by 100000847795904 from CourseHero.com on 07-04-2022 11:14:31 GMT -05:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/66838746/Week-2-Discussion-HUMN303docx/
