Resurrection and Christ

A detailed Summary of Resurrection and Christ

For many centuries, artists throughout the world have aimed to capture and portray a particular theme or subject in accordance to their religious beliefs, personal influences, and mood, or based entirely upon societal influences. The figure of Christ and the manner in which he has been depicted has varied immensely over the years, which is highly indicative of changing social attitudes. Piero della Francesca's Resurrection of 1463, and Julie Rrap's Christ of 1984, have each depicted a Christ like figure in a way that illustrates their personal beliefs and also reflects the public's stance regarding the depiction of Christ at the time each artwork was completed. The two artworks are significantly different in style and representation, as each artist has selected different media and entirely different approaches and interpretations. These significant differences are mainly due to the eras in which each artwork was produced. Francesca's fresco is a classic product of the Italian Renaissance period, whereas Rrap's piece is indicative of "our changing society and its religious values." (Israel, 1997, p.160).

Francesca composed his piece during the Early Renaissance period

The two artworks are noticeably different immediately upon viewing, as Resurrection is a fresco and Christ is a photomontage. The fresco was compiled with the use of pigment being applied to wet plaster, whereas the photomontage is in essence an installation arrangement that has used a collage technique with the use of photographs. Rrap has used a piece of art by Munch and outlined the figure it depicted, and then positioned herself whilst semi-naked within the outline. It is this placement of herself within the outline that has enabled her to "slip out of the stereotype of the female" (Israel, 1997, p.160). The image was then divided and abstracted, with the use of thick brush strokes in the background, creating a sense of movement.

Both Francesca's Resurrection and Rrap's Christ have been produced in ways that adapt to their specific eras. Each artist has conveyed their chosen subject matter of Christ in such a manner that clearly shows and illustrates the social environment of their time. This has been illustrated through the overall layout and composition, accentuated by elements such as colour and variation. Yet the social climate has been depicted most significantly through the way in which the figure of Jesus has been portrayed. Initially as a male, then quite strikingly as a female, over four centuries later. To many people, this is a sign of progress, but in the eyes of just as many, it is also step backwards.

Williams, Donald. (1992). From Caves to Canvas: An Introduction to Western Art. Roseville, NSW: McGraw-Hill Book Company Australia.

Not unlike Resurrection in regards to social influences and environment, Christ

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Approximate Word count = 1115
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Arts