Madame de Pompadour at her Tarnbour Frame, 1763-4, by Francois-Hubert Drouais.
The first thing that stands out the most is the subject herself, Madame de Pompadour. The way the artist presents her face with brighter contrast than the rest of the painting. Although the focus is on her, the artist sustains the details throughout the entire artwork. For example the intricate lace on the hem of the dress, the floral brocade, the furnishings, and the shadows and creases on the red sheet. Furthermore, as I continue to observe the artwork, the dog seems to be unintentionally hidden in the composition. As at first look, the dog appears to be a leg of the tarnbour frame.
The Toilet of Venus (‘The Rokeby Venus’), 1647-51, by Diego Velazquez.
This artworks’ subject, which is the naked woman is what stands out the most at first look. The reason being is nudity. As I continue to look at the painting, the artist expresses vanity as the woman, Venus, appears to be staring at her reflection. She could also perhaps be looking back at the artist which suggests a relationship between the two or a connection to the viewer.
Unit by David Booth. Mixed media.
Disorientation. Abstract. Displacement. Futuristic. Surreal. Race.
The figure seems half-human and half-machine like a futuristic portrait of humankind. There is a combination of detailed painting and expressive mark making. For example, the eyes, lips and part of the nose are meticulously realistic and the others are quite abstract. This reminds me of Picassos’ paintings.