Art History & Theory: Sources and Works

This assignment delves into the fields of art history and theory. It presents a list of scholarly sources that provide insights into various aspects of art, encompassing aesthetics, representation, and cultural contexts. Additionally, the assignment highlights specific artworks, including pieces by renowned artists like Renoir, Watteau, Rubens, and Klimt, inviting analysis and interpretation within the framework of art historical and theoretical perspectives.

Running Head: Exhibition Paper 1
ART AND LOVE
Name of Student
Name of Institution
Name of Instructor
Date of Submission

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Introduction
The world of art has always provided an awesome opportunity for people from all walks
of life to depict their feelings. Through drawings, paintings, sculptures and other forms of art, it
is possible to express a feeling or desire which runs along a particular thematic line (Antony and
Grisselda, 7). For instance, psychologists can extract the innate desires of a child by giving them
a piece of paper and pencil and asking them to draw the very first thing in their minds. It
therefore implies that artistic expression can be used as the best alternative in cases where words
may not be enough to express a feeling. Artistic forms of expression are an activity whose origin
could be traced back to 1000s of years ago (Artthur, 9). Historians have since discovered
paintings on cave walls in addition to other artifacts which were supposedly done by the cave
men and the ancient people. The field of art has since grown in leaps and bounds with the rise of
modernization have giving way for contemporary art. With the availability of the right resources
and ideas, it has been possible to discover, reproduce and preserve various forms of art in a bid to
capture and maintain the important aspect of cultural variations in a society. In order to increase
the people’s accessibility to the artistic forms, various exhibitions, galleries and museums have
been erected. In this paper, we highlight a plan for an exhibition which will involve four pieces
of art relating to a chosen theme (Augros and George, 17)
Theme: Art and Love
It would be a fact worth emphasizing that the field of art provides the best platform for
individuals to express their feelings. In line with this argument, the theme of this exhibition seeks
to create a distinct link between art and love (Carl, 45). By delving into the historical artistic
contents and linking the findings to modern art, it can be noted that the theme of love has been

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one of the most common topics of discussion. As such, the exhibition shall be based on four
pieces of art picked on the basis of the relevance and depiction of the theme of love. The artistic
pieces include; The Honeysuckle Bower by Rubens, The Surprise by Watteau, The Kiss by
Gustav Klimt and Danse la Campagne (Country Dance), by Pierre Auguste Renoir.
Historical Context
The theme of love has been one of the most common points of reference in the history of
art. There are various artistic forms which have been used to depict happenings especially in the
Roman Empire where the act of love and romance is believed to have originated from. Love is a
theme which could be traced back to the beginning of time since the unique attraction and
relationship between a man and woman remain evident in many forms of depiction (Carol, 30).
For instance, there are various paintings of the historical Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden
whose analysis gives a clear description of the level of intimacy which existed between the two.
Additionally, there are various sculptures like Auguste Rodin’s The Kiss which reveal the fact
that intimacy between individuals in the society is a phenomenon which could be traced back to
the beginning of time. Despite the fact that some of these forms, like The Kiss, have sparked
controversies due to their erotic depictions, the piece remain a rich description of the theme of
love showing how its depiction has evolved over a period of time. In addition to paintings and
drawings, the modern generation has since resorted into depicting the theme of love through
other media like television and screenplays. However, this exhibition shall provide an ideal
environment for people from different parts of the world to interact with the most original artistic
depictions of love (Catherine, 25). Love has been a crucial element in our society since time
immemorial. The relationship between people based on genuine expressions of love plays a
crucial role in shaping a community. It would only be fair to carry on a true demonstration of

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these expressions through art in exhibitions. Perhaps by interacting with artistic forms on love,
the modern generation can have a better dimension of what it is all about.
Political Context
Relationships between people and their leaders equally go a long way in influencing the
shape of a society. While leaders may be driven by love for power and wealth, their followers
offer their massive support behind them because they love them. There is therefore an interesting
connection between the theme of love and politics (Dana, 12). The individuals who end up at the
helm of the hierarchy are those who have most likely won the hearts of masses. At the same
time, a society comprising a people who live peacefully with one another is a society that is
politically stable. An existence of true relationships based on love, between people in a given
society, enhanced a stable government. Since love has such special link with the political
environment, it would be important to continue exposing the society to the right depiction of
love. Through artistic forms on love, the audience are likely to gain exposure and probably able
to love better (Evelyn, 40).
Socio-economic context
The aspect of interactions between individuals leads to the development of social bonds.
For instance, love leads to marriages. A family whose foundation is based on true love and
understanding is likely to stay knit together and prosperous. Since the family forms a basic unit
within a society, a nation thrives both socially and economically when the core values are
adequately addressed at the family level. Apart from the modern approaches used by individuals
in a bid to instill values, the use of art offers an equally interesting avenue. By interacting with
the artistic forms depicting love, an individual is able to deduce a number of values and attributes

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which they can in turn put in practice to enhance a better society. Love, art and the society are all
but inseparable (John, 29).
Religious Context
Famous wall paintings like those depicting the crucifixion of Jesus are a true indication of
the part of art in enhancing various religious aspects. The suffering and subsequent death of
Christ on the cross was meant to be a show of God’s unending love for the very humanity he
created. ‘For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son’ these words have been
better expressed in paintings and sculptures showing blooding oozing from different parts of the
body (Michael, 32). At a glance, an individual is likely to note the suffering that Jesus was taken
through. However, from a deeper perspective, such forms of art clearly bring out the love that the
father had for man, that he let his son suffer that much. Artistic impressions enable individuals to
have connection with a number of religious aspects. Consequently, attending exhibitions may not
only be entertaining and interesting but equally comes with much educative value.
Analysis of selected artworks
Dance in the Country, by Renoir
This is a 1883 painting by Renoir depicting a couple swept away not only by the
sweetness of the music and dance in the summer heat but basically level of intimacy between
them. The love between the man and the woman is evident right from the first glance. They are
so close that they seemingly cannot be distracted by the surrounding. The man’s hat is down, it
has probably fallen off his head but this doesn’t stop them from clinching each other even more.
The lady cannot hold her fan strongly enough because she needs to grip her man more firmly.
The smile on her face is a perfect summary of just how happy she is, especially about the

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moment. The painting brings out the connection between peace and love. A society that is
characterized by love will most likely be accompanied by peace. In such a setting, people choose
not to concentrate on their shortcomings but majorly on aspects that bring them happiness. The
artist’s choice of colors is perfect (Noel, 25). With an equal balance of bright and dull shades, the
painting aesthetic value is attractive in addition to being informative. Due to the rich value of this
artwork, it shall serve as one of the pieces picked for the exhibition.
The Kiss by Gustav Klimt
The painting depicts two lovers entangled by a long lasting kiss. The artwork is laced
with mystery; the better portions of their bodies are covered in gold. The only vivid aspect in the
whole work is the kiss. The painting is done on well measured square of a canvas. It perfectly fits
the couple, not to mention the main aspect described. The couple seems to have forgotten
everything about the world around them and is only keen on enjoying their precious moment.
The artist’s use of bright forms perfectly accompanies the mixture of straight and wavy lines
which are both thin and thick gives the work an attractive texture. The theme of love, through
this piece of art, once again comes out as a crucial determinant of tranquility in a society.. Love
enhances unity amongst people. Despite the nature of the environment, a people who love each
other choose to stay together at all times. While such crucial values can be transmitted to people
by word of mouth, this piece of art, without any single word speaks volumes on the link between
love and a healthy society.

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The Honeysuckle Bower by Rubens
The painting depicts young couple, seated together with their hands clasped. The couple
which is just from honeymoon is secure in the arms of each other. The atmosphere is eminently
decorated with love and the extent to which they are relaxed and close to one another is a sure
confirmation of what love can do. The background which is slightly a dark shade is a perfect
contrast of the foreground which is symbolic of the couple’s present times. Despite a ‘dark’ past,
love has seemingly transformed them into smiling faces, secure and happy around each other.
From the artwork, it can be deduced that love does not only enhance closeness among people in
the society but also goes a long way in establishing a sense of security which is another basic
need for humanity.
The Surprise by Watteau
The Surprise is one of Watteau’s most attractive pieces which have gone down in history
as one the most interesting depictions of the notion that ‘love is blind’. The couple is entangled
in a close night despite the presence of the musician who is strumming sweetly just a few inches
away. While the musician is the unrecognized observer in this case, the limelight again falls on
the two individuals enjoying intimacy. The artist’s choice of colors perfectly addresses the
changing varying moods. The smooth texture equally defines the artist’s impression of the fact
that love enhances a good flow and is rarely characterized by turbulence unless inevitable. This
piece of work is another one from a list of various other forms which clearly brings out the theme
of love and its good influence on the society.

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Location of Exhibition
The venue picked for the exhibition is The New Museum of Contemporary Arts. The
museum which was founded in 1977 has remained one of the most sought after venues for
showcasing contemporary art as presented by various people. The New Museum if situated in
New York on the lower East side of Manhattan. Its precise location is at 235 Bowery district
between Rivington and Stanton streets. It is a seven storey facility lying on about 58,000 square
foot portion. The colossal nature of the building adequately addresses the aspect of space which
is a crucial element when it comes to artistic exhibitions. The design of the building gives room
for flexibility since the rooms are made such that they can always be converted to fit the very
requirements of a particular exhibition. This is liberal enough going by the fact that art, at the
same time, is ever changing. The location of the museum is central enough for visitors coming
from various parts of the country and even from far beyond. The choice could be attributed to the
fact that it is located in New York, one of the busiest cities in the US in addition to the fact that
NY is the capital. Due to the fact that the museum is located between streets, it is accessible
which increases the convenience levels. Subsequently, the space within the exhibition center is
large enough and distinctively organized to cater for the large numbers that frequently throng the
venue. The space also gives room for easily movement of people from one point of exhibition to
another.
Installation
 The art shall first be placed on the floor around the wall where they are to be
hanged. In a bid to protect the artwork, a bubble wrap or foam is placed
underneath it. The quality of the piece of art has to be protected at all costs

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 Instead of creating groupings, the distance between the four pieces of art are
varied to fit a square room. This implies, each painting shall rest on one wall. The
space gives the observers an ample time to deduce as much from one piece of art
before moving to another.
 While hanging the artworks, the American museums standards shall be followed
to the latter. The measurements include 58 inches on center hence the center of
each artwork is precisely 58 inches from the floor.
 The standard heights during installation do not only give the piece of art a
professional touch but equally enhances continuity all through an exhibition.
 To obtain the standard height, the height of the artwork is measured and then
divided y two before adding 58. After this, the length from the artwork top to the
hooks is subtracted. This distance is referred to as a drop.
 Hanging the artwork follows the general formula 1/2 h + 58 – d = Nail height
where h is the height of the artwork to be hang and d, the drop. With the nail
height in place, a tape measure and a pencil are used to mark where the nails
should be before the final installation.
Conclusion
The theme of love is an unending element in our society and can be traced back right to
the beginning of time. The place of intimate relationships between individuals in a society based
on love and understanding, cannot go unnoticed. Relationships between people within any given
set up go a long way in shaping the social, political, religious and economic environment of the
given society. Due to its crucial place, the aspect of love has to be adequately preserved and
presented to this generation in a manner that will enable people to gets its right meaning. One of

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the best avenues for depicting love is by using original artworks, with rich values and elements
like the four picked for this particular exhibition. Art is rich, not only in relieving individuals
with the entertainment value but also educating the audience on certain key components
fundamental for a healthy society.

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Sources
Antony, B and Grisselda, P. Digital and Other Virtualities: Renegotiating the image. London
and NY:I.B.Tauris, 2010.
Artthur, D. The Abuse of Beauty: Aesthetics and the Concept of Art. 2003
Augros, R and George, N. The New Story of Science: mind and the universe, Lake Bluff, Ill.:
Regnery Gateway, 2004.
Benedetto, C. Aesthetic as Science of Expression and General Linguistic, New York: Harper
& Row 2008.
Carl, J. Man and His Symbols. London: Pan Books, 2008
Carol, A. Women Artists at the Millennium. Massachusetts: October Books/The MIT Press,
2006.
Catherine, C. Inside the Visible. New York: MIT Press, 2006
Dana, A. Art and Thought. Oxford: Basil Blackwell, 2003
Evelyn Hatcher, ed. Art as Culture: An Introduction to the Anthropology of Art, 1999
Florian, D. Intellectual Birdhouse. Artistic Practice as Research. London: Koening Books,
2012.
Gombrich, E. The Story of Art. London: Phaidon Press, 2008.

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John, W. Grasping for the Wind, New York: Harper Collins, 2001
Katharine, E. A History of Esthetics. Edition 2, revised. Indiana: Indiana University Press,
2009.
Kristine, S. Theories and Documents of Contemporary Art. Berkeley: University of
California Press, 2006.
Michael, A. Art History Aesthetics Visual Studies. New Haven: Yale University Press,
2002.
Noel, C. Theories of Art Today, Chicago: University of Chicago, 2009
Richard, W, Art and its Objects: An introduction to aesthetics. New York: Harper & Row,
2007
Shiner, Larry. The Invention of Art: A Cultural History. Chicago: University of Chicago
Press, 2003

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Discussed Artworks
Dance in the Country, by Renoir

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The Surprise by Watteau

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The Honeysuckle Bower by Rubens

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The Kiss by Gustav Klimt

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FLOOR PLAN
ENTRANCE
ENTRANCE
MAIN FLOOR
WALL A
WALL D
WALL B
WALL C