This picture drew my attention over the others because of the mystique that poured out from its image. My initial question - Why is the man divided and duplicated? This single question provided me with enough thoughts to go onto hundreds of different tangents, but here is my favorite of his conceivable histories:
The man is in a continual search to discover who he is and what his purpose is. His mind cannot fully attach to a single personality and a single lifestyle, but instead is stretched between two – the one he lives and the one he would like to bring into being. The most evident artistic technique to me is not actually the painted aspects of the work, but instead the empty lines that grid out this portrait. The artist utilizes this technique seemingly to show the viewer how torn the man is and how he is split between multiple paths in life. The hundreds of small divisions add complexity to his character and what is present in his image.
His glasses and hair style both help to develop a scholarly personality. He is formally dressed, and yet leaves his collar unbuttoned as though he is not comfortable being completely proper. He has his beautiful home with wood floors, vaulted ceilings, and a multitude of books, but he chooses a simplistic wicker chair as his perch. He is educated and wealthy, but not arrogant. Quite frankly he appears bored within the confines of his study. Instead of burying himself in one of the hundreds of books in his extensive library, he instead finds more interest in what lies out in the distance away from his current lifestyle. The man’s pose and posture cause him to seem relaxed and serene. There are no sharp angles or protrusions in the painting and everything flows smoothly together. His fingers are lightly folded together in his lap and his legs crossed in reserve.
Complementing the grid lines, the artist also divided the man’s portrait with brush strokes, smearing together and replicating certain features of the man to strengthen the meaning. Of the duplicated features, the most prominent is the facial region, showing divided heads on a literal level and figuratively suggesting dual mindsets. Other duplications do exist in his portrait: slight deviations from the primary picture in the legs, arms, and torso, but they do not pull much attraction comparatively to the facial split.
The man’s gaze is very telling in the portrait, as he is apparently searching for something on the horizon instead of focusing on a level plane with the viewer. He is not exhibiting any degree of excitement or impatience to find what he is searching for in his eyes. I think the word that best describes his outlook is hopeful – hopeful that change will come to his drab life stuck in the confines of proper etiquette, mannerisms, and his scholarly ways. The splits and attitude of the man help to give the message that he has not become complacent with the comforts of style and wealth he already possesses, and still searches for new meaning in life.
No comments:
Post a Comment