Module 3 " Art in the news"

 

" The Duet" By Charles Van Beveren, "www.artprinta.com/products/charles-van-beveren-1830-the duet-art-print-fine-art-reproduction-wall-art-id-a3n1uteqn"

This week I have chosen " The Duet" by Charles Van Beveren for my artwork analysis. This painting is an oil on panel, that is 40.3 cm x 35.6 cm, located in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Created by Charles Van Beveren Sometime between 1830-1850, there is no exact date according to many different resources, This work of art depicts a man playing a cello and a young woman playing the lute in what seems to be an early age playing session. A very realistic depiction, the artist used the colorations in a great way. Showing what seems to be the two sitting to the right of a light source which could be interpreted as sunlight according to how he uses light colors to give a natural skin tone and casting shadow to the right of the painting. Centering mostly around the young woman he includes a great proportional viewing of how he is in front of her but also highlights the focus on her by creating a darker outfit in the man accentuating her soft coloration. Without much explanation into the meaning of this painting, it leaves much interpretation to the message behind it. I personally feel that with such soft touches and blending creating a sort of innocence in the experience as the two could have a sort of connection or relation of sorts. When examining the the choice choice of instruments being played and the outfits and pearls worn by the man and woman it seems to give the inclination of being of class or higher class stature within society. With the man looking at his instrument and young woman looking towards what could have been the artist and holding her lute on her lap to the side and seemingly gently touching the chords gives a sense of a pause on her part of playing and portrays a perfect way of being caught in the moment. Personally, this painting gives me the sense of togetherness and simply enjoying the experience of added creativity from multiple parties to bring happiness to an onlooking audience.