Saturday, July 2, 2016

The Semi-Finals: Eakins v. Friedrich!





Thomas Eakins
1844 - 1916
American
Eakins was uncompromisingly committed to realism in his art, the foundation of which, as he had learned in Paris, was the study of the nude body. When he became a teacher at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, he insisted on the use of nude models in mixed classes. In that, he was too modern for Philadelphia, and it led to his expulsion. ....Eakins declared to Philadelphia the lesson Paris had taught him -- that realism and modernity are inextricably linked. -- Art, The Critics' Choice
  • Crushed German pioneer Adam Elsheimer in Round 1.
  • Soundly defeated Belgian James Ensor in Round 2.
  • Racked up a strong victory on late votes against Jan Van Eyck in Round 3.
  • Beat Lyonel Feininger in Round 4.







Caspar David Friedrich
1774 - 1840
German
Friedrich created a new kind of landscape painting; in his pictures landscape becomes a symbol of human feeling. The special trait of his approach to landscape is that the eye is pulled into the far distance, as the path here is lost in the farthest depths of the forest. This compositional peculiarity originates in the predominant sentiment of his period -- longing, aspiration toward the unknown and the illimitable. Nature for Friedrich is a mirror Held up to Man's soul, and it can become this because he himself has no doubts of the quintessential oneness of nature and man. -- 20,000 Years of World Painting.
  • Wrecked Dame Elisabeth Frink's hopes in Round 1.
  • Unstrung Naum Gabo in Round 2.
  • Crushed Jean-Honoré Fragonard in Round 3.
  • Beat Artemisia Gentileschi in Round 4






10 comments:

Morgan said...

Friedrich is very nice. Looking back, it seems I voted for him in the previous round, stating that I "really, really like" him. This is still the case, but he doesn't seem to have the depth nor breadth of Eakins, who also shares the things I like about Friedrich, such as use of texture. One thing I'll note in Friedrich's favor is that his backgrounds seem less flat. I'll vote Eakins.

boonec1974 said...

Eakins! It's been so long! And as much as I like Friedrich, Eakins will get my vote for the fifth consecutive time. Eakins to the (checking bracket)... next round.

Christine M. said...

Eakins

DrSchnell said...

Oh man, another one I hate to vote in, since I like them both. But Eakins if you're gonna make me choose.

pfly said...

I can appreciate Eakins, but for some reason I've always felt a bit meh about his work. Friedrich on the other hand...what can I say? I'm a sucker for a sweet landscape.

Michael5000 said...

Susan says "This is another painful semi -- I like Eakins so much but must vote for FRIEDRICH.

Michael5000 said...

I certainly agree that this is a tough one. I'm going to go for Eakins and the rough-and-tumble of human experience! I think.

mrs.5000 said...

Eakins for me!

Candida said...

Eakins.

Michael5000 said...

Eakins takes this one and runs with it... seven votes against only two for Caspar freaking Friedrich. Don't cry for Caspar, he'll stay put to take on the winner of Hals/Hammershoi. Eakins moves on to take on Van Gogh, I hope. Or possibly Grimshaw. We'll find out Thursday!