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Discussion on: I am also an art historian. Ask Me Anything!

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scottishross profile image
Ross Henderson

What is your favourite piece of art and why?

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stel profile image
St3l

Haha, good question !!! (and a tough one!)

I'll say the Well of Moses in Dijon(France).
It's a sculpture made by a dutch artist at the end of the 14th century, for the Duke of Burgundy (were you can find very good wines =) ).

What I love here, it's the angels. They all have different facial expressions to explain pain and sadness (this sculpture was made for the necropolis of the Duke).
That quite rare to observe such a variety of expression in sculpture at the end of the 14th century. The artist played with the hand of the angels, their eyes and mouth. It's very touching.
And the sculpture is so delicate, the painting that remains has such beautiful colors (the blue in particular).

I have to admit there is other pieces of art I love equally, not for the same reasons, but it is very difficult to choose :/

And do you have a favourite piece of art too ?

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Ross Henderson

That's a great answer, thank you!

I'll be honest, I struggle with physical art. I completely understand and appreciate it's importance, and I can see the beauty in art. And as a musician, I know how truly important art has been for the evolution of society, but I just can't explain what art I like and don't aha.

The closest I can do, and it's the piece of art that always comes to mind:

Convergence by Jackson Pollock

Convergence by Jackson Pollock

I just... Really like it. The best I can explain it is: as someone who struggles with depression and anxiety on a daily basis, looking at this gives me a sense of familiarity and comfort. I can't explain it, I imagine you could a lot better though!

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stel profile image
St3l

Haha, I'm not very good for explaining abstract art... it's difficult because it appeals to feelings and emotions, more than physical art.

To be honest, I didn't like art before high school, so I totally understand why you are not fond of physical art =)

Art, for me, it's often like classical music. You like it, but you cannot tell why. This is just about all the things you feel when you listen it. The beauty of Pollock's art, is that you have not to understand anything to enjoy it. Unlike physical art (which I started to like when I started to studied it in high school), because it's based on the erudition of its day.