Schaeffer Jordan Art

  Théophile-Alexandre Steinlen (French [born Switzerland], 1859–1923).  Mobilization , or  La Marseillaise , 1915. Etching, sheet: 25 11/16 x 19 11/16 in. (65.2 x 50 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1924 (24.58.31)   This etching by Steinlen depicts when France mobilized their troops for World War 1 in August of 1914. The assassination of the Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand was the catalyst for the war. This is such an exciting piece of art because the masses of people all blur together; there aren’t a lot of definite shapes or details on their faces. Yet, you can feel the emotion in this mob, the shouts and raising of their fists and hats, all guided by a being in the sky. Many straight lines in different directions create this piece; it's quite simple, primarily grey-toned, with simple windows and flags adorning the buildings. Such a simplistic work, and it still exudes such vigor. “La Marseillaise / the Mobilisation | Gra...

   Romanticism in Germany Caspar David Friedrich,  Monk by the Sea , c. 1809, oil on canvas, 43″ x 67 1/2″ / 110 x 171.5 cm   (Nationalgalerie, Staatliche Museen, Berlin) Friedrich,  Abbey in the Oak Forest , 1809 or 1810, oil on canvas, 110.4 x 171 cm (Alte Nationalgalerie, Berlin)      German painter Caspar David Friedrich was labeled as Hitler's favorite artist. His work was also considered too meticulous, precise, and finely detailed compared to the fathers of modern art, the impressionists. However, that opinion has now changed about his brilliance in his work. The picture of the Abbey in the Oak Forest is a companion piece to the Monk by the Sea. The placement of the Monk in the photo is about a third of the way over, to a ratio of 1:1.6, considered the golden ratio. Friedrich deliberately changed the style of his work from that of the typical German landscape paintings of the time. He didn’t use cheap tricks like a river snaking off into ...

 Revolution and Art – 1700’s     Detail, Benjamin West,  The Death of General Wolfe , 1770, oil on canvas, 152.6 x 214.5 cm (National Gallery of Canada; photo:  Steven Zucker , CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)   Benjamin West was born in the United States and sent to Italy to learn European art. West was a founding member of the Royal Academy of Art which was established in 1768. West was known for this painting because it was uncommon to have a painting that depicted a contemporary event. They were typically reserved for Bible stories or from the classical past. This painting depicts an event from the Seven Years’ War when General James Wolfe was mortally wounded outside of Quebec. West also challenged social norms with his paintings by the type of dress, which was historically accurate, but he was instructed to use togas instead, but he refused. (Zygmont) Jean-Antoine Houdon, George Washington , 1788–92, marble, 6′ 2″ high (State Capitol, Richmond, Virginia...