Chalk Cliffs on Rügen by Caspar David Friedrich
Art Movement: Romanticism
Chalk Cliffs on Rugen is an impressive oil painting featuring a spectacular background with rugged white cliffs. The center of interest is focused on the details of the cliffs as well as the subtle and subdue ocean with birds flying overhead. The two trees create a frame that further draws the eye towards the middle of the painting. As we look further down, we can see three people with their back to the audience, creating a sense of mystery and allure. The masterly choice to choose to add a pop of color with the deep red dress adds to the aura of the painting. The grass they are standing on possesses strong attention to detail as every strand of grass is visible.
At the Moulin Rouge by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec
Art Movement: Post Impressionism
Location: Art Institute of Chicago
At the Moulin Rouge is an oil painting featuring the artist himself, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, in the background; he was known to patronize the spot. The artwork is mainly composed of deep and rich colors that contrast with the brilliant blue and orange hues. Toulouse-Lautrec does an exceptional job at creating movement and making the painting feel like a packed restaurant. Those at the table turned around from the viewer create a sense of mystery; we do not know what they are saying. On the right side, you see May Milton, a famous singer who stands out from the rest of the people found in the painting. Fun fact: Milton was cut out of the painting at a certain point, there is speculation about why that was done.
View of Toledo by El Greco
Movement: Mannerism
Location: The Metropolitan Museum of Art
In View of Toledo, Greco portrays Toledo as a tenebrous city. The painting moves from the middle to the top—the interesting sky overhead ties together all the elements of the painting.
Woman with a Pearl Necklace in a Lodge by Mary Cassatt
Movement: Impressionism
Location: Philadelphia Museum of Art
Woman with a Pearl Necklace in a Lodge by Mary Cassatt is an oil painting featuring delicate colors that give the painting a dream-like essence. Being part of the impressionist movement, Cassatt focuses on lighting and showcasing day-to-day life. The piece is set in a theater, and below is another one of Cassatt’s works that exhibits her portrayal of the theater and shows her ability to portray lighting.
The City by Fernand Leger
Movement: Cubist
Location: Philadelphia Museum of Art
The City by Fernand Leger is an oil painting that unveils city life and includes buildings and people. The people he portrays look mechanical, his use of shapes is innovative and fresh, and his sharp lines create contrast; these aspects make the piece look modern.
Other works that showcase Leger’s style can be found below:
La Grenouillère by Claude Monet
Movement: Impressionism
Location: Metropolitan Museum of Art
La Grenouillère by Claude Monet portrays a scenic day at the park. The center of interest in this oil painting is the island surrounded by water. The water is calm and accented by the ripples overall, creating a sense of movement and realism. The stunning green color Monet chose for the trees adds a calming effect to the painting. This painting is part of a larger series that demonstrates the ambiance of the resort.
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