Art In Action: Famous Christmas Paintings – Part Two
By Darla McCammon
Our second famous masterpiece about the Christmas story is a beautiful, dramatic work by Rembrandt. It is titled “The Dream of St. Joseph” and it is in the Baroque style. We have not talked about the Baroque style of painting before. The definition of this style of painting can be found at a website by Wiki Art. “The Baroque is a period of artistic style that used exaggerated motion and clear, easily interpreted detail to produce drama, tension, exuberance and grandeur in sculpture, painting, architecture, literature, dance, theatre and music. The style began around 1600 in Rome and Italy, and spread to most of Europe.”
This painting was completed in 1655 and was 83 by 105 centimeters in size. True to his technique, Rembrandt, our famous Dutch artist, used his oil paints to create deep darks and brilliant light areas in his work to define the activities or scenes he was bent on portraying. You can almost feel the high emotions emanating around the room as Joseph is informed of his part in God’s plan. The angel assures him and gives him instructions about the dramatic event that will take place in his life.
If you recall, a great number of the citizenry were illiterate during these years and paintings like this were the means the church employed to teach and inform those who could not read about the events that took place with the coming of Christ.
Something else we have not shared with you is the term “public domain.” This is a legal term and applies to many things in the art, literature and music world. You are probably aware of copyright laws. These protect creative works from being copied or stolen without permission or some exchange of financial agreement between the parties owning the work and the party wishing to use the work. This movement to become a public domain piece usually happens to creative works after a period of time has expired and if it is agreed it is to the benefit of the general public for it to be available. This painting is one such work. It is in the public domain so we can all now enjoy it. So, scrutinize this amazing work of art in the Baroque style and enjoy the fact it is available because it is in the public domain.
Upcoming and Current Events:
- Warsaw City Hall Gallery will have works by Steve Creighton on display through Dec. 27. Creighton generously gave away several of his paintings at a drawing held at City Hall Gallery on Dec. 13. How wonderful Christmas will be for those winners of an original and lovely Creighton work of art.
- Through Dec. 21, Lakeland Art Association offers their “Christmas in the Gallery” sale, which will include many of the works from the member competition along with all their special and very unique gifts created by members.
- January will bring another accomplished artist to Warsaw City Hall Gallery. Susan Ring will be bringing a wonderful collection of her award-winning work for viewing enjoyment.