Compare and Contrast

1588 Words7 Pages
Betty. (1988) By Gerhard Richter
102 cm x 72 cm
Oil paint on canvas.
St. Louis Art Museum, 1992.

Braids. (1979) By Andrew Wyeth
16 ½ in x 20 ½ in
Tempera on panel.
Private Collection, 1998.

Compare & Contrast Essay of Betty by Gerhard Richter and Braids by Andrew Wyeth

This essay is to compare and contrast features and details of two paintings from the 20th century. To be considered, are the elements of art such as space, color, value, lines, shapes, and textures. Also, the principles of art; movement, harmony, variety, balance, proportion, and pattern will be examined. The underlying themes in both works will also be commented on. I selected these two works because I was drawn to their realism and mystery. I was able to draw a feeling that was comforting and familiar yet new and fresh. Both are very pleasing to the eye to view and I felt intrigued enough to discuss them both in this essay.
Betty is an oil painting on canvas by German artist Gerhard Richter. Painted in 1988, it is based on a photograph of Richter’s then 11-year-old daughter in 1978. It measures 102 centimeters by 72 centimeters. It currently resides at the St. Louis Art Museum in St. Louis, Missouri. Richter’s daughter in the painting is posed as if she’s getting up from a lying position. She is wearing a white jacket with a red floral pattern with a pink and white shirt underneath. The body shown is only from the waist up; arms are spread wide on the ground to support her torso. Her body is turning away from the viewer and her head is also turned in that direction. The only representation of her head is her dirty blonde hair from the rear, drawn up in an elegant bun, the back of her head slightly turned to show her neck, ear and just the edge of her cheek. The light is coming from above as the top of her head and shoulders are very well lit and represented. A dark earthly wall

More about Compare and Contrast

Open Document