2. A Cornfield by Moonlight with the
Evening Star
Artist: Samuel
Palmer
Origin: England
Date: Around AD
1830
Medium: Watercolor
with bodycolour,
Pen and ink
Measurements:
Height 197mm
Width 258mm
In A Cornfield by Moonlight with the Evening
Star, Samuel Palmer incorporates visual elements
such as line and space to present a peaceful scene.
For example, in this image, line serves a variety of
purposes. The technique of hatching is evident in the
night sky which indicates its depth. Also, lines
emerging from the moon suggest direction in the
moonlight as it travels to the lower right of the
painting. Furthermore, contour lines outline the
organic shapes of the shepherd and his crops while
darker lines illustrate their shadows. Overall, the use
of line in this piece of art is used to illustrate a
natural and calm process where the moon slowly
climbs the dark night sky and casts its light on the
landscape. In regards to space, the artist employs
aerial perspective through the effect of a brightness
gradient. As the objects become more distant, their
intensity lessens. This is evident when comparing the
lighter orange of the shapes in the foreground to the
dark orange of the hills in the background. The moon
is an exception in this painting.
3. In the Sun, the Moon, and a
Basilisk, Albrecht Durer includes artistic
techniques that emphasize the importance
of the figures to each other. For
example, through their placement, Durer
is able to incorporate implied lines into
the drawings that form a triangle. As a
result, there is a suggested connection
between the three figures.
Furthermore, the scales of the objects are
relatively similar, indicating that they are
equally relevant in this piece . It is
important to highlight the unity of these
symbols because according to the British
Museum, together they represent eternity.
This art is also an example of iconography
Artist: Albrecht Durer
Origin: Germany
Date: AD 1512
Medium: Drawing
Measurements: Height
188mm
Width 86mm
The Sun, the
Moon, and a
Basilisk
4. The Rising Moon
Artist: Samuel Palmer
Origin: London
Date: AD 1855-1857
Medium: Etching
Measurements: Height 14.5cm Width 22.4cm
In The Rising Moon, Samuel Palmer introduces a
familiar scene as the moon rises over the hills while
a shepherd observes. However, Palmer resorts to
various techniques to communicate the serenity and
beauty of the scene. A main visual element present
in the artwork is the use of chiaroscuro. Though this
method, Palmer gradually shifts from light to dark
though a successive graduation of tones. As a
result, the value contrasts allow the figures of the
shepherd and his flock of sheep to present a three
dimensional appearance. Furthermore, the value
contrast allows the audience to distinguish the
figures from the background. Overall, the use of
chiaroscuro gives the artwork a soft and smooth
presentation. On the other hand, in order to present
space, Palmer use relative size to create the illusion
of three dimensionality. For instance, the sheep in
the foreground appear larger because they are closer
while the building in the distance appears smaller.
Though chiaroscuro and relative size, we are
introduced into a grand scene where the moon shyly
rises and illuminates the area.
5. This piece of art grants
human characteristics to the
moon. For example, it presents
organic shapes that are present
in humans as well as the
crescent shape of the moon.
Furthermore, there is
symmetrical balance in the
face of the moon that is similar
to that of the human face.
CAMEO
Artist: Unknown
Origin: Europe
Date: 17th Century
Medium: Engrave
Measurements:
Diameter .7in
6. WHY THESE PIECES OF ART?
• I selected these works of art because I was interested in the portrayal
of the moon in different times and places. I was pleased to learn that it
was an important symbol for peacefulness, eternity, and nature. The
last piece of art also was also interesting as it presented the moon with
human-like aspects. Overall, I was amazed at the amount of artistic
techniques the artists used to communicate their ideas.
• For my gallery I want people to view the serenity of the works of
Pinter and then to see the personification of the moon.
7. ART GALLERY
A Cornfield by Moonlight
with the Evening Star
• The Sun, the Moon, and a Basilisk
The Rising Moon
Entrance
• Cameo
