Art History

  This Aztec Headdress is known as the Penacho of Moctezuma II was found in the home of former Archduke Franz Ferdinand. Originally, this headdress belonged to the Aztecs in Mesoamerica and was stolen by Spanish Conquistador Hernan Cortes and it now resides in the Austrian Museum of Natural History. There is plenty of debate on whether this piece would be returned to Mexico, and I am of the belief that it should be.  Originally, the headdress was a part of a much larger costume that would be worn for rituals or performances. It would look its best when the wearer would be dancing with it on- and while it is undoubtedly beautiful, it does not have the same effect as a decoration. The headdress is made up of several green quetzal tail feathers- green being a very prized color of a feather since it is the rarest color and the symbolism it holds. To the Aztecs, green is a color of fertility, agriculture, and creation. This type of work is difficult and required skilled craftsmen t...

  Edo People, Iyoba Pendant Mask, 16th c., Ivory, Iron, Copper     This Ivory mask depicts the Queen Mother of Benin, Idia. Idia is known for using her brilliance to secure her son's position on the throne of Benin. She is described to be steely and ruthless but truly wants what is best for the future of the kingdom. This mask was created to honor her, and despite the name, this mask was not worn on the face and rather was an adornment that would be worn on the hip. It is a work that honors the Queen Mother's power and brilliance that allowed for her own personal gain and also the set up for a strategic alliance.     This mask is a testament to the Queen Mother's power during this point in time in Africa. The fact that such expensive materials were used shows that this woman was a person of significant importance to the History of Benin- and it lines up with the story of Benin at the time. The knots on her head are of Portugese men and mudfish. The mudfish repre...

      In both pieces below, they are meant to be telling stories from their respective cultures. However, each takes a different approach in how they tell the story through the composition and how they reflect the stories behind the artwork, which is what I will be comparing. Utagawa Kunisada I (Toyokuni III),  Visiting Komachi (Kayoi Komachi)  , from the series  Modern Beauties as the Seven Komachi (Tōsei Bijin Nana Komachi)  , c.  1821-22, published by Kawaguchiya Uhei (Fukusendō), woodblock print: ink and color on paper, 36.5 x 25.5 cm      This Ukiyo-e piece by famous Ukiyo-e artist Utagawa Kunisada depicts an illustration of a woman visiting Poetess Komachi's carriage. The significance of this carriage is that it once belonged to poetess Komachi, and it has a connection to a man who loved her. A general of the time wanted Komachi's hand, and in order to prove his dedication to her, he had to spend 100 nights with her. The Gener...

  Diego Velázquez,  Juan de Pareja,  1650, Oil on Canvas     This painting was done by Diego Velázquez. The subject is Juan de Pareja, one of his slaves. Despite Pareja's status, he is still painted standing there with dignity, even though he is devoid of rights. The painting itself is incredibly beautiful and somewhat chilling to look at.      Knowing his status as a slave, you can't help but wonder if he felt as if he was being forced to be the subject of a painting- and that sad look in his eyes makes you know he was aware that he is essentially powerless. It is unclear if Velazquez freed Pareja, however, you know one thing from this painting, and it's that living a life where you have no control is a miserable and complicated one. Judit Leyster, Self Portrait, 1633, Oil on Canvas     This painting is a self-portrait done by Judith Leyster. The way she paints herself is purely as who she wants you to see. She looks like she'...

  ‪     I'm not very good at introductions.    My name is Sofia, but I also go by Sam. I am a concurrent enrollment student from Swallows Charter Academy in my junior year of high school. Though I am currently undecided on my major, I have always had a love for art and plan on pursuing that one way or another in the future, most likely in the form of an Art Therapist.      I've always had a love for learning about history, so I decided "why not" and I am taking this course to better understand the art from history.  ^^ This icon is something I drew for myself in place of showing my face.  Other than art and history and whatnot, some other things about me are-  I prefer cats over dogs My favorite book series is A Series of Unfortunate Events I own a medicine book from 1906 My friends said that I remind them of an opossum (and they are correct) I think Michelangelo is cool but I would never be friends with him. My favorite artist is H...