Work of Art Selected:

Circle of Diego Quispe Tito. The Virgin of Carmel Saving Souls in Purgatory. Late 17th century. Fig. 1.22, pg. 17.

Outline

1. Line
2. Shape
3. Value
4. Color
5. Space
6. Texture
7. Balance
8. Emphasis
9. Harmony
10. Variety
11. Movement
12. Rhythm
13. Proportion
14. Scale
15. Unity

Analysis

1. Line: Line is used to create a sense of movement and dynamism in the painting. The swirling flames of purgatory are depicted with fluid, expressive lines that convey the intensity of the suffering souls. The lines also create a sense of depth, as they recede into the background behind the Virgin Mary.
2. Shape: The shapes in the painting are primarily organic and curvilinear. The Virgin Mary is depicted in a graceful, flowing form that is contrasted with the writhing figures of the suffering souls. The use of organic shapes creates a sense of movement and vitality.
3. Value: Value is used to create a sense of light and shadow in the painting. The Virgin Mary is depicted in a radiant light, while the suffering souls are shrouded in darkness. The use of value creates a sense of contrast and drama.
4. Color: The colors in the painting are primarily warm and inviting. The Virgin Mary is depicted in a blue robe that is associated with purity and heaven. The suffering souls are depicted in shades of red and orange that are associated with fire and purgatory. The use of color creates a sense of contrast and hierarchy.
5. Space: The space in the painting is divided into two distinct zones. The Virgin Mary occupies the upper zone, while the suffering souls occupy the lower zone. The use of space creates a sense of separation between the divine and the earthly.
6. Texture: The texture in the painting is primarily smooth and细腻. The Virgin Mary’s skin is depicted as being flawless, while the suffering souls are depicted as being covered in soot and grime. The use of texture creates a sense of contrast between the purity of the Virgin Mary and the suffering of the souls.
7. Balance: The painting is balanced by the placement of the Virgin Mary in the center of the composition. The Virgin Mary’s figure is also larger than the figures of the suffering souls, which creates a sense of visual hierarchy.
8. Emphasis: Emphasis is created through the use of light and color. The Virgin Mary is the focal point of the painting because she is depicted in a radiant light. The suffering souls are also emphasized because they are depicted in contrasting colors.
9. Harmony: The painting is harmonious because the elements of line, shape, value, color, and space are all used in a way that creates a unified whole.
10. Variety: The painting is varied because it includes a wide range of visual elements. The organic shapes of the Virgin Mary and the suffering souls are contrasted with the geometric shapes of the flames. The warm colors of the Virgin Mary are contrasted with the cool colors of the background. The use of variety creates a sense of visual interest.
11. Movement: The painting conveys a sense of movement through the use of swirling lines and dynamic shapes. The flames of purgatory appear to be moving, and the figures of the suffering souls appear to be挣扎. The use of movement creates a sense of energy and vitality.
12. Rhythm: The painting has a sense of rhythm because the visual elements are arranged in a repeating pattern. The flames of purgatory are arranged in a series of horizontal bands, and the figures of the suffering souls are arranged in a series of vertical columns. The use of rhythm creates a sense of order and structure.
13. Proportion: The proportions in the painting are realistic. The figures of the Virgin Mary and the suffering souls are in proportion to each other. The use of realistic proportions creates a sense of verisimilitude.
14. Scale: The scale of the painting is intimate. The figures are life-size, which creates a sense of immediacy. The use of intimate scale allows the viewer to connect with the figures on a personal level.
15. Unity: The painting is unified by the use of a central theme. The theme of the painting is the Virgin Mary’s intercession for the suffering souls in purgatory. All of the visual elements in the painting are used to support this theme.

Conclusion

The Virgin of Carmel Saving Souls in Purgatory is a visually complex and engaging painting. The artist has used a variety of visual elements and principles of design to create a sense of movement, dynamism, and drama. The painting is a powerful depiction of the Virgin Mary’s compassion and mercy.