tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7054785923214156833.post8317714059565371553..comments2024-02-03T17:02:45.046-08:00Comments on Giorgione et al...: Giorgione and Paris Bordone: St. JosephDr. Fhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08469403843869655063noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7054785923214156833.post-47973831265158987082010-11-17T06:31:46.677-08:002010-11-17T06:31:46.677-08:00M:
Thanks for taking the time to read and commen...M: <br /><br />Thanks for taking the time to read and comment. I agree with you about the sexuality. People of the Middle Ages and Renaissance were probably more earthy or down to earth than we post-Puritan moderns. Look at the elaborate codpieces visible in Renaissance art, or the pilgrims in Chaucer. Their concept of a supernatural world was solidly based on the world of nature,<br /><br />I also agree with you about the importance of the finger and ring in the center. I've added the Leningrad image to the post after an image search for Bordone St. Catherine.<br /><br />FrankDr. Fhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08469403843869655063noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7054785923214156833.post-17019286587235848912010-11-16T21:58:28.360-08:002010-11-16T21:58:28.360-08:00What an interesting post! The "proxy" ar...What an interesting post! The "proxy" argument caught me off guard at first, since the Christ child is depicted within the painting (which would suggest no need for a proxy), but your discussion of the bare thigh makes a lot of sense for the proxy argument.<br /><br />I actually feel like there might be more sexual undertones to this painting as well, especially given this context of thigh(s), physical contact, and nightgowns. To me, Catherine's extended finger is very phallic, while the ring of the Christ child can represent the female member. I think these two elements could be another visual way to emphasize the consummation of the marriage.<br /><br />(It's also interesting to note how Catherine's finer immediately catches the attention of the viewer, not only because it is located near the center of the canvas, but also because of the strong contrast of the light skin superimposed on dark drapery. I feel like Bordone really wanted the viewer to notice her finger.)<br /><br />Great ideas, Frank!<br /><br />P.S. I tried to look up the Hermitage painting, but couldn't find a reproduction. Do you know if there is an image located online?Alberti's Windowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17060586087447314960noreply@blogger.com