Regarding the understanding of a work of art (or anything else) -- the first
question has to be why should it be considered as such?
For example -- why is the painting that Michael mentioned, "Phidias Showing
the Frieze of the Parthenon to his Friends" by Alma-Tadema, a W.O.A. ?
If it's a WOA because it has been sold, displayed, and honored as such -- then
our understanding must begin with the kinds of questions asked by sociologists
and historians -- especially regarding how it was received when first
presented.
If that's the approach -- then any personal admiration for it is completely
irrelevant.
But if one considers it a WOA because one admires it as such -- then those
historical associations may or may not be relevant.
When I consider something as a WOA -- I prefer to take the
sociological/historical approach --- but usually I don't care about things as
such.
I do care about whether I like them and want to see them again -- and if I do
-- then a lot of other questions get raised - some historical, some personal.
Regarding this specific painting -- I think its a fascinating illustration of
how certain 19th C. upperclass Brits felt about Classical antiquity and about
homosexuality. And it's also a pleasant -- somewhat enjoyable trip into their
gay, elegant world.
But it doesn't satisfy me (or at least, the web reproduction doesn't) and it
leaves me longing for something with a little more punch.
It's so staid and quiet -- it feels like an ad for a travel company.
It doesn't make me think "Yes -- that's exactly how I want to live!" -- which
is how even photos of the Elgin marbles make me feel.
************************
Michael wrote:
' What is there in a WoA to "understand"? I believe it's just a matter of
seeing (or hearing) it better.... "Understanding" a painting means being able
to see it with greater clarity, ...'
Others were going on about understanding paintings or musical pieces, etc.,
and not being particularly precise with that term. "Understanding" has been
hobbled by the fetters of popular use, especially as practiced by gurus of
communication, interactivity skills, etc. It's a vague term that, for me, is a
shorthand to signify the whole range of cognitive reactions to a WoA, and
those reactions are refined and given greater range and detail as I learn more
and more about all manner of things. A great, wonerful painting from the
hey-day of Beaux Arts style, is Alma-Tadema's "Pericles Inspecting the
Parthenon Frieze." I had great admiration when I first saw a reproduction of
it, but that was a long time before I knew any Greek history, had studied the
Parthenon, etc. My admiration increased as I learned more about it, and I
discerned details that just passed me by in a blur of stage props: his hair
style and clothing, the size of the frieze, the depth of the overhanging
colonnade roof, etc. The more I knew, the more I could see, and thus the more
I "understood".
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