Museum Art Critique: Surprise Attack Near Harper’s Ferry Essay

When root viewing the impression, Surprise flack go on harpists ferrying, created by backside A. Mooney in 1868, the only affaire I found myself able to sharpen on was the group of almost exclusively undressed work force that appear to be bathing in a river. At first glance, I was not actually able to grasp the concept fundawork forcet the word- ikon or the exact piazza that was intended to be portray by John Mooney, in this specific put up of historical artwork. after looking at the image a good deal closely and thoughtfully, the first words that entered my mind immediately were fearfulness and chaos. The background of the Surprise try Near Harpers Ferry, with the exception of the scum bag in the far distance, contrasts significantly to the speak chaos, fear, and confusion displayed in the portion of the painting where the group of men appear to be fearfully scattering about in the water. The background of this painting, the beautiful vividnessed riffle and o ther scenery including the shimmering water, differs capaciously in comparison with the more foc calld on, somewhat disturbing image, of what appears to represent franticness and fear that is brush over this group of men.After spy the painting as closely and conservatively as possible, the image to be portrayed ca apply a musical lineing of sadness, as easy as confusion, to sweep over me. After understanding more about the paintings meaning, I began to also feel a sense of compassion and kind-heartedness toward these men that I couldnt charge completely comprehend at first. In the painting, Surprise Attack Near Harpers Ferry, the artist, John A. Mooney, places a great emphasis on the subject division the subject matter being the men that were attempting to bathe in the river. Even though the subject matter, the central focus of the painting, seems to mediocre be about this group of pardner Soldiers, importance is also greatly set(p) upon the raw emotions shown by thes e soldiers emotions that make this painting worth critiquing and analyzing in the first place.On a more positive note or view of the painting, Surprise Attack Near Harpers Ferry easily has the ability to grab the perceivers attention because of the beautiful, shining color of the river and the broad sky despite what realities the men might soon be pressure to face in these waters. Additionally, one of the study things to notice about this painting is John Mooneys use of repetition equal by the men in the river. repetition is noted in the men in the painting, due to their striking, and almost identical similarities in their appearance.Another important principle of image or formal property, is the use of the earlier mentioned contrast between the more serious, central focal point or the subject matter also cognise as the Confederate men in the river, and the more calm and relaxed setting shown by the clear skies and mesmerizing color of the river itself. telephone circuit is also seen in the painting by the artists use of different colors that oppose or interlocking with one another. For example, John Mooney uses a much brighter/ lighter color on these men, than what he uses for the intense green/blue river and the more cloudy/ darker color he uses for the sky, or for the background cannon smoke. Contrast is used by this artist to draw more attention to the focal point of the painting.