Tuesday/Thursday
10:30-11:45
Compare and Contrast
The two pieces of art I've chosen to compare, contrast, and analyze are Woman at the Height of her Beauty, by Kitagawa Utamaro and Mother and Child, by Mary Cassatt. Both pieces are reflective of different societies of the time period in which they were created, and both pieces have a background and deeper meaning that goes beyond what meets the viewers eye. However, the aesthetic appeal varies greatly between the two pieces, as do the ideas they correspond to.

Woman at the Height of her Beauty, which was made out of color woodblock print, depicts an Asian woman. The artist used linear movements and minimal decoration to create the woman's form, and in doing so created a simplified yet elegant depiction. Though she is portrayed simply and plainly, her hair pieces and clothing are more elaborate, which draws the viewer's eye to her clothes and accessories rather than the woman. This technique of using vague individual features allows the artist to portray women as a group, rather than an individual woman. The woman's facial expression and the position of her body, namely her hands, which she appears to be stretching, give the impression that she is preparing to do tedious and important tasks. If one were to compare these aspects with the title of the piece, one could come to the conclusion that the artist sees women who work hard and are the most successful to be of the most beauty. This reflects the societal views of Japan at the time the piece was crafted. Japanese cultures stressed the importance of dedication, work ethic, and self control. Because she is shown as a streamlined, flawless figure, the piece also portrays the idea of the perfection of Japanese women, as well as their beauty and and elegance shown through simplicity.

Mother and Child, which was created using oil on a canvas, portrays a mother sitting with her child on her lap. The lines, colors, and forms are soft and gentle. These aspects help to create a feeling of tenderness and comfort. The positioning of the child's head on the mother's shoulder, the hand that is resting under the mothers chin, and the placement of the mothers arms around the child's body further develop the feelings of tenderness and comfort, as well as demonstrating the loving connection between mother and child. The piece is visually appealing to the viewer, which helps to suggest that such a connection is beautiful and to be appreciated. Though in this time period were expected to be hard working and actively taking care of the home, this woman appears to be relaxed and taking the time out of her day to sit with her child. This proposes to the viewer that there is beauty and value in living simply. It could also be inferred from the painting that taking care of the emotional needs of children is just as important as taking care of their physical ailments and the household in which they live in. The artist both contradicts preconceived notions of the time, while simultaneously presenting an idea that was not nearly as valued or credited.

While these two aforementioned pieces are visually contradicting in several ways, both their messages and influences contain many similarities. Woman at the Height of her Beauty has a hardened appearance with little color, while Mother and Child has a soft look with the use of light colored pastels; Woman at the Height of her Beauty suggests the importance of work ethic and perfection, while Mother and Child suggests the importance of taking time to relax and comfort one's children. However different they pieces appeal to the naked eye, their connections are undeniable. For example, both pieces emphasize the beauty of simplicity. Though the artist does so through different means, there is great value given to simplicity in both pieces, with Woman at the Height of her Beauty using simple design and Mother and Child depicting simple mother-child connections. The artist of Mother and Child was even inspired and influenced by the genre of Japanese art represented in Woman at the Height of her Beauty, which carries the theme of simplicity. Also, even though the ideals may differ, both pieces convey the artist's portrayal of what traits the ideal woman should carry. Both pieces were highly influenced by the society they were created in, and both pieces deliver those ideas to the reader, as well as unique ideals of beauty.