Classical Blog Exhibit

 Art and Scientific Discovery in the 1700's

With all the topics to choose from, I chose to base this assignment around the theme of Art and Scientific Discovery in the 1700's. I am choosing to go with art that was influenced by the free-thinking people of the 18th century who were influenced by the enlightenment.

Painting 1.

For the first piece of art, I chose "An Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump." This art piece was created by Joseph Wright of Derby in 1768. It depicts a person conducting an experiment on a bird in front of an audience. As you gaze from left to right at the painting you can see a man and woman looking at each other. They may be confused on if the experiment will work out or not. On the right side of the painting, you see a man looking at a woman who has turned her head away from the bird, as if she is upset. There is also a young girl shown in between the man and women on the right who is looking up but seems hesitant and fearful for the bird. You can make the assumption that they are a family, perhaps parents and children, who have come to see this innovative demonstration.

The room is lit up only by one lamp in the middle of the piece which shows that the focus of the painting is the bird, the scientist, and the surrounding audiences faces in contrast with the dark, shadow-filled background. The emotion of this painting, judging by the looks on the faces of the audience, seems to be a mix of sadness, interest, and curiosity. The darkness around the figures draws the observer towards the faces of the subjects. Science is meant to be exciting and fascinating and interesting. Did they know what to expect? Did they know an animal could be harmed?

As for the theme of scientific discovery, this highlights it because of the air pump used in this experiment. The air pump was created by a man named Robert Boyle in 1658 and it was used on animals to deprive them of oxygen to show the importance of air, which was done in the pursuit of knowledge. I find this type of experimentation troubling because animals are innocent creatures whose lives are every bit as important as ours. Can we really say that the ends justified the means here? I don't think so.

PAINTING 2.

The second painting comes from France.  It was painted by Jacques-Louis David in 1788 using oil paint on canvas. The portrait depicts Antoine-Laurent de Lavoisier and his wife Marie-Anne Paulze Lavoisier.

Jacques Louis David | Antoine Laurent Lavoisier (1743–1794) and Marie Anne Lavoisier (Marie Anne Pierrette Paulze, 1758–1836) | The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Antoine-Laurent de Lavoisier (a.k.a. Antoine Lavoisier), was a French nobleman and chemist, known for naming oxygen in 1778 and recognizing it as an element. Five years later, in 1783, he also recognized hydrogen as an element. He made many other important scientific discoveries and predictions, including helping create the metric system. His wife, Marie-Anne Paulze Lavoisier, also pictured in this painting, was a chemist in her own right. 

The softness of the subjects is so lifelike, almost photographic in nature. The tablecloth fabric looks velvety yet strong. Madame Lavoisier's dress and hair are perfectly textured as well.  Scientific equipment sits on the table with sheets of paper under Monsieur Lavoisier's hand and quill. The way she is standing over him makes it look like they are discussing what to write, and their discoveries together.  She was every bit his equal in science and her pose makes it clear she is as important as he is. This type of portrayal of a couple during this time would not be typical, since many women were below their husbands in status. More scientific objects are resting on the floor by the table. The glass gasometer on the table is beautifully painted as well. I feel like I could reach out and touch the glass.

Painting 3.

For my third work, I chose a painting called "Benjamin Franklin Drawing Electricity from the Sky." Created in 1816, this work was from a man named Benjamin West, who happened to be friends with Benjamin Franklin as they both were from Pennsylvania. This painting depicts Benjamin Franklin conducting one of his famous experiments surrounding electricity. Surrounding him are what appears to be angels with their fists raised into the air. The reason behind this experiment was that he wanted to prove that lightning was a form of electricity and to do so flew a kite into a thunderstorm and collected the electrical charges from the storms into a Leydan jar. 

I felt a thrilling emotion while gazing upon this image, almost like I was holding onto Benjamin Franklin's kite myself while he was drawing in the energy. The angels around look like their encouraging him to keep holding on.

The experiment that Benjamin Franklin conducted that year directly led to the invention of the lightning rod which is why this piece of work perfectly embodies the theme of the scientific discovery. Due to its size, I would say that I probably would not put it up in my house, but I could definitely see this framed in a museum. A fun fact that I would add about this painting is that Benjamin West actually intended to give it to the Pennsylvania Hospital as it was founded by Benjamin Franklin himself.

Citations:

Antoine Laurent Lavoisier (1743-1794) and Marie Anne Lavoisier (Marie Anne Pierrette Paulze, 1758-1836)https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/436106

Benjamin Franklin Drawing Electricity from the Sky

https://philamuseum.org/collection/object/57044