Goya's third of May, 1808 and Velazquez's Surrender at Breada Essay

Goya's third of May, 1808 and Velazquez's Surrender at Breada - Essay Example One needs to have a thorough understanding of the historical and cultural backgrounds in which these masterly paintings were composed. The 17th century Dutch witnessed the full ushering of painting, architecture, and sculpture. It was actually the Golden Age in the history of the Dutch. Culturally the country got advanced. The citizenry played a major role in the all round development of the country especially in the cultural advancement of the country. There were many cultural associations in the cities which contributed very much to the development of literary activities like poetry, drama, discussions etc. Calvinism as a form of religion got great impetus in the period. Even though lack of political stability created much chaos in the minds of the people it did not affect the ushering of arts in any way. It was in this background that Velazquez composed his ever memorable work namely Surrender at Breda. Culture of Spain is mostly Iberian culture marked by Roman influence in every realm. Muslim influence is vividly seen in the country during the period. It was against this background that Goya composed his master piece Third of May, 1808. There was an overall development in every field in the country. Culture of the country is manifested in its literature, painting, music etc. They are the main cultural aspects in which these works of art were given shape. Goya's Art are characterized... In this master piece many of his characteristic styles are imprinted. The work is famous for its use of realism, rich colors, lights and shadows etc. These characteristics styles can be found in almost all his works. The subject matter of The Third of May 1808 by Goya is that "it commemorates Spanish resistance to Napoleon's armies during the occupation of 1808. The work has an emotional force which secures its status as a ground breaking, archetypal image of the horrors of war." (Thomas). On the other hand Surrender at Breda by Velazquez is about" an event that took place on June 2 , 1625 when the Dutch governor, Justin de Nassau, delivered the keys of the city, symbolically, to Ambrosio de Spinola, the Spanish commander. This happened in fact three days after the city was taken. In 1639, shortly after the canvas was painted, Spain lost the city forever; it was conquered by Frederick Henry of Orange." (Velzquez). Symbols, colors and iconography are lavishly used in Velazquez's Surrender at Breda to bring effectiveness to the work. The use of these literary devices was very much the part of the culture of that time. In Goya's The Third of May 1808 the literary device symbolism is abundantly used to bring about catharsis on the beholder. Symbolism in the work explains its influence on the art world and the society. The other literary devices like iconography are not so lavishly used in Goya's The Third of May 1808 as in Velazquez's Surrender at Breda. There are many differences rather than similarities between these two works of art namely Goya's third of May, 1808 and Velazquez's Surrender at Breda. The main similarity between these works lies in their mode of painting i.e. both are oil on