Reaction
What is my Gut Reaction to this Work of Art?
One of the most famous artworks by Rene Magritte (The Son of Man) made a good impression on me from the first sight because this painting is unique in comparison with other works of the same genre (surrealism). The picture’s unordinary appearance made me stare at it for an extended period to understand every aspect that the author wanted to depict and demonstrate to the audience. Moreover, my emotional response implies the admiration for the genius combination of bright and grey colors mixed in this piece of art (Anderson 29). The man in this picture stands near the parapet in the maritime city. A viewer is always attracted by the apple that levitates in front of the man’s face and makes it impossible to see his countenance.
Perceptual Analysis
Why Does It Make me Feel that Way?
This picture made me interested in what was depicted in it from the first sight because its composition was attractive due to the wide range of shades and the scenery that can never be witnessed in real life (Anderson 35). The waters in this painting are calm, whereas the sky is grey and almost stormy. Moreover, the main object of this picture is undefined as it can be the hovering apple or the man in the suit whose face presents a certain riddle for the audience.
Representation
What are the Most Obvious Thematic and Formal Qualities?
The most obvious thematic quality of the picture (The Son of Man) is a mystery as the apple represents something that people want to see or happen instead of their colleagues’ or friends’ real individualities and emotions (Magritte). Formal qualities that are present in this art creation are the following:
- The line is bold and organic.
- Shape is 3D and geometric.
- Space is 2D and empty.
- Tone is contrasting.
- Color is neutral.
- Textures are tactual.
What is it?
The picture represents modern society and its attitude towards every individual. The apple that makes an obstacle for the audience to see the man’s face must demonstrate the barrier that other people face when dealing with unacquainted personalities (Magritte). Moreover, the artist wanted the audience to understand that everything that is hidden or remains unachievable in the nearest future attracts people’s attention and becomes even more fascinating than it truly is (Anderson 28). In this case, it is the man’s face that is hidden, and everyone strives to see his emotions.
Formal Analysis
What Elements and Principles Strike You as Significant in the Work and How Do They Contribute to the Visual Experience?
As it is mentioned above, such factors as contrasting weather, the depicted man’s undefined identity, and facial emotions remain the most interesting objects in the picture. The grey sky and the calm lake (or sea) contributes to my visual experience by symbolizing the lour and unfriendly crowd that surrounds every person daily. In turn, the main character’s hidden face makes me look through the apple (Anderson 30). Perhaps, the author wanted people to understand that is necessary to omit some physical objects to see someone’s inner world (that might be represented by the light blue stream on the background).
How Does the Work Make Visual Sense?
To discuss the visual sense of the artwork by Magritte, it would be proper to mention that the man depicted in the painting is the artist herself.
Works Cited
Anderson, Tom. “A Structure for Pedagogical Art Criticism.” Studies in Art Education, vol. 30, no. 1, 1988, pp. 28–38. Web.
Magritte, Rene. The Son of Man. 1964. Private Collection. Rene Magritte. Web.