Comparison of the Canvas Paintings "Rinaldo & Armida" and "The Toilet of Venus"

Comparing Works of Art
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Art is one of the most important reflections of the society that creates them. There is no better way to understand the societies and cultures that various artists lived in than looking at their work. The lessons into the cultures of the ancient societies represented in works of art are conveyed through the symbolism, materials, as well as the colors used. Art also serves as a hallmark of human’s accomplishment through the years. Comparing artworks help give the different perspectives with which the artists viewed their societies and cultures. It can also demonstrate the societal differences between the times the works were created. This paper seeks to compare Rinaldo & Armida and The Toilet of Venus.
Rinaldo & Armida is a painting by Anthony van Dyck, who lived between 1599 and 1641. It was created either in 1634 or 1635. It is an oil on canvas painting measuring 57 by 41.5 centimeters. It bears features from the baroque art movement. The painting is based on a poem by Torquato Tasso that was published in 1574. In the poem, Armida is a sorceress while Rinaldo is a captain in Goffredo’s army. In the painting, Armida is captured, putting Rinaldo under her spell. Other subjects such as two cherubs above the sorceress and a giggling Cupid are included to accentuate the atmosphere. The artist borrowed heavily from the Flemish style while depicting the landscape. The subject matter contains intense detail. Nature is rendered into a pastoral atmosphere with the aim of elevating the focus of the work. The S-shaped composition used in the painting allowed the artist to add extra details to the larger figures depicted. The plane sl...