Topic: Primary differences between Bernini and that of Nicolas Poussin.

Paper details: The paper assignment for the end of the semester is to consider the Baroque in terms of artistic style and function. I am interested in your discussing the primary differences between Bernini's or Rubens's style and that of Nicolas Poussin, their priorities in painting and the implications of each. By this I am referring to the comparison of a dynamic and expressive approach as compared to a more intellectual vision that Poussin represents. What are the advantages and opportunities each can offer that the other doesn't? Are there certain kinds of subjects ideas that are easier or more difficult to portray in each mode? You should start the paper by selecting at least two paintings from Bernini/Rubens camp and two from Poussin that are good examples of their respective works and style. Better papers will select images that appear to tackle similar subjects in different ways. A good example would be a similar set of images that represent a religious narrative or belief but depict these subjects differently from the Bernini or Poussin perspective. How you do this and what kind of conclusions you reach is up to you. There are many ways that you can discuss these differences besides simply subject matter or style. You can talk about materials, subject matter, color, size, history, lives of the artists involved. The key point of the project is to describe and analyze these two influential modes of art making. Please conclude with some discussion about how later art was affected by these two tendencies in painting. Better papers will include in-depth explorations of the subjects under discussion accompanied by specific descriptions of ways in which the images work to convey meaning. Citation (Chicago Manual of Style) of appropriate sources is particularly important and an abundance of good sources is especially welcome, especially for those students looking for an “A” result. The length must be a minimum of 3 pages. Better papers will be longer, up to 5 or 6 pages. The writing should be clear and specific and the analysis of the works should be plausible and well-supported in nature. Imaginative and innovative connections are most desirable.