The Roettgen Pietà

W04 Art Teach Others: Beauty in Art, Part 3 & 4
1) Take two images of the same subject (either two portraits of the same person or two
landscapes of the same scene), perhaps at different times of the day, under different
lighting conditions, similar to the video clip you just watched above).
a) Taking a picture with a cell phone is sufficient.
b) With friends or family, discuss why you would consider one image to be more
beautiful than the other.
c) Write a substantive paragraph including your audience's reaction to the
images you shared and their thoughts on beauty in art.
2) Submit these in I-Learn by midweek:
a) The paragraph you wrote about the Pietà images (Step 2b)
b) The two photos you took (Step 3). Indicate which image you took is more
beautiful and why
c) The paragraph you wrote about your two images (Step 3c)
A. Considering the "Easy on the Eyes" insights, I could reason that Michelangelo's Pietà
might be seen as more traditionally beautiful due to its simplicity, the clarity of its
narrative through form alone, and its serene emotional tone set by its lighting and
material. The sculpture’s execution in marble allows for a subtlety that reflects the
video's emphasis on using light to define shapes, add depth, and create contrast, all of
which guide the viewer to instantly engage with the artwork on both an emotional
and intellectual level.
Following discussions on the two Pietà sculptures, varying reactions emerged among
the audience. Some individuals were deeply moved by the Roettgen Pietà,
emphasizing its intense emotional charge and the raw depiction of suffering and grief.
They found beauty in art through its ability to evoke such powerful emotions,
regardless of the aesthetic finesse. Conversely, others favored Michelangelo's Pietà for
its serene and harmonious depiction of sorrow, appreciating the grace and depth it
conveyed through its use of light and shadow. They valued the simplicity and
profound meaning intertwined in the artwork, resonating with the notion that great
art can simplify complexity while offering rich insights for contemplation. The
conversations shed light on the multifaceted nature of beauty in art, acknowledging
that it encompasses emotional impact as well as intellectual and philosophical depth,
showcasing how diverse perspectives enrich our understanding and appreciation of
artistic expression.
B.
Image A looks more beautiful than B due to the following reasons:
 Lighting and Clarity: Image A appears to have better lighting that illuminates the
statue, providing a clearer image. The lighting seems to create a gentle glow on
the statue, highlighting its features and the expression of prayer more vividly.
 Composition and Focus: The composition of Image A might be more pleasing to
the eye, potentially because the statue is more in focus, allowing for a sharper
representation of Mary Immaculate.
 Background Distractions: Image B have more background distractions due to the
contrast in lighting and the relative dimness, which could draw attention away
from the statue itself.
 Emotional Impact: The better lighting and focus in Image A evokes a stronger
emotional connection, enhancing feelings of reverence and peace that are
associated with the image's subject.
C. Upon sharing these images with friends and family, their reactions to Image A were
notably warmer. They felt that the clearer image allowed them to appreciate the
artistic details of the statue more deeply. Its serene expression, the gentle draping of
the robes, and the subtle coloration provided by the nuanced lighting helped them to
feel a sense of calm and reverence.
Many remarked on how beauty in art can transcend the mere visual; in the context of
religious imagery, such as these statues, the aesthetic experience is intertwined with
spiritual significance. They observed that the beauty in Image A seemed to elevate the
subject, making the statue not just an object to be viewed but a conduit to a deeper
sense of contemplation and spiritual introspection. This discussion highlighted the
power of art to resonate on multiple levels, embodying not just a form itself but an
entire spectrum of human experience and emotion.
Due in I-Learn by midweek.

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W04 Art Teach Others: Beauty in Art, Part 3 & 4

Due in I-Learn by midweek.

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