Creation Of Adam/penitent Magdalene Analysis

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The Michelangelos work Creation of Adam (1511-12), was drawn on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, and the Caravaggios Penitent Magdalene (1596-97), now exhibited in the Doria Pamphilij Gallery of Rome, refer to the masterpieces of the painting tradition (Hunt; Meshberger & Rich). The coursework is aimed to analyze the compositional elements, as well as the main ideas reflected in these pictures through the masterly use of forms, which have contributed to the world-wide distinction of these pictures.
The Creation of Adam
The composition of the painting consists of two squares. Hereby, a diagonal divides the left square into the earth and the sky. A figure of a young man, symbolizing Adam lies on the earth. On the right, a strong figure of man, symbolizes the God, who stretches out his hand from a large oval, where he is surrounded by a lot of small angels. The God almost touches the hand of Adam right at the golden ration point creating a centerpiece of the picture. The two focal figures are linked by a set of parallel diagonal lines that can be drawn between their eyes, which maintain eye contact, as well as ...
... arms, legs, and feet resulting in a dynamic symmetry. The dynamism is reflected through the blowing hair of the God as well.
The picture represents the belief of transmitting the divine spark of life from the God to the man. By leaving a space between the touching fingers of Adam and God, the painter creates a moment of tension and waiting for the act of endowing Adam. Although the man is reflected as innocent and passive, the God is represented as powerful and filled with the energy of love. The idea of Genesis in creating Adam in the design of God is evident as the well-formed muscular bodies and faces of the figures are depicted as being almost identical. In turn, the oval shape that surrounds the God and the angels is similar with the human brain, thus, evidently bringing the Michelangelos belief in the God as a creation of mind.
The Penitent Magdalene
The painting represents a young girl, symbolizing Magdalene, seated on a small chair, with her hands put together in the lap. Scattered jewelry and a glass vessel of liquid are on the ground, in the left corner of the picture. They are compositionally balanced with the part of the background, in the right upper corner, depicted in the similar colors. The warm-colored tones underline the sensuality and reflections of the intimate feelings and sentiments of Magdalene. A humble position of the character with downturned head and gaze can be associated with the portrayal of Jesus Christ during his crucifixion.
The picture represents the moment of penitence and redemption when Magdalene rejects her previous voluptuary life. Coins and broken pearls scattered on the floor symbolize vanities of leading such a lifestyle, while the liquid in the vessel symbolize being wiped out. The image of the vessel is repeated on her dress, but in a shell-like alabaster form, thus reflecting Caravaggios belief in the human ability to fill ones own vessel. Additional floral motives on her dress may symbolize the fertility and naturalness. Realism and departure of the standard depiction of Mary Magdalene makes us think that this could be an average girl.
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