Left 
RightBoth works shown are associated with relics. The work on the left is from Conques, France. The work on the right is from southern Cameroon.
Identify formal characteristics shared by both works that relate to their association with relics.
Explain how the materials and/or imagery used in each work reinforce its association with relics.
Analyze at least two difference between the reliquary functions of both works in their respective cultural contexts.
Spend 15 minutes
Both artworks make the face easier to identify and are somewhat close to human like features. The structures also both appear to be seated and possibly significant people. I also notice that within the structure on the left, the pattern and designs are apparent where there are none on the right.
ReplyDeleteThe materials used in each work can show a lot of significance behind the meaning of the peace. Using materials such as gold or what appears to be gold can make the object seem more important. Wood may not seem as significant or wealthy.
The differences I noticed between the two structures would be the body shape. The one on the left seems to have more of a humanized body shape where as the one of the right does not. The lengths seem to appear much more different. Along with this the technique which was used in shaping the eyes is much more different as well.
Some formal characteristics shared by both pieces above that relate to their association with relics, are the geometric shaping used to create a more abstract human form, and the fact that they are both holding, what I assume is an important object for the each culture, in there hand/hands. They also represent significant people in there cultures, reinforcing that they are relics.
ReplyDeleteThe materials and imagery in the relic from France reinforces its association with relics because the artist used precious materials, such as gold, and gemstones, meaning this sculpture with very important to there culture, and valued. The materials and imagery in the relic from Cameroon reinforces its association with relics because the artist abstractly giving this figure a crown-like shaped head, making the viewer believe it was a relic because it looks as though it portrays a ruler or leader.
One difference between the two relics above are that the one from Cameroon was used almost as a talisman to guard a reliquary and provide good luck to the people who entered, whereas the one from France was used to show the people of France the devotion of people to Saint Foy. Another difference is that the relic from France was made out of gemstones donated by Saint Foy's devoted followers, whereas the relic from Cameroon was carved out of a local wood, and is not as extravagant as the relic from France.
From a subject standpoint, both of the artworks depict seated figures that are seemingly important or symbolic to their respective cultures. This being said, both use geometric shaping to form these figure shapes. Both appear to have an artifact that they both hold, which could have more symbolic meaning in the right context.
ReplyDeleteThe materials used in both help communicate further meaning and association to the figures. The gold used in the first makes the figure appear to be associated with a vast amount of wealth and luxury. The wood used in the later one help give it a more naturalistic theme. It seems as if the figure is connected to nature.
The one from Cameroon was used as a talisman to guard a reliquary while the one from France is used to show devotion towards Saint Foy. These various usages would shape each work to be more for their respective purposes. For instance, the gold helped communicate the godlike status. Another difference displayed is the face shaping of each. The one on the right is far more generalized in it's details, as if to show that it is more symbolic of humanity rather than an individual.
Both artworks have distinct faces, but are also geometrically abstract. They both are in seated positions. Since they both hold an object, that is probably important to the culture, we can infer these sculptures are of importance. Since they represent important people, they are relics. The relic on the left in much more intricate.
ReplyDeleteThe materials are often reflective of the culture. The wooden relic was likely made where wood was common, and hardy, so used to make important objects, like in Cameroon. France had more precious materials to make their relics, such as gold. Which was also strong and represented wealth and therefore importance. Both figures were made of the best material available to the culture.
Body shape is a huge difference. The one on the left is much less abstract, and is more natural to show respect towards the object. The relic on the right is much more abstract and used to show function. There is also a lot more detail and pattern on the one on the left, while the one on the right is much simpler.