Architecture has never been a subject that has intrigued me to a great extent, neither have sculptures. I found that I had a slightly difficult time reading this chapter, but it got easier as I kept reading and I can almost say that I enjoyed it! What a feat! There are actually some amazing structures out there that definitely deserve their recognition. Anyway, there was picture that really stood out to me, "Gates of Paradise" by Lorenzo Ghiberti, which is pictured above on the left. Now, looking at this picture, does this remind anyone else of something? When I first looked at it, I jumped right into thinking the "Gates of Hell" which was somewhat ironic I realize because it is named the exact opposite. However, there is a doorway figure called the "Gates of Hell" by Auguste Rodin that to me resembles "Gates of Paradise." This is pictured on the right.
I first saw "Gates of Hell" at Stanford for the Rodin collection and I was immediately intrigued. It is one of the most dark and moving peices of that has ever really had an affect on me. Now that I have seen "Gates of Paradise", rather, now that I know that there is a counter subject to Rodin's interpretation, I have many more questions. Did Rodin know about Ghiberti's gates and decide to show the opposite of "Paradise"? Did Rodin use Ghiberti's as inspiration or was he trying to complete some sort of cycle? In Ghiberti's you get a sense of paradise through the lavish gold that bring the pictures to life whereas Rodin uses only one shade of black to his figures. It is a great contrast to look at each and notice the differences and the similarities.
The "Gates of Hell" also greatly remind me of the story Dante's Inferno written by Dante Alighieri. Rodin's masterpiece is unbelieveably dark and sinister. If you see the pictures up close, many will have you churning. Some are very disturbing and realistic as well as very interpretational. Both pieces (the "Gates") are portrayed as doorways which that by itself causes stirring amoungst the masses.
The topic of these two figures I'm sure could go on and on. I'd be interested in researching it further, if I have the chance to do so.
Hi Katlin,
ReplyDeleteVery interesting! I had not heard of the Gates of Hell.. but you are right, they do look like they are part of the good and evil matched set! Stanford just opened a very large exhibit of Rodins work (over 200 pieces) this week. I plan to go at some point, and hope that the Gate is a part of the collection. I would like to look at it closer now that you have brought it to my attention. When I tried to look at the Gates of Paradise closely last summer, it was difficult as there is a rope to keep you from getting close to it.
Kimberlie
Your debate amongst yourself was very insightful. I had heard about the Gates of Hell but not heard about the Gates of Paradise until this chapter. There has always been good and evil but my question is why each artist would create that particular piece. I understand that the doors were just so marvelous that it had to be named something great, but why, in particular, the Gates of Paradise?
ReplyDeleteHi kaitlin!
ReplyDeleteyou know, I've actually been to the Cantor Arts Center this January & saw Rodin's statues, but I missed the Gates of Hell!...that's probably what the big crowd was surrounding
thanks to you, I'll be sure to keep an eye out the next time i visit... whenever that is
i agree, it is ironic! I wonder when the dates of these two are made, & if one artist got inspired by the other
the 'gates of paradise' def stood out to me too.. I S2 gold, it's soo magnificant..if only all doors today looked like that
great job kaitlin, very insightful! :)
which afterschool program do you teach? I as well sorta do that, you heard of kumon?