Case-Study Analysis

Case-Study Analysis

In this assignment, we would analyse two different primary resources by applying appropriate research methodologies; to further enhance our understanding and to critically evaluate the case studies

Material Culture Case Study: John Henry Fuseli's painting, The Nightmare (1781)

German History in Document and Images: Weimar Germany, 1918/19-1933,Arnold Zweig on Art and Politics (1921)

Material Culture Case Study: John Henry Fuseli's Painting,

The Nightmare (1781)

In this assignment, we would attempt to critically analyse John Henry Fuseli's Painting: The Nightmare (1781). Literature on the painting would be thoroughly analysed and discussed to enhance our knowledge on the painting. A relevant research methodology would be applied to critically examine Fuseli's work. Our chosen Material Culture Case Study is John Henry Fuseli's Painting: The Nightmare. It should be noticed that Fuseli's work got mixed reaction from the masses.

By reviewing literature on Fuseli's The nightmare; and by identifying the underlying features of art in that era, a better understanding would be developed to critically evaluate Fuseli's approach, artwork, depiction and purpose. The Nightmare is considered to be Fuseli's finest work. Ever since its creation, the painting has led to a number of controversies. Major criticism of the paining has come due to its parodies in political context and by an effusive display of sexuality at that time.

Introduction

Henry Fuseli was a renowned Swiss painter, writer and draughtsman. He is most famous for his art analyses. Although, he hailed from Switzerland; he spent most of his adult life in Britain. Fuseli was born in Switzerland, his father was a painter and Fuseli received interest in Art from his father. In the beginning, he was sent to the church for his initial education. Fuseli later moved to the Italy where he worked on his paintings. He also studied Italian painting techniques, which later influenced his work. With his continuous efforts, Fuseli exhibited his paintings and this provides him fame. He was soon appointed as associate of the Royal Academy. With the advancement in his work he expressed literary influences in his work through paintings. He presented his paintings which were based on his influence by John Milton. All these concepts were very clear in his paintings. Hence, our critical analysis would comprise of a thorough analysis on the cultural, social and historical roots of Fuseli's painting - The Nightmare.

Portrayal of Sexuality in Fuseli's Work

The Renaissance period in Art history is regarded as a cultural revolution which spread from Florence to the rest of Europe. The notion of beauty in art has been widely discussed and debated among contemporary artists. The depiction of sexuality in Renaissance period led to major led to major resurrections in literature and art. Classical paintings i.e. The Nightmare by Henry Fuseli (1781) was interpreted and newer avenues on sexual portrayal were debated. The subconscious of the artist was often questioned and true intent of the artist was analysed. Fuseli's painting serves as an epitome of female sexuality to date. Indeed, throughout history, due to the controversies on The Nightmare, ancient critics refrained ...