Through the Lens of LoMonaco

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Art, Ambition, and Elegance: How 1700s Paintings Reflect the Middle Class Rise

- October 16, 2024

The 1700s were a time of big changes, especially for the middle class, who were beginning to gain more wealth and influence. Suddenly, art wasn’t just for the rich—it started to reflect the dreams and lifestyles of everyday people who were rising in society. In paintings like William Hogarth’s Marriage A-la-Mode , Sir Joshua Reynolds’ Lady Elizabeth Delmé and her Children , and Jean-Honoré Fragonard’s The Swing , we can see how the middle class used art to show off their new status and navigate the world of power and prestige. William Hogarth, Marriage A-la-Mode , c. 1743, series of six paintings, oil on canvas, London In this first of a series of six oil paintings called " Marriage A-la-Mode " by Hogarth, he depicts the consequences of arranged marriages between wealthy, status-conscious families. In Marriage A-la-Mode , Hogarth exposes the dark side of social climbing through an undeniable critique of arranged marriages. The series captures the obsession with status and wea

The Dynamic Drama of Bernini’s David (1623 - 1624): A Masterpiece of the Baroque Era

- October 07, 2024

Created by Gian Lorenzo Bernini between 1623 and 1624, David is a life-sized marble sculpture that magnificently captures the dynamic elements of the Baroque era. Unlike other depictions, Bernini’s David draws the viewer into a moment of intense emotion, tension, and action. Based on the biblical story of David and Goliath, this sculpture showcases the scene where the young King David faces the giant Goliath on the battlefield, armed only with a sling and a stone after shedding his armor. In this piece, Bernini masterfully conveys the drama of the moment. Every aspect of David ’s body displays a sense of instability and anticipation. The winding up of his body, lips clenched, brow furrowed, and his muscles tensed as he prepares to release the deadly blow showcase the realism of this moment. It’s a pose filled with dynamic energy, perfectly capturing the split second before action. The diagonals in David's body, the twisting motion, and the interplay of light and shadow

Northern Renaissance: Jan Van Eyck's The Madonna In the Church (1438)

- September 29, 2024

The Madonna in the Church (1438) is a small yet awe-inspiring masterpiece by Jan van Eyck, created during the height of the Northern Renaissance. Painted in oil on oak wood, this piece captures the Virgin Mary holding the infant Jesus in an imagined Gothic church. Van Eyck, known for his religious work as a court painter for Philip the Good, was famous for his incredible attention to detail, and The Madonna in the Church is no exception. The Virgin Mary is depicted on a much larger scale than the surroundings, emphasizing her significance as the "Queen of Heaven," and she wears an elaborate crown and richly decorated gown that reinforce her importance. The level of precision in Van Eyck’s work is, in my opinion, unmatched. If you look closely, you’ll notice remarkable details like angels singing from a hymn book in the background, and a carved wooden sculpture of Mary holding Jesus over her left shoulder. This statue is a miniaturized reflection of the living figures before

Artistic Analysis on The Triumph of the Name of Jesus and the Fall of the Damned, 1672-1685

- August 27, 2024

Giovanni Battista Gaulli, called Baciccio The Triumph of the Name of Jesus and the Fall of the Damned, 1672-1685 Background Walking into the Jesuit church of Il Gesù, located in Rome, Italy you will be greeted by elaborate architecture and a magnificent ceiling fresco. The artist, Giovanni Battista Gualli, spent years on this fresco from 1672 - 1685, roughly one hundred years after the construction of the church itself. At the time, the building was established by the Catholic Church in response to the Protestant Reformation initiated by Martin Luther. The religious and political history behind the structure bleeds over into the ceiling fresco itself as you see an obvious distinction between those who they believed achieved salvation and those who did not based on their beliefs. Personal Analysis I can relate to this background in the sense that I think it is important to stand up for what you believe in. Without fear of repercussions or persecution, especially if you believe

Prologue

- August 24, 2024

Hello, Reader - My name is Lexi LoMonaco. Originally from Anchorage, Alaska, my journey in life has taken me to many states in the Lower 48. Two years ago I found myself back in Alaska again, only this time in Fairbanks. I live here full-time with my husband, John, and our golden retriever, Daisy. Together the three of us enjoy all things outdoors, especially the rural areas. Whether it’s hiking, fishing, or enjoying the view, we would both agree that Fairbanks is a hidden gem. I love to sing, play guitar, and spend time with family. I have been in the Finance industry for 9 years and I am currently studying at The University of Alaska Fairbanks for my Bachelor of Business Administration. My long-term goal is to teach Personal Finance at a University one day to help college students financially prepare for the real world. The Storm on the Sea of Galilee, 1633 by Rembrandt, by Rembrandt van Rijn : Available at: https://www.rembrandtpaintings.com/the-storm-on-the-sea-of-galilee

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