The following five paintings are by different artists that all share the same topic or theme which is "River Landscape".The first painting is by Abdul Qadir Al Rassam who was the first well-known painter in modern Iraq and the leader of realism school in Iraq. Visually analyzing, we get a sense of depth and atmospheric perspective by viewing the painting. The use of bright colors also makes us feel the weather and the warmth of the sunlight as well.The second painting is by Marco Gozzi who was an Italian landscape painter. Visually analyzing, we get see that its almost sunset, by the clear dark sky. If looked closely, we can see that the people painted are fishermen, based on the basket filled with fish, as well as the oxen following them.The third painting is by Jan Brueghel the Elder who was a Flemish painter well known for his still lifes and paradise lanscape paintings. Visually analyzing, we can tell that this painting focuses on a daily life matter. The change of colors in the river brings this painting to life. We can tell that this specific point of the river was sort off a station to carry on people and transport them to their desired destination.The fourth painting is by Jacob van Ruisdael who was a Dutch Golden Age landscape painter. Visually analyzing, we can tell how Ruisdael has used foilage, paths, and clouds to give his painting the atmospheric look. Based on the given title as well, we can see how the castle on the high cliff is of great importance to the painting too.The fifth and last painting is by Claude Lorrain who was a French painter that spent most of his time in Italy where he is admired for his landscape paintings. Visually analyzing, we can see the ruined temple, as well as a flute-playing shepherd with his companion making music. Based on the lightning seen in the painting, we can tell that there is infinite distance beyond the river. We can also see that Lorrain is using Ancient Rome mythology and architect to give his painting an Italian look.Those images relate to concepts learned in this course in so many ways. For instance, in Module 5, we learned that “we look at images of the past differently today than they were viewed during the time in which they were created” (Sturken and Cartwright, 143). Which is the case in these images, as they can be interpreted differently as time goes by.
