THE REALISM OF TEXTURE

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This user gallery has been created by an independent third party and may not represent the views of the institutions whose collections include the featured works or of Google Arts & Culture.

Art History   -  Google Art Project-Creating an Art Gallery/Exhibition

The "furlana", Pietro Longhi, 1751 - 1751, From the collection of: Ca' Rezzonico - Museum of the 18th century Venice
As we know, texture is a crucial element to achieve realism in any artwork. I chose this beautiful painting for the fine details in clothing, skin and texture of the architecture. The space resemble hard walls probably made of rock contrasting the fine fabric wear by the ladies. Moreover, their skin seems to be as smooth as ceramic which follows the trend for this period of time.
Music Mounted on an Eagle, Ernst Rietschel, 1839, From the collection of: Sculpture Collection, Dresden State Art Collections
In the case on this sculpture, we can notice how the feathers of the eagle were finely craved. Also, the fabric that the women is wearing gives the sensation of soft silk although is actually hard rock. When those elements are combined, the result is an exceptional realism.
The Shepherd David, Elizabeth Jane Gardner Bouguereau, ca. 1895, From the collection of: National Museum of Women in the Arts
This exceptional painting is a perfect example of how texture bring pieces of art to live. It is possible to appreciate fur of the sheep which looks soft and fluffy. In contrast, the hard fur of the lion definitely calls for attention due to its realism. Equally important the innocence reflect in David's soft skin and curly hair contrasts with the ferocity of the scene itself.
Sheep by the Sea, Rosa Bonheur, 1865/1865, From the collection of: National Museum of Women in the Arts
Hero we have another great detailed painting of a group of sheep. Their fur seems so three dimensional and soft that it is almost a photography. Also, the waves down the cliff complement the scene by making a difference between sky and sea. The artist properly gather these elements so hr painting will have a high level of realism.
Roses, Convolvulus, Poppies, and Other Flowers in an Urn on a Stone Ledge, Rachel Ruysch, ca. 1680s - ca. 1680s, From the collection of: National Museum of Women in the Arts
A painting that makes the viewer wants to touch it, just to be sure is a painting and no a real object, has definitely reach success. As this artwork does, the flowers looks so soft and appealing that they are almost real. When I stare at this painting, I feel I can lift my hand and touch the delicate petals of such beautiful still-life.
The Last Day of Pompeii, Karl Brullov, 1830/1833, From the collection of: The State Russian Museum
The texture found in the textiles, skin and architecture in this painting enhances the drama and violence of the scene. Indeed, the sense of deepness provides such realism for viewers that they may find themselves submerge on the painting, as if they were standing right in the middle of the chaos.
The stone of Bismantova, Giovanni Fontanesi, 1860, From the collection of: Civic Museums of Reggio Emilia
This beautiful landscaping almost makes viewers to feel the warm sunset sun in their skin. This natural scene seems so calm and peaceful with its soft yet real textures that awake the desire of laying down the trees for taking a relaxing nap.
Model Making Mischief, Raimundo de Madrazo y Garreta, ca. 1885, From the collection of: Museo Carmen Thyssen Málaga
I select this painting not only for its curious theme, which a lady painting herself in a canvas (not very common in that period of time) but also for the carefully detailed fabric. We can appreciate every curve, wrinkles and shadows that provide to the dress a significant level of realism. In order to achieve this impressive texture, the artist must had had spent an important amount of time, feature that adds extra value to these peace of art.
Courting by the Window Grille, José Moreno Carbonero, 1874, From the collection of: Museo Carmen Thyssen Málaga
Although the human figure lacks of details in this painting, the exterior was made with such fine technique that makes us feel right in the middle of a Mexican village. The old texture of the walls, wood and floors is what made me chose this painting. The flora also plays an important role since it is in perfect harmony with the rest of the elements, which gives this impressionist painting a sense of being a real scene for viewers to related with.
Tanners Workshop - Tanners Workshop of Ubide, Arredondo y Calmache, Ricardo, 1897, From the collection of: Museo Santa Cruz
Again we found a highly detailed background that takes away our attention from the human figures. Each element belonging to the scene has its own texture and presence. This kind of technique makes this scene as real as it was a picture from and actual moment.
A Summer Night, Albert Joseph Moore, About 1887, From the collection of: Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool
These sleepy women may seduce viewers with their ivory skin more similar to porcelain than actual human flesh. Equally important, the fabric covering their bodies is so rich in texture and deepness that it gives a false sense of realism. Also, the fabric fit so well the anatomy of the women that it makes us desire to touch the fine silk. Such beautiful picture is certainly considered a true work of art.
Green-lipped Abalone, Haliotis laevigata, John James Wild, 1887, From the collection of: Museums Victoria
This little drawing seems really unique since vegetal biology is not a main theme prefer by artists. This is why I choose this image, it totally contrast with the rest of the paintings yet it maintains a delicate level of texture resembling a three-dimensional object. Such unique little object to portrait did catch my attention right away specially after noticing all the texture involved: rocky, fluffy, layers of different material. This is an interesting drawing that serves from us to take a look at it.
Apollo served by the Nymphs, François Girardon and Thomas Regnaudin, 1666 - 1675, From the collection of: Palace of Versailles
I found myself admiring this extravagant sculpture for so long just because of its tons of details and textures involved. First, the fine detailed body structure makes us wonder whether it is a real person or statue. Second, delicate clothing floating around gives a false sense of softness although it is hard granite. Finally, other elements were also greatly carved in order to complete the scene taking the sculpture to a new level of excellence.
These sleepy dreamers in fact look like resting angels. There are so much elegance and delicate touch to make this painting that I had to include it in my gallery. More than just the fabric, hair and bed clothing were also painted in significant realism. A powerful feeling to lie down beside these angels may overcome any viewer who takes the time to appreciate the beauty of this work of art.
Equestrian statue of Louis XIV transformed into Marcus Curtius, François Girardon and Bernini said Le Bernin, 1671 - 1671, From the collection of: Palace of Versailles
Last but least, we found another sculpture that successfully fake high soft texture. Wrinkles, curves and deepness fulfill this artwork with pure drama and power. Both hair and fabric present on this sculpture made us want to lift our hand and touch the surface waiting to feel soft texture instead of hard granite. Moreover, we almost can feel the tension of the horse and the rider as they approach the enemy. It is certainly that texture gave this sculpture a sense of realism and authority.
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