Assignment #5 Write about it: Themes of Art

“Ill-Matched Lovers” an oil on canvas by Quentin Massys and “The Expulsion of Adam and Eve from Paradise” also oil on canvas painted by Benjamin West have Themes of Art in their intriguing paintings.
Massys “Ill Matched Lovers” is a portrayal of woman seducing a man and at the same time stealing his coin purse. The title fits the theme and the subject of lust drives the theme. Similarly in West piece the title explains the theme in detail. It explains to the viewer what is going on in the painting. Color is significant in both paintings. Massys uses complimentary harmonies in his painting by painting the woman in cool colors, and the men in warm colors. Complimentary harmonies are colors directly opposite one another on the color wheel (97). West uses color and value in his painting Value is shades of lights and darks (92).
The theme that Massys employs in “Ill-Matched Lovers” is stories. It is often lectured that too lust will surely cause trouble. The example is the Man is so besotted with the woman he doesn’t notice she is stealing his money. Notice his left hand is cupping her right breast, while his right hand is trying to pull her head towards him. West also has a painting where a woman assists in bringing man down.
The casting of Adam and Eve out of Eden is one of the most commonly known stories in history. West painting uses more than just one theme of Art. West employs the sacred realm as well as stories and histories. Notice the Angel is casting Adam and Eve out of Eden. The Garden of Eden is a holy place created by God and was intended to be use by man. But historically Adam was tempted by Eve, who was tempted by the snake. Although the story is not played out in the painting, notice the snake is painted black at the feet of Adam and Eve. Another sign of the scared realm is the implied lighting coming from the sky or the “Heavens”. Implied lighting is the artist use of value to create the impression of light in two dimensional. The artists have used themes of Art to paint very interesting pieces.