Curatorial Paper Sample - Masterpieces of the Museum of Chicago

Museum is an institution that preserves a collection of artifacts and other vital objects of artistic, cultural, scientific or historical importance. Some of the works tend to remind the people regarding some of the various issues that happened in the past while others are only for fun. However, most artists use their skills as a platform to educate the society through their works. As such, most of their works are believed to have hidden meaning which requires that audience to think critically. This paper will discuss some of the most recognized artistic works found in various museums in the country.

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One of the notable paintings in the Museum of Chicago is the Lady of Shalott. The Lady of Shalott is a representation of the woman being struck by the curse that is cursed upon her when she tries to look at the world beyond her window. As such, the painting portrays the simpler metaphysical purpose of the symbolism throughout Alfred Lord Tennyson's poem The Lady of Shalott. Hunt's painting is said to convey a concept that relates to the general topic, thus, bringing out an ethical and figurative connotation. The painting was created when he was at the age of 87, in 1905 represents concepts of the late pre-Raphaelite notions, showing the early traditions of society, and how it is developed. As such, the painting creates some fusion of initial spiritual concerns and early unenlightened; having a good understanding of how people should live. Arthurian leitmotifs are recurring Arthurian musical themes.

The painting generates a fusion the initial and future concepts of representations, hence, the tranquillity in the scenery and the appropriation of a lively instant. According to Tennyson poem, the image of the woman of Shalott is created by adaptation from Arthurian legend. The woman was, and she is not to view outside and to see the real communities and not the replication of her mirror. Nonetheless, someday Sir Lancelot rides by, and the woman leaves her room, and she peers out of her window to see him, thus imposing the profanity of death on herself. According to the poet, the subject matter revolved around romance, nevertheless, in the representation by Hunt, it has become a sermon on the impiety of negligence to one's duty. Hunt illustrates the impunity as the failure of the human personality towards its acknowledged duty. Hunt represents this dramatic movement with the breaking of the woman's invocation.

The picture can be broken down into three different parts: there is the foreground where the Lady of Shalott entwined in strings of individual cross-stitch coming apart. Different yet symbolic items that foretell her destiny surround the woman. At the middle of the painting is the room's wall. The wall has high ornamentation with tapestries that are representations of religious issues, which is one of the things that differ in the two paintings. In the background, the portrait holds the landscape and a reflection on the mirror of Sir Lancelot riding. The dark color used on the wall-hanging bounces a very low-spirited feeling to the image; nevertheless, the very positive scenery reflection on the mirror, and the light on the woman's dress counter it.

The Woman in the painting, that is, the image of the woman of Shalott is a representation of the pre-Raphaelite beauty. The woman is represented to have long, light-brown hair, which is flying slackly in the picture covering the considerable part of the wall hanging that is in the background. The Lady is neat and outfitted very simple in a white dress and pink robe on top with a stitched good top. Also, she does not have any jewelry on, and she is barefooted, which is a representation of natural beauty.

According to Verde, (2013), the background of the painting, which is a scenery is a pronounced wheat field and a river, a bright-blue sky, sunshine. The landscape is in complete opposition to characters of the room, which are dark and gloomy tapestry that are dominant in the house. Sir Lancelot rides wearing a shiny armor, and two performers who are in front of him that catch the interest of the Lady of Shalott accompany him. Despite the background being less in details, as it might have been described by the pre-Raphaelite ideas, and being a bit blurred owing to the replication in the mirror, it plays the important role of demonstrating accord and independence, as Sir Lancelot symbolizes riding away into the bright fields.

Part 2

Four-Armed Seated God Ganesha in the art museum is created using clay. Previously, people tried to use different materials to create, but they did not suit the structure of the art. As such, the use of clay was considered to be the best material since it could be preserved for a long time. Also, clay does not decompose compared to other types of materials which are used in the creation of artworks (Verde, 2013). The use of clay is also attributed to the fact that since he is considered to be the god of protection, clay is a symbol of nature according to the Hindus.

The Four-Armed Seated God Ganesha is one of the most recognized arts. Also, it is considered as the most worshiped Hindus gods outside India. What is more, Ganesh is considered to be the god of fortune, prosperity, and success. He is the god who removes obstacles that would hinder anyone from achieving both material and spiritual success. Surprisingly, he places obstacles for people whose motivates needs to be checked. Another widely recognized art among the museum is the Four-Armed Dancing God Ganesha with His Rat Mount. His image is mostly recognised in Sri Lanka, India, and Nepal. Although the arts is known by many attributes, the elephant head makes it easy to be recognized compared to other deities in the museum.

A famous story among the Hindus is that at one time, Ganesh had a fight with Chandra, who was believed to be the moon god, resulting in the cutting off his task. In his dancing pose, he is associated with Shiva, who is known to be the lord of the dance. Among the Hindus, an elephant is a symbol of wealth and strength (Dana, 2011). In that light, by having an elephant head, it indicated that people could pray to him for the purpose of success and ask for strength in times of difficult moments. Also, a person who worships Ganesh helped to have a rich and a happy life. In most of the Hindus culture, poverty was a sign of a curse from one of their gods. To avoid such curses, people had to act by their doctrines than enhances a happy.

Doni Tondo

Doni Tondo by Michelangelo is one of the famous paintings found in Chicago Museum. The painting is believed to have existed for more than 100 years ago. Also, it was believed to that the painting is connecting to the Christianity religion since it showcases Mary, who is viewed as the mother of Jesus. In that painting, Mary is seen holding a baby who is believed to be Jesus when he was young. What is more, Joseph is seemed to hold his family together. There are many explanations that people have established from this painting. The painting showcases Joseph in a much higher position than the other members of his family. As such, people tend to believe that the artist was trying to enlighten the people that the fathers are the head of the family. In addition, Mary was down as a sign of respect to his husband. The painting has been duplicated by many people who are mostly Christians. In that light, it is likely for one to find similar paintings in places of worships or in the house of Christians.

The painting is still in its original framed, one that Michelangelo might have helped to design. The frame is covered by unusual five heads that are subjects to speculation. Many people tend to associate those five heads to the power of God. As such, they believe that Jesus who is watching over them. Some Christians believe that the five heads represent the authority of God over humanity. In that light, each head has a hidden meaning known to them. Many people from all over the world visit the Chicago museum to have a clear look at this portrait.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is estimated that 45% of the America population visits different types of museums every year. As such, it has created many employment opportunities for the local residents. Also, most of the Sates have befitted from the many tourists visiting those museums since it has boosted the economic situation of those regions. A lot of artists hare believed to use their skills to educate the audience on different aspects based on the culture of the people.

Works Cited

Dana, John C, and Beatrice Winser. The Museum. Newark, N.J: Newark Museum Association, 2011. Print.

Verde, Susan, and Peter H. Reynolds. The Museum. New York: Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2013. Print.