Reference no: EM133221787
Assignment - James Abbott McNeill Paintings Discussion
Review Chapter 2 of Introduction to Art, paying special attention to the elements and principles of design discussed in section 2.5 (pp. 48-66). Then, read through Chapter 1 ("Elements of Sound and Music") in Music: Its Language, History, and Culture. Pay special attention to the "Elements of Music" section (pp. 5-8), and answer the following questions:
1. What "elements" do visual art and music have in common?
2. Study the two paintings by James Abbott McNeill Whistler pictured. The top painting is entitled "Symphony in White" (1861-1862), and the bottom painting is entitled "Nocturne in Black and Gold" (ca. 1875). What elements common to both visual art and music do you see in these two paintings?
3. Why do you think Whistler gave musical titles to his paintings? (A "symphony" is an elaborate, complex musical composition for a full orchestra, and a "nocturne" is a romantic, dreamy musical composition suggestive of night). What idea(s) do you think he was trying to communicate by giving his paintings musical titles?