Today in class, we discussed portraiture further. To start class off, we discussed the article that we read for homework about Trump’s Time Magazine cover. Upon first glance, one may question why such a controversial figure was chosen. However, when engaging at close looking, a more subversive message begins to emerge. First, the color palette utilized reflects the antiquated social values of the 40s and 50s that Trump ran his campaign on. Additionally, the position he is sitting in and the way he is turning his head makes him a shadowy and frightening figure.
We also discussed nude depictions of women in Renaissance art. Many of these images were made for male pleasure, including the Venus of Urbino. It is known for a fact that this portrait is not of the goddess Venus, but perhaps the Duke’s mistress or a prostitute. This is further reinforced by the dog sleeping at her feet, which reflects putting aside the value of fidelity.