Bellace- art analysis of After the Battle, 1907

For this piece specifically, much of the definition of the piece is due to movement, especially of the individual in the center who's bending down. The linework is very similar to what is used in class in which there is an implied edge or blended contour line, rather than a stiff black line. The use of movement and lines creates the form of people and faces, the center person sticking out the most, and the faces, surrounding her feet, create a swirling and almost chaotic effect. The thing I could most compare it to is the river Styx in Greek Mythology. There is a value scale, being a grey scale, and many of the shapes and forms are darker greys and blacks, however, there is stark contrast between the light the individual is holding and pointing to the ground against the rest of the background. This grey scale also relates back to the use of color, looking at her other works, it seems black and white is her common color pallette, but for this piece specifically, it adds another layer of emotion. Considering this piece is about "after the battle" it would make sense for the piece to be darker and colorless, as it portrays a very grim and solemn event and emotion, the black and white reflecting this as well. There is also a use of space, as we can make out the people surrounding the middle person, the light, as well as the hills and clouds behind and above her, while the space around her where the faces are located seem to be muddled and almost chaotic, this doesn't take away from the perspective or spacial use, if anything, it adds to it. 

When it comes to artwork, at least for me, I tend to look for the person in the piece. Art is a reflection of the person, their mentality, their emotions, and who they are as a whole. I want to be able to see the person in the art they create, whether that be emotions, the person's interest and style, etc. When scrolling through instagram, I tend to look for original characters or stylized art styles. I like seeing original an unique pieces, a person's ocs, etc, so I often find myself gravitating towards pieces that are more fantastical, stylized, or just overall unique and interesting. As a comic and manga fan, I also tend to look for how much the style sticks out among others, or how appealing it is and why. So I tend to look for the person and a reflection of the artist in the work. I want to see why they made the piece, how much care and time they took on it or how much they cared for it, I want to see the person's self within what they create, cause to me, that is true art. On account of that, I tend to glimpse over realism, as they are, often times, just a recreation of an already existent thing or picture, for me, they lack emotion and style, as well as the reflection of who that person is. I can't see that person in their realism, often, cause it's not a reflection of themself, but rather, what they copied. 

When it comes to this piece, it's not something I'm super interested in. I'm not the hugest fan of the art style, and it's, to me, just lacking in the typical elements I'm drawn to, however, looking at the swirl of faces around the person in the center does strike me, and is something that draws me in. Like I said, it remind me of the river Styx, so I immediately feel interested and even connected to it. Even if it's not my favorite piece of even something I particularly care for, it is technically enhanced and well done. I wouldn't say it's super original, as there are other pieces I've seen similar to it, but it is an original take on a sadly common event of war and a solemn feeling and situation. It achieves what it seems to be going for, which is to strike a contemplative and emotional chord with the viewer. It does just that while being technically advanced and well done. So, even if it's not something I'm personally attached to, it is undeniably a good piece.