Step back and observe two cityscapes both similar in subject matter and composition, however unique in style and technique. One canvas is on fire, burning with the influence of impressionistic characteristics while the other stands strong reflecting the glow of the artist’s personal sense of precision. Together, these two paintings show eras that contrast one another and artists who evolved traditional teachings by depicting cities in ways that are now seen as revolutionary.
Joseph Mallord William Turner was an English painter in the 18th and 19th century. J.M.W. Turner is more commonly known for his interpretation of natural settings in Western history and for the quality of light in his paintings. He is also highly regarded for his “elevated landscape paintings” and for laying a “foundation for Impressionism.” For most of his later work he attempted to capture the spirit of expression
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There is a broad range of color intensity and hue. Turner is interested in focusing on control of color saturation to create an emphasis on the fire, while also using the lack of saturation to create the illusion of depth. The artist also shows his skill by managing the high contrast between complementary orange, reds, and blues to draw the eye. This shows his understanding of the effects of light and color.
Giovanni Antonio Canal an 18th century Italian artist better known as Canaletto gives us the other cityscape. Canaletto’s oil painting of the Rialto Bridge and the hustle and bustle of the people of Venice was created in 1730 during the Italian transition from Rococo to Neoclassicism. Rococo was primarily in Northern Europe: France and Germany, however Canaletto was painting in Southern Europe, Italy. Most people believe this work reflects the Rococo style, but it is a reflection of the interest of Europeans in travelling to Italy to do the Grand Tour, which flowed into the roots of