On my recent visit to the Art Gallery of Ontario, one piece which has managed to catch my eye time and time again has to be "The Marchesa Casati", by Augustus Edwin John, as seen above. This image stood out for me; however, perhaps not for the usual reasons one would expect. Of course, the use of space, design, etc. are all used well, however this one was set apart simply for the sheer expression on the models' face
In that time period, most everywhere you look, all of the models sport that same monotonous, lifeless expression. An expression which speaks, "I've no real personality of my own, as it is what is expected of me." That expression can be seen everywhere in paintings from that period, and could be perhaps the result of the artist being unable to capture feeling into a stilled image. In the image above, however, the model is bearing an actual personality, and most likely a story and feelings to go with it. Looking at this image, I almost get a sense of "I'm a spunky young woman, who actually has some gusto. I have a feminine side, however I also have the means of standing up for myself." That sort of thing.
For me, the contrast between the two concepts is much like staring at a brick wall for an hour, attempting to find out why it's so worm, (to no avail) as opposed to observing a wild flower in order to fully interpret it's motivation for facing the sun. If that even makes sense. One is generic, whilst the other has some visually pleasing qualities which can keep your imagination on its toes.
There are other subjects I'd like to tackle as to why I find this piece superior, (for example the large, rounded pupils versus the old-timey miniscule dots in the center of each eye found in most other Victorian work. Really, sometimes they don't even have the small shine of light reflecting to indicate the model has some form of a "metaphorical" soul.) However, I feel I've covered everything necessary for the time being. Over all, good job, mister Augustus Edwin John.
