Title: PROTOTYPE COLUMN

[Image: Worksheet Image]

📝 Fill in the table with the correct details of the painting. If necessary, do some research online.

Title of Painting | Artist Name | Year of Creation | Dimensions and Technique | Location

Q: 📝 Describe the painting.
A: The painting 'Le Déjeuner sur l’herbe' (Luncheon on the Grass) by Édouard Manet, created in 1863, depicts a provocative scene of a modern picnic set in a wooded area. The main motifs include two fully dressed men and a naked woman sitting on the grass in the foreground, while another woman wearing a white dress is seen bathing in a stream in the background. The arrangement of elements creates a balanced yet dynamic composition with a focus on the figures in the foreground. The nude woman’s direct gaze at the viewer establishes a provocative interaction, contrasting with the clothed men who represent societal norms. The painting uses natural and earthy tones, with a contrast between the bright skin of the woman and the darker clothing of the men, emphasizing her presence. The light appears evenly distributed, illuminating all elements without harsh shadows, creating depth and three-dimensionality. The linear perspective and overlapping figures achieve spatial representation, with the foreground figures appearing larger and more detailed. The serene natural setting contrasts with the tension evoked by the nude woman’s presence, challenging social norms and symbolizing naturalness and freedom versus societal constraints. Overall, the painting reflects Manet’s critique of bourgeois morality and the questioning of traditional academic art during the 19th century.

Q: 📝 Examine the composition of "Le Déjeuner sur l’herbe" by identifying and drawing the leading lines that guide the viewer's eye through the painting. Describe how these lines create interaction and focus within the scene.
A: The composition of "Le Déjeuner sur l’herbe" utilizes several leading lines to guide the viewer's eye. First, the horizontal line of the picnic cloth and the reclining nude woman creates a base that draws attention to the foreground figures. The gesturing arm of the man on the right forms a diagonal line that directs the viewer's gaze towards the nude woman, emphasizing her centrality and interaction with the viewer. Additionally, the vertical lines of the trees in the background provide a sense of depth and lead the eye upwards, contrasting with the horizontal and diagonal lines in the foreground. These leading lines create a dynamic interaction within the scene, focusing on the provocative presence of the nude woman and the contrasting actions of the clothed men.

Q: 📝 Analyze the significance of the nude woman gazing directly at the viewer. Discuss how this element challenges societal norms and what emotions or thoughts it evokes. Provide three specific details from the painting to support your interpretation.
A: The nude woman's direct gaze in "Le Déjeuner sur l’herbe" is a significant element that challenges societal norms. Firstly, her central position and lack of clothing contrast starkly with the fully dressed men, emphasizing her defiance of conventional modesty. Secondly, the calm and unapologetic expression on her face suggests confidence and empowerment, provoking thoughts about the role of women and their freedom in society. Thirdly, her placement in a natural setting, alongside clothed figures, underscores the juxtaposition between natural human instincts and societal constraints. These details evoke a range of emotions, from discomfort to intrigue, as viewers are invited to reconsider their perceptions of morality and the human body.

Q: 📝 Analyze the significance of the nude woman gazing directly at the viewer. Discuss how this element challenges societal norms and what emotions or thoughts it evokes. Provide three specific details from the painting to support your interpretation.
A: The nude woman gazing directly at the viewer in 'Le Déjeuner sur l’herbe' is a provocative element that challenges societal norms of the 19th century. Firstly, her confident and unabashed presence among the clothed men defies conventional modesty and decorum expected of women during that era. Secondly, her direct gaze engages the viewer, creating a sense of confrontation and inviting them to question their own perceptions and judgments. Lastly, the stark contrast between her nudity and the men's formal attire highlights the tension between natural freedom and societal constraints. This element evokes a range of emotions, from discomfort to intrigue, prompting viewers to reflect on the societal norms and the role of art in challenging them.

Q: 📝 Examine the composition of 'Le Déjeuner sur l’herbe' by identifying and drawing the leading lines that guide the viewer's eye through the painting. Describe how these lines create interaction and focus within the scene.
A: The composition of 'Le Déjeuner sur l’herbe' utilizes several leading lines to guide the viewer's eye through the painting. The first prominent line is created by the gaze and gesture of the man on the right, directing attention towards the nude woman. Another leading line is the woman's arm and the picnic items, which draw the viewer's eye horizontally across the foreground. Additionally, the vertical lines of the trees in the background create depth and guide the gaze upwards, adding to the spatial complexity of the scene. These lines interact to focus attention on the central figures, particularly the nude woman, while also encouraging exploration of the surrounding environment. This arrangement creates a dynamic and engaging composition that holds the viewer's interest.