Tolkien and the World of Art - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Kransha · 05-31-2004, 02:06 PM

Oho, a fan of the classics. What discussions we might share, tar-ancalime. Interesting thought, Perky Ent. Historical art has oft been interpreted incorrectly, so perhaps you are right about VVG's actual painting being a representation of Minas Morgul. Very astute, my friend.

In my most humble opinion, Michelangelo may have been one of the most avid depictors of Arda's art. Perhaps because he, as a contributor to great art long ago, lived in a time that was close to the ages of Middle-Earth itself. He, unlike some others, tended to shy away from overly vivid, semi-abstractisms, and head towards blunt yet magnificent interpretations by epitomizing characters from Middle-Earth in his pieces. Below, I cite a few examples to further the credibility of my case;

Pater Denethore est Filum: A work on Grecian canvas depicting the unseen side of Steward Denethor of Gondor, reading the tale of his own father, Ecthelion, to his sons, Faramir and Boromir. Though the piece is one of tenderness from father to son, critiques have noted the sour look on Denethor's face and the unsettling absence of Finduilas. The naive look of the two sons is considered foreshadowing. Notice how Boromir is, very visibly, in front of younger Faramir?

Curunir: One of Michelangelo's most famous. The immortal depiction of Saruman as he condemns Gandalf and the Rohirrim from atop mighty Orthanc. At the right, in his shadow, are a pair of orcs, for their faces are unseen. At left, just behind Saruman, is the obvious figure of Grima Wormtongue cowering. This visage was so powerful, that's its meaning was completely forgotten. Many pointed out that the picture might in fact have been Gandalf, since the robe of the depicted Maiar is white, rather than multicolored.

Maternity and Hope: This is another one of the more thought-provoking, gentle images. It's title, 'Maternity and Hope' gives away the characters within. The female is Gilraen, while the child in her arms is Estel, which means 'hope.' Many have speculated as to why young Elessar seems so protective of his mother in this statuary work, others state that the child, despite being a child, already looks ready to lead, and heap further praises upon Michelangelo for his accurate depiction of the once-and-future king.

Eomer of the Rohirrim · 06-01-2004, 06:48 AM

Has anyone else visited Madrid? A host of huge, famous art galleries there are in that famous city. However, Tolkien art is harder to find. You cannot find it in the city centre or anywhere near the tourist hotspots. You must delve deep into the city, but its worth the effort let me tell you.

There is a small museum called Borja Ignacio some 2 miles away from the city centre which contains some truly wonderful, if less well-known, paintings by Pablo Picasso. If you think his other pictures are weird, just wait until you check out his version of Treebeard. Oh my!

Kudos for starting this topic Kransha.

Estelyn Telcontar · 06-01-2004, 07:34 AM

There's a wonderful Gallerie l'Arte du'Tolkien on the Tolkien Sarcasm Page - enjoy!

Thanks for a fun thread, Kransha!

tar-ancalime · 06-01-2004, 08:33 AM

Ah, Picasso. One of the great portrayers of Arda. The painting that comes most to mind is the gorgeous Les Demoiselles d'Imladris.

***The Barrow-Wight*** · 06-01-2004, 09:15 AM

Elanor

Simbelmyne

Seregon

dancing spawn of ungoliant · 06-01-2004, 11:57 AM

Another example is A. Edelfelt's "The Wife of the Steward of Gondor". There is Finduilas with her firstborn, Boromir, sitting in a quiet chamber in Minas Tirith. Well, we all know that the "original" name (Queen Bianca) is fake or at least incorrect. First and foremost there were no kings or queens in Gondor at that time so the poor artist must have been mistaken.

piosenniel · 06-01-2004, 12:28 PM

Matisse captures the awakening of the Elves beneath the stars . . .

05-31-2004, 02:06 PM	#1
Kransha Ubiquitous Urulóki Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: The port of Mars, where Famine, Sword, and Fire, leash'd in like hounds, crouch for employment Posts: 747	Oho, a fan of the classics. What discussions we might share, tar-ancalime. Interesting thought, Perky Ent. Historical art has oft been interpreted incorrectly, so perhaps you are right about VVG's actual painting being a representation of Minas Morgul. Very astute, my friend. In my most humble opinion, Michelangelo may have been one of the most avid depictors of Arda's art. Perhaps because he, as a contributor to great art long ago, lived in a time that was close to the ages of Middle-Earth itself. He, unlike some others, tended to shy away from overly vivid, semi-abstractisms, and head towards blunt yet magnificent interpretations by epitomizing characters from Middle-Earth in his pieces. Below, I cite a few examples to further the credibility of my case; Pater Denethore est Filum: A work on Grecian canvas depicting the unseen side of Steward Denethor of Gondor, reading the tale of his own father, Ecthelion, to his sons, Faramir and Boromir. Though the piece is one of tenderness from father to son, critiques have noted the sour look on Denethor's face and the unsettling absence of Finduilas. The naive look of the two sons is considered foreshadowing. Notice how Boromir is, very visibly, in front of younger Faramir? Curunir: One of Michelangelo's most famous. The immortal depiction of Saruman as he condemns Gandalf and the Rohirrim from atop mighty Orthanc. At the right, in his shadow, are a pair of orcs, for their faces are unseen. At left, just behind Saruman, is the obvious figure of Grima Wormtongue cowering. This visage was so powerful, that's its meaning was completely forgotten. Many pointed out that the picture might in fact have been Gandalf, since the robe of the depicted Maiar is white, rather than multicolored. Maternity and Hope: This is another one of the more thought-provoking, gentle images. It's title, 'Maternity and Hope' gives away the characters within. The female is Gilraen, while the child in her arms is Estel, which means 'hope.' Many have speculated as to why young Elessar seems so protective of his mother in this statuary work, others state that the child, despite being a child, already looks ready to lead, and heap further praises upon Michelangelo for his accurate depiction of the once-and-future king. __________________ "What mortal feels not awe/Nor trembles at our name, Hearing our fate-appointed power sublime/Fixed by the eternal law. For old our office, and our fame," -Aeschylus, Song of the Furies

06-01-2004, 06:48 AM	#2
Eomer of the Rohirrim Auspicious Wraith Join Date: May 2002 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 4,859	Has anyone else visited Madrid? A host of huge, famous art galleries there are in that famous city. However, Tolkien art is harder to find. You cannot find it in the city centre or anywhere near the tourist hotspots. You must delve deep into the city, but its worth the effort let me tell you. There is a small museum called Borja Ignacio some 2 miles away from the city centre which contains some truly wonderful, if less well-known, paintings by Pablo Picasso. If you think his other pictures are weird, just wait until you check out his version of Treebeard. Oh my! Kudos for starting this topic Kransha. __________________ Los Ingobernables de Harlond

06-01-2004, 07:34 AM	#3
Estelyn Telcontar Princess of Skwerlz Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: where the Sea is eastwards (WtR: 6060 miles) Posts: 7,500	There's a wonderful Gallerie l'Arte du'Tolkien on the Tolkien Sarcasm Page - enjoy! Thanks for a fun thread, Kransha! __________________ 'Mercy!' cried Gandalf. 'If the giving of information is to be the cure of your inquisitiveness, I shall spend all the rest of my days in answering you. What more do you want to know?' 'The whole history of Middle-earth...'

06-01-2004, 08:33 AM	#4
tar-ancalime Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: abaft the beam Posts: 303	Ah, Picasso. One of the great portrayers of Arda. The painting that comes most to mind is the gorgeous Les Demoiselles d'Imladris. __________________ Having fun wolfing it to the bitter end, I see, gaur-ancalime (lmp, ww13)

06-01-2004, 09:15 AM	#5
*The Barrow-Wight* Night In Wight Satin Join Date: May 2000 Posts: 4,043	Andy Warhol - Flowers of Middle-earth Elanor Simbelmyne Seregon __________________ The Barrow-Wight Last edited by The Barrow-Wight; 06-01-2004 at 02:13 PM.

06-01-2004, 11:57 AM	#6
dancing spawn of ungoliant Mischievous Candle Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: So near to Russia, so far from Japan, quite a long way from Cairo, lots of miles from Vietnam. Posts: 1,234	Another example is A. Edelfelt's "The Wife of the Steward of Gondor". There is Finduilas with her firstborn, Boromir, sitting in a quiet chamber in Minas Tirith. Well, we all know that the "original" name (Queen Bianca) is fake or at least incorrect. First and foremost there were no kings or queens in Gondor at that time so the poor artist must have been mistaken. __________________ Fenris Wolf

06-01-2004, 12:28 PM	#7
piosenniel Desultory Dwimmerlaik Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Pickin' flowers with Bill the Cat..... Posts: 7,779	Matisse captures the awakening of the Elves beneath the stars . . . __________________ Eldest, that’s what I am . . . I knew the dark under the stars when it was fearless - before the Dark Lord came from Outside.