Pictures by Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Name: Pictures
Author: Samuel Taylor Coleridge

The work explores the contrasting techniques and philosophies of various painters, particularly focusing on the differences between Claude and Teniers in their representation of space and atmosphere. Claude's landscapes are described as dense and suffocating, where the air feels substantial, creating a sense of immediacy that lacks true distance. In contrast, Teniers excels in depicting the emptiness and spatial relationships between objects, allowing for a more authentic representation of distance. The text highlights the revelry and chaos in Rubens' "Triumph of Silenus," portraying a juxtaposition of joy and base instincts, emphasizing the absence of spiritual grace. Rubens is praised for his ability to transform mundane subjects into a harmonious and expansive landscape, extracting poetry from ordinary elements. His landscapes are characterized by a natural flow into infinity, contrasting with other painters who confine their scenes. The discussion shifts to the Italian masters, noting their idealized representations of humanity, as seen in Raffael's Madonna, which embodies a universal innocence rather than a specific age. This idealization is contrasted with the more realistic depictions in Dutch art, which capture the essence of individual humanity. The author expresses a sense of loss regarding the evolution of painting, suggesting that modern art, while pleasing, lacks the depth and character of ancient techniques. Portraits from the old masters are seen as representations of individuals that convey a deeper humanity, whereas modern portraits often focus on superficial differences, failing to capture the essence of the subject. Overall, the work reflects on the nature of artistic representation, the emotional and spiritual dimensions of art, and the evolution of painting styles, emphasizing the importance of depth, space, and the human experience in visual art.

By Samuel Taylor Coleridge · First published 1830 · Genre: Art Criticism, Literary Criticism, Philosophy · 1,724 words

First lines

Observe the remarkable difference between Claude and Teniers in their power of painting vacant space. Claude makes his whole landscape a _plenum: _ the air is quite as substantial as any other part of the scene. Hence there are no true distances, and every thing presses at once and equally upon the eye. There is something close and almost suffocating in the atmosphere of some of Claude's sunsets. Never did any one paint air, the thin air, the absolutely apparent vacancy between object and object, so admirably as Teniers. That picture of the Archers[2] exemplifies this excellence. See the distances between those ugly louts! how perfectly true to the fact! [1]

What this Textopian page supports

Pictures is listed on Textopian as an essay by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, dated 1830 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Essay
Author: Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Date: 1830 CE
Language: English
Genres: Art Criticism, Literary Criticism, Philosophy, Romanticism, Non-fiction
Length: 1,724 words
Structure: 1 section, 17 paragraphs
Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)

Good citation fit

Work identity for Pictures by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
Readability and classroom-planning context
Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph

Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering Pictures?
How does this essay by Samuel Taylor Coleridge fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Art Criticism first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Art Criticism — The text provides a detailed analysis of various painters and their techniques, focusing on the aesthetics and emotional impact of their works.
Literary Criticism — Coleridge's reflections on the nature of art and its representation of humanity align with literary critique, examining deeper themes of existence and perception.
Philosophy — The exploration of the spiritual versus the animalistic in art reflects philosophical inquiries into the nature of humanity and existence.
Romanticism — Coleridge's style and themes resonate with Romantic ideals, emphasizing emotion, nature, and individual perception.