- No more than two sentences can begin with the same word.


- Do ​not ​use the passive voice,

as in “Drama is created by the sharply contrasting colors.” - For your conclusion, do ​not ​use “In
conclusion, ...” or “In sum, ...” or similar phrases. - Do ​not ​include any quotations or footnotes.

- Print your essay double-sided if possible, with double-spacing and wide margins.
- Write
“FINE1001: Writing #2”, your name, date, & tutor’s name in the upper corner. - Add this ​signed
statement at the end: “I certify that I am the author of this essay and I

have not copied any writing or ideas from any other source.”
- Turn in your essay in class or in
1033 Run Run Shaw Tower by ​1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 10, 2017​.

Annunciation

Both paintings depict the same motif (explained on the back of this sheet) but with different
visual effects. ​Decide ​what ​you ​think is the dominant visual effect in each painting. Then
consider how the following four visual elements help create those two effects:

the two-dimensional composition of the image.


ii. the illusion of three-dimensional space (including the position of the viewer).

iii. gestures and lines of action, movement, or looking.


iv. color effects and color combinations.

1. Giovanni Santi (Italy), oil on panel, 162 x 233 cm., Casa di Raffaello, Urbino, c.1490

2. Hans Memling (Germany & Netherlands), oil on panel, 186 x 115 cm., Metropolitan Museum,
New York, 1465-75

Memling
· Richer, darker colors show a more serious and negative scene, the colors make it seem
more realistic, the angel has bright blue wings

· 2d space: Large rectangular painting with a black border,

· 3D space including the position of the viewer: The viewer is a part of the scene, up close
and personal when watching it happen and the background of the painting through the window
is a courtyard. These point towards the idea that this is happening on earth and is realistic

· Gesture and lines of action, movement, or looking: Mary’s hand is turned up as a if she is
saying wait or stop, her gaze is downwards, away from the angel, stern and reluctant facial
expression based on her slightly pursed lips and eyes (how do her eyes show this?). Rays of
light around her head like a halo, showing holiness. Sitting, as though she has been interrupted
while reading

· Linear extension of the room into the courtyard gives the appearance that you are there

Santi

· Lighter, pastel colors show a more bright and positive scene. The colors envoke a feeling of
happiness and also of purity. The heavy emphasis on green colors also indicate a sense of
nature and natural beauty

· 2d space: the painting is in an arch like shape, almost like a window.

· 3d space including position of the viewer. The viewer in this case is not a participant or
watching the event happen up close. Instead, they are watching through this window like shape
to see what is happening. In the background, there is nature as far as the viewer can see,
creating a scene that is much less earthly since there are no other mortals around but Mary.

· Gestures and lines of action, movement, or looking: Instead of looking unhappy, Mary has
her arms crossed and she is bowing, showing acceptance of the task and honor towards the
angel and the information she has been given. She is also looking downwards. Halo around her
head and the angel, showing holiness. Standing, likely parting ways with Gabriel.

Same:
White lilies representing purity
Both use red and blue clothing on mary and both use green and red clothing on the angel

Analyze how these two paintings create different visual effects for the same subject. Write two
paragraphs (maximum 500 words), using the following structure:
P1, sentence 1: introduce your argument about the paintings’ different visual effects.
P1, middle sentences: compare and contrast two visual elements in each painting.
P1, last sentence: summarize how these two elements contribute to the contrasting effects.
P2, sentence 1: write a transition sentence to logically link the main point of paragraph 1 with
the main point of paragraph 2.
P2, middle sentences: compare and contrast two more visual elements in each painting.
P2, last sentence: a conclusion suggesting what this comparison tells us about how paintings
interpret the motifs they represent.

Although the two paintings of the Annunciation by Giovanni Santi and Hans Memling
both show the same scene from the bible, the visual effect created by Santi is one of honor and
acceptance, while the visual effect created by Memling is of reluctance and hesitation. Even
though both paintings present Mary in red and blue and the angel in green and red, the colors of
Memling’s painting are much deeper and richer, indicating a more serious or negative scene. In
contrast, Santi’s painting uses pastel and light colors, making the painting evoke feelings of
positivity and light-heartedness. Both paintings show white lilies, a symbol of Mary’s purity, but
in Memling they are in a vase next to her, while they are instead in the hands of Gabriel in
Santi’s painting.

Perhaps the most telling features of both paintings that contribute to the visual effect are Mary’s
gestures.