2. Unit 7: Victorian Era (1832–1901)

3. Quick Glance Look briefly at the painting that follows this slide. Be prepared to describe it in as much detail as possible.

4. STOP!

5. What Did You Notice?  Describe the scene.  What stood out the most to you?  Do you think the artist wanted to emphasize a specific figure or area?

6. What Is Emphasis?  What does it mean to emphasize something?  How do you emphasize a word or phrase when you take notes in class?  How do you emphasize your point when you are talking with someone?  How about when you are arguing?

7. How Is Emphasis Used in Art? Emphasis draws attention to an element or an idea within an artist’s work. It creates a focal point, or an area for the viewer’s eyes to rest.

8. Methods of Emphasis  The following approaches help artists create emphasis in their work: Position Separation Convergence Contrast

9. A viewer’s eyes naturally go to the center of a space. Position

10. A lone figure draws a viewer’s eyes better than a cluster of figures. Separation

11. The addition of other elements may direct a viewer’s eyes to the focal point. Convergence

12. A viewer’s eyes naturally focus on an object that differs from those surrounding it. Contrast

13. This design contains all four emphasis techniques. Art Can Contain All Types

14. Criticism  Apply your understanding of emphasis to the painting you viewed earlier.  Can you identify the element that the artist was trying to emphasize?  What methods did the artist use to create emphasis?

15. Ulysses and the Sirens, 1891. John William Waterhouse. Oil paint on canvas.

16. Emphasis of the Painting The artist was probably trying to emphasize Ulysses (the figure tied to the boat’s mast). Ulysses is very near the center of the work (location). The majority of the sirens are looking toward him (convergence). His bright clothing makes him stand out against the background (contrast).

17. Ulysses is very near the center of the painting.

18. Other figures and lines look or point toward Ulysses.

19. Apply the Concepts Recall the narrative poem “The Lady of Shallot” in your textbook. Analyze the methods of emphasis in the following painting, which is Waterhouse’s representation of that poem. Be prepared to discuss your views with your classmates.

20. The Lady of Shallot, 1888. John William Waterhouse. Oil paint on canvas.

21. Position: The figure is very near the center of the painting.

22. Contrast: The brushwork on the figure is more detailed than that of the background foliage.

23. Contrast: The lone figure’s white dress stands out against the dark boat and surrounding foliage.

24. Extension Activities Identify the focal points and methods of emphasis in other works of art. Write a report that describes the painting The Lady of Shallot and how it illustrates the poem of the same name.