Analysis Of Eaters Of Princes And Princesses

Art History Paper I

PHYSICAL & SYSTEMATIC DESCRIPTIONS

“Eaters of Princes and Princesses” is an acrylic on panel painting done by the artist Dan Gerdeman. The painting is in very good, possibly new condition; there are no paint chips missing and the paint does not appear faded.

The square panel is painted with a red background. There are two black figures with large, wide, and open mouths outlined with blue lips. The figure on the left’s mouth is lower and more open compared to the one on the right. The figures’ eyes are the same shade of blue as their lips. The figures are tall, stretching slightly higher than halfway up the panel. The arms of the figures are simple, two single lines on either side of each of the monster-looking figures. The

This is evident because the figures are black and they are against a very bright red background. This could also be evident with the lips and eyes of the main figures, as well as the skin of the antennae figures. This is not a landscape painting so there is no need for atmospheric perspective or color motion. Due to the red background, the painting appears to have a high value, or high level of brightness. The yellow crowns also contribute to the brightness. The dark color of the monster figures against the red background creates a

This asymmetry is obvious in the facial expressions of the main figures, as well as the number of antennae figures each monster figure has on their head. The painting does not have near symmetry either. Instead, Gerdeman uses asymmetrical balance. The figures are different but the differences do not create a sense of chaos and disorganization; the difference in details works with this painting, it fits.

There is also repetition with colors. The consistent use of black, gold, red, and the same shade of blue for numerous details helps balance the design.

SCALE

Relative to the viewer, the painting is intimate. Neither the figures, nor the panel canvas is life-size or large enough to be considered monumental. The entire painting is smaller than the viewer, so it is considered intimate.

ARTISTIC INTENT “Eaters of Princes and Princesses” by Dan Gerdeman is showcased in the Beeghly Library “Gallery 2001” collection. The current theme of the gallery is human trafficking and it is called the B.R.A.V.E. Hope Coalition. The subject of the painting is human trafficking or awareness of human trafficking. This could be one meaning behind the title, but is not directly stated. A potential reference to human trafficking in the title “Eaters of Princes and Princesses” is that Human Trafficking affects everyone, near or far, and regardless of who they are, like whether they are royalty or just regular