Mid Modern Blog: WWII

The Defense of Sevastopol by Alexandr Deyneka was painted in 1942 in the midst of World War II. The painting in itself does not accurately depict the battle, but it is obvious that it is painted with Russian influence. The contrast of the white uniforms of the Russians compared the dark green of the uniforms of the Germans shows how the Russians believe they are the heroes. One of the key components of the painting is the use of color. The clouds in the background are red possibly having a symbolic meaning of how there was a lot of blood spilled during the war. Even though the painting is considered a part of realism, the man on the far left is disproportionate when it comes to his head. It is far bigger than it should be to match the rest of the man's body.

While this piece is very interesting to look at because of all of the intricate details, I do not think I would own a print. It is just a little too violent for me with the dead men sprawled on the concrete. The symbolism does make me feel very sorrowful because of the amount of people that died in the war no matter where they are from.
 

The City: a Fallen Little Shaft by Graham Sutherland was made in the midst of World War II in 1941. It is a dark painting depicting a crumbling building. Contrast plays a key role between the light that appears to be fading behind the collapsed structure causing a shadow to be cast. Another aspect that gives more detail to the piece is the use of lines to define the bricks within the walls but also to define the growing shadows. The colors of the piece are also important to the overall aspect of the piece. By only using specific color hues, the piece is able to show the despair and destruction that comes from war. Sutherland is depicting a destroyed building in north London after one of the bombings that occurred showing how a once tall building was utterly destroyed.

When it comes to what the painting is depicting, I think it is important to remember the destruction that was caused during World War II and allow that to be used to prevent another world war. I do not think I would own this painting. I do not feel any other emotions from the piece besides despair and I would like to feel more from an art piece if I were to own a print. 

Familiar Silhouettes by Henry Moore is one of my favorite paintings from this time. Painted in 1942, the piece depicts three British soldiers enjoying a smoke together. I would definitely own this piece because of how it offers a relaxed feeling during a time that was most certainly high stress. World War II was not easy for anyone, but being able to see small moments of peace offers me a feeling of comfort that not everyone suffered all of the time during the period of struggle and unrest. 

The use of light is very important to the painting. By imitating a light, the silhouettes of the three men are easily discernible. Even the use of light to show the man lighting a cigarette shows the careful attention to detail. Because of the use of light, the lines are able to define the soldiers while still keeping them in the shadows. I think it is interesting how the painting almost feels hazy with the use of texture to make it feel like looking back in a dream or memory.

A House Collapsing on Two Firemen, Shoe Lane, London EC4 by Leonard Henry is another emotional piece. It was created in 1940 at the beginning of World War II when bombings in London were most prevalent. There were still people who were at home during the war like fire fighters who worked domestically to put out fires caused by the bombings. This is an emotional piece because it appears like the two fire fighters are not going to make it as a wall is about to crush them. It makes me feel very small in a big world due to how easily life can be taken away. 

While only using hues of orange and yellows to counteract the dark grays and blacks that come from the incoming bomb allow for the piece to come to life. It is interesting how the only strictly defined lines are used on the wall that is coming down. The textures are also very important to the piece. Everything seems to appear smeared while the wall that is falling is very rigged and shows the crisp edges as it falls.

 A Railway Terminus by Henry Carr painted in 1941 offers a sense of peace. The railway station depicted has British soldiers gathered around the timetable showing a hint of the war that is raging across Europe. It is interesting how the busy station seems calming to look at even though they are very stressful when one is physically there. I think it is because the monotony of everyday life is calming compared to the destruction that was going on in some parts of the world.

 The texture within the piece makes it look hazy, looking like a dream or a far off memory that has occurred. It is also interesting how the line of the roof are solid and more defined compared to the far off cityscape that is blurred and muddled together. Another aspect that adds to the painting is the use of colors. The red billboard stands out compared to the muted colors that it is surrounded by.

Inferno by William Franklin Daper was created near the end of World War II in 1944. Daper was in the United States Navy during the war and was sent to Alaska to create art for six months before being sent to Guam and Saipan on the USS Tennessee. Looking at the painting, it makes me feel a little scared of the violence that has occurred because many people could have been injured or killed by the explosion, but yet no one is running to go rescue anyone that could have happened to be inside.

This piece portrays an explosion of a sugar mill in Saipan as United States Marines can be seen watching the flames. Color is another art element that is crucial to the painting. Everything is either gray or muted green except for the fire that is ablaze making it the center piece of the painting. There is very little contrast between the rubble of the building and the Marines creeping up to it. The lines within the painting are very muddled and not as defined as they could be, but it still gives dimension to the piece.

Sources

“Henry Marvell Carr.” Carr, Henry Marvell, 1894–1970 | Art UK, https://artuk.org/discover/artists/carr-henry-marvell-18941970. 

“A House Collapsing on Two Firemen, Shoe Lane, London, EC4.” Imperial War Museums,
https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/23296. 

“World War II Combat Artists.” Signs by Friends of the Boston Harborwalk, 30 Oct. 2021, https://boshw.us/sign/world-war-ii-combat-artists/?lang=english. 

“World War II Navy Art by William F Draper.” Naval History and Heritage Command, https://www.history.navy.mil/our-collections/art/exhibits/conflicts-and-operations/wwii/a-vision-of-history/world-war-ii-navy-art-by-draper.html. 

“Inferno.” Naval History and Heritage Command, https://www.history.navy.mil/our-collections/art/artists/the-art-of-william-franklin-draper/inferno.html.