Comm 300 Final Paper

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Ethical Perspective:

In general, ethics is the study of how persons, other sentient beings(those that can feel pain), and systems such as the government agencies and environment behave as well as how they should be behaving(Lester). In order to be considered ethical not only must the “ethics mantra” be met, but also that any harm that may possibly happen be justified. Within ethics, their belongs six ethical philosophies that can be used to analyze a picture. For this painting, a philosophy that coincides with it is the “Golden Rule”. This rule teaches that thy should love one another and also “love your neighbor as yourself”. This rule depicts whats going on in the painting as it shows a group of people coexisting. As one person pours another person a glass of tea it is a “feel good” image just like the Bush image 6.11 in chapter 6. Realizing that even though their may be hardships going on in the outside world, the image gives away a feeling of peace and prosperity and that people are able to simply enjoy a day without worrying about other dilemmas in their life. The painting being analyzed may bring people joy or ease as they look upon the details, colors, and overall image. Another ethical perspective that can be viewed within the painting is Hedonism. Hedonism which can be seen as an “act to maximize pleasure now and not worry about the future” as stated in the book, can be a valued meaning of this painting. This philosophy was originally founded on the basis of pleasure. Just like the book states, phrases such as “live for today” and “don’t worry, be happy” express the hedonistic philosophy. This could be a reason why the wealthy British enjoyed this image as the action within the image could easily bring one to a feeling of ease instead of dismay. When Tissot considered the painting, his thought for aesthetic pleasure was developed throughout.

Critical Perspective:

The critical perspective is an attempt to see what one might think of an image after spending so much time looking at it and studying it as well as the lessons that are given for the people that are viewing the image. For every image created, no matter how simple or detailed it may be, has some type of meaning to communicate to the viewer. Depending on how one looks and analyzes the image may differ as cultural relativism comes into play. Cultural relativism goes into how cultures can only be judged relative to one another, and the meaning of a belief or a behavior must first and foremost be understood relative to its own cultural context. One can only truly understand the meaning of something once they deeply understand the context of the image and its background. After learning more through the six perspectives, I can say this painting has become more meaningful nonetheless. As an oil painting that illustrates art that was ahead of its time it shows value in different dimensions. It has value in its medium as an oil painting along with its vivd colors and textures. It has a value in its pleasing aesthetic value with its pleasing appearance. This image can be used to interpret the lifestyles of the young and affluent people of London in the late 19th century. The personalities of the people within the image gives off the feeling of relaxation as they lounge around on a beautiful Autumn looking day.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, “Holyday” by James Tissot is a piece of art that has recently gained its popularity for apparent reasons. His depiction of daily life which comes from Impressionism, the 19th century art movement, and is surrounding an enclosing of trees on an ornamental fishpond. Elegantly dressed, this group of people from the upper class leisure and lounge in this louche area. While unnoticed by the sleeping older woman, the young-ins are viewed in awe of their peers including even the people viewing the painting. The hidden details, shadowing, and vibrant colors come together to tell a story lost in time. A time when things were harder without all of the technological and industrial advances we have today, but a time that was also much simpler. So simple that a group of people can just lay around all day and enjoy a hot cup of tea while dressed in their best threads.

Bibliography

The Editors of Encyclopædia Britannica. (n.d.). Oil painting. Retrieved May 15, 2017, from https://www.britannica.com/art/oil-painting

T. (n.d.). 'Holyday', James Tissot, c.1876. Retrieved May 15, 2017, from art/artworks/tissot-holyday-n04413

James Tissot - Holiday [c.1876]. (n.d.). Retrieved May 17, 2017, from http:// gandalfsgallery.blogspot.com/2010/04/james-tissot-holiday-c1876.html

Impressionism Movement, Artists and Major Works. (n.d.). Retrieved May 14, 2017, from http:// www.theartstory.org/movement-impressionism.htm