Madonna with Christ and St. John the Baptist by Raphael ca 1500
The figures are linked by touching hands and the blue that Mary is wearing is said to symbolize the church. The red signifies the death of Christ. Mary and Christ are staring into each others' eyes and Mary has contraposto. There are contrasts of dark and light and shadowing and depth to enhance the emotion of the image.
Madame X by John Singer Sargent in 1884
This is a painting of a young socialite, Virginie Amelie Avegno Gautreau, the wife of Pierre Gautreau. She was torn apart for this sexually suggestive pose and her pasty white skin. Her black, beautiful dress suggests wealth and beauty, with a dark side, while her posture represents a seductiveness. Sargent captures her maturely in this painting and how he saw her, which I don't think was in the light that the viewers may see her.
Pope Innocent X by Diego Velazquez in 1650
His serious face represents his strong personality and his seriousness as a religious ruler. He is holding a paper that is signed by himself, which symbolizes some agreement, letter, or law. Red symbolizes seriousness, and the outfit and chair symbolize royalty.
Young Woman with a Water Pitcher by Johannes Vermeer in 1662
This woman appears to be a middle class mistress of the house. She is waiting for someone/going to pour water for a guest. Her posture and environment are both peaceful. There is a map behind her of Europe, which symbolizes that she is aware of the world around her. Blue symbolizes the serenity of the portrait. This piece is simple and seems to reflect the Colonial Era.
Pearl by Johannes Vermeer
Vermeer has repeatedly included pearls in his portraits. In this portrait, the pearl and the girl's face are highlighted and catch the viewer's attention. The turban and the pearl seem to be out of the portrait's time period. Some believe the girl is Vermeer's daughter while others think she is the daughter of Vermeer's principle commissioner. Another idea is that she is servant girl, Griet.
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