Unit 4: Style and Gender

Style is defined as a characteristic manner or mode of artistic expression or design. Style is basically the way in which an artist chooses to display their work of art. For example, an artist can choose to use pencil as their artistic tool while another artist may choose to use pastel. Style is also based upon how the artist displays the figures within their piece of artwork. The gender of an artist is actually a major influence on what style they use to portray their figures. A great example of how gender can influence the style in which an artist displays figures is the painting Susannah and the Elders, which is the name of two separate paintings completed by two separate artists. Jacapo Tintoretto’s, a male artist, approach on Susannah and the Elders portrayed the woman as the guilty individual. The woman was naked in the forest, viewing her body through a mirror. Her body was not covered. The elders were shown peeking from behind a wall. What Jacapo Tintoretto is implying is that the Elders were only looking at Susannah because she put herself out there. She showcased her body in such a sense to grasp the attention of the Elders. Artemisia Gentileschi’s, a female artist, approach was quite different. In her perspective of Susannah and the Elders, the woman was portrayed as an individual who was frightened by the Elders. She was displayed as innocent. The Elders were shown as two characters harassing the woman. The same painting was created using different styles and techniques, with the gender of the artist being a major influence.