Context of Practice - Lecture One: The Gaze and The Media

Hans Memling 'Vanity' 1485
Because she is looking at herself it gives others permission to also look at her. Our permission to gave only really has power when she doesn't gaze back.

Alexandre Cabanel 'Birth of Venus' 1863
No eye contact, reclining pose. We can look uninterupted at the woman

"You give her a mirror in her hand and call it vanity, so you can also look at her"

Titans Venus of Urbino 1538
Puts you in the position of a peeping tom. Seeing her in a private moment but with permission shown by her facial expression.

Manets' 'Olympia' 1863
more direct look saying I know you are there. The hand is direct and firm rather than the previously passive hand. She is a prostitute the flowers and bangles are a gift from customers. She challenges your gaze.

Manets' Bar at the Folies Bergeres 1882
Hands are saying I'm ready to serve you. The angle of the mirror is inaccurate, you wouldn't see the front and back of her but this is done so you see the viewer in the top right. A much looser brush style painting.

"if a body can be seen as an object then it can be disposed like one"

The Seven Year Itch (1955) - Marilyn wasn't shown as a whole woman but was shown as different parts e.g feet walking... The woman is an accessory to the plot of the man.