Lorenzo Rosellini

ARH 301: Introduction to Visual Arts

Writing Assignment 1 (Image #1)

The image presented in class appeared to be a painting of a party or celebration. This
party was indoors, in what seemed to be a pub or place of socialization. The men and women of
this celebration were wearing antique clothes, meaning that the image is probably based around
the 18th or 19th century. There were vivid reds and browns, giving the whole image a warm
feeling. Finally, there was a cake on a table in the middle of the room which appeared to be
decorated with a Christmas tree made of frosting.

The most notable characteristic of this painting, however, was the fact that the people of
this party were all masked. Though it is apparent that the partygoers were engaged and having a
good time, their true emotions are hidden behind their masks.

Although the theme of this painting is unclear to me, there are three possible
interpretations that come to my mind. The first is that the artist wanted to depict a social
conformity that is innate when going to a party. I also think that the people of the party might
embrace this conformity. Finally, I believe that the artist could be representing the idea that these
people are hiding their emotions.

To expand on the first interpretation, the people of this party all have the same mask. The
mask is of a bland, smiling face. The face seems to carry no emotion with it. This is ironic
because the people in the painting show positive body language (raising their mugs in the air,
faces turned towards the center of the room), yet their faces are empty. It is apparent that the
blankness which they display can be their desire to not stand out from one another. They may
fear being ousted from the bar if they act in their own way. As this painting is probably based in
the 1800’s, acting in your own way could mean being gay, black, or anything which was not
societally acceptable at that time. For this reason, the people in the painting wear masks to
conform with everyone else.

The next interpretation I have for this painting is that the partygoers do not mind
conforming with societal expectations. In many celebrations it is important to confide to
celebratory rules. This can be seen in Christmas, where it is customary to give presents, spend
time with loved ones, praise the lord, among other things. In fact, as I previously mentioned,
there is a Christmas tree made of frosting in the center of this painting. This means that the
people of the painting may embrace a sense of cultural conformity, and this painting displays that
with people wearing masks.

Lastly, there is the possibility that the artist wanted to represent that these people were
hiding their emotions behind a figurative mask. Unfortunately, it is unclear what these emotions
might be. This leads me back to the argument of conformity, and that these people may be
against conforming with a party’s expectations.

I am not sure which of these interpretations is correct, and there are certainly other
interpretations that may derive meaning from this artwork. If we want to completely understand
the purpose of an artist’s work, I believe we must ask the artist what they wanted to portray. This
does not mean that our own interpretations are invalid. Interpreting a work of art in your own
way makes the piece a part of you. In this sense, you align the artwork with a belief which you
hold to be true, so the art becomes truth.