During the Renaissance period, design was ever evolving. It was constantly changing and always advancing rapidly. Structural aspects were being rendered to add scale, lightness, and industrialism. Stone was out, iron and glass were in. They were used structurally, because even a thin piece would hold a great amount, and they were also used decoratively. Iron was easy to bend. This new revolution or decoration carried on into house hold items, which provided things such as light. Candles were simplistic and had one simple purpose, to illuminate. Time went on and moved into the Rococo period, and interiors began to be filled with 'stuff' and things became more gaudy. The candlestick also transformed along with the time. They were more naturally decorated and smaller in scale in contrast to the simple, large ones from before in the Renaissance(image pg. 47). Oil lamps were also introduced and became used more as a decorative piece( image pg. 23). Today, we don't have much use for candles, unless the power goes out of course. Now we rely on electricity and light bulbs. People use candles now for pure effect; either for smell, or for lower light to create a 'mood'. But even certain types of light switches can do that today. Oil lamps are used purely for decor. The candlestick and oil lamp were practically useless after the light bulb and flashlight. They are just merely a decorative accessory now, kind of like they were in the Rococo and Renaissance time period. The methods used for light are constantly changing, and each old method is thrown away for it's original purpose. 
Harwood Pg 23
Oil Lamp
[2]
Artifact: Clothes
The Eastern influence is apparent here. The idea of tight corset dresses was carried over to the west. Although it is now shown in the western influence, the pattern in the eastern dress is also carried into many other western patterns not only in a dress, but upholstery, furniture and carpets.
Space: Room
Even though an Eastern space is not shown, I could not help but draw the influence between this pattern and the many items of furniture in the space. The pattern shows a tree with flowers, buds, and fruit like pictures. The pattern influence was carried into the upholstery on the chair and also on the large cabinet. The feel of "blooming" is shown in both the eastern and western picture. The curvilinear lines in the eastern pattern is also displayed in the lines of the western furniture. The legs of the chairs, tops of the mirror, and cabinet show curvilinear, feminine lines.
Building
This eastern Chinese Tea house is very obviously related to the Palace of Amalienburg. The feminine, outside/nature, light palette, and curvilinear lines are all attributes of the Rococo style. Even though the outside of the palace is square, the inside speaks a different language. The curves go beyond the limits and all rules are broken.
Place
[1]Careful in how your writing communicates what you know...I think you meant to say...oil lamps have been around since ancient times, but their new form and materials were revolutionary. In the Rococo and Renaissance periods, you stated that they were not functional; is this true? Good observation with change in materials.
ReplyDelete[2]Great images and comparisons, but your responses are not quite 'essays'.