René Magritte

The infamous Belgian surrealist artist, Magritte, has some of the most interesting artworks.  His work was to influence people to have sensitivity to their surroundings. I mention him for the "Pablo Picasso" and all the others are always talked about. Sometimes, and less than it should, people who are very famous like Magritte have their share only inside their niche. Here are a few of his pieces...

 

 

  

(Source links of paintings are presented by clicking picture.)

Now, as odd as they are, a surrealist view through painting, for almost all cases, supposed to have a deeper meaning behind them. As much as I wish I could illustrate the exact meaning behind his work, I cannot. As such, and I hope you do, delve a little farther into his pieces and maybe a little biography of René Magritte.

The Gargoyle

These easily distinguished grotesque creatures positioned alongside structures, gargoyles, even at the root of their hard stone bodies serve a deeper purpose. They were implemented in medieval Europe for cathedrals and churches as roof spouts to drain the water away from buildings. I find it a bit peculiar to hide a simple action with an obvious outlandish creature, but the world of earth is masked with oddities.
        I might add that despite being a "Medieval Gutter" gargoyle is  not the only proper way to depict one. A structure or even a sculpture might have/be a gargoyle for it has a unique look alongside draining water. In essence it can just be an artwork of distorted human or animal form. Also interesting to note is the word "gargoyle" can be used as an adjective and as such is worded "gargoyled", but I cannot say whether or not you would be discounted on using it.

The Burghers of Calais

The Burghers of Calais, in Calais France,  is a sculpture by Auguste Rodin and was fully completed in 1889. It is one of Rodins' most famous sculptures, and it serves as a dedication to an event during the Hundred Years War.


As far as anyone knows, King Edward III of England brought his men onto Calais and laid siege. Philip VI (France) ordered that the city shall stand no matter the costs. Although Edward had not fully taken the city, starvation from surrounding it led to to King Edward's proposal.


King Edward purposed that if any six of its top leaders walked out almost naked, nooses around their necks, and have keys to the city and the castle he would leave the city. Eustache de Saint Pierre, volunteered first, then five others came and stripped down to their under garments.

So the sculpture symbolizes the moment these six men stand at the gate humiliated. 

After word, however, expecting to be killed the Burghers of Calais where sent free for Queen Philippa of Hainault thought it was a bad omen for her unborn child. She asked King Edward to spare them their lives, and he did.


Go Ahead and check out some related Links. (All following links are "Wiki" links and only cover the broad spectrum of each individual link. They should serve well to the majority)


Learn about Calais
Edward III
Philippa of Hainault
Hundred Years War