Values of Artworks

Artworks that can be found in museums are not only worshipped and gawked over, but
are also worth a pretty penny. If an artwork that is well known is placed on a different medium or
used in a different context, it can affect the meaning and interpretation. It can even dramatically
change the original response. Art influences and designs change over time. The popularization of
intricate designs and artworks on items ranging from dishware to clothing is an increasing trend
that, even though it is cool and can represent ones love of the arts, can be detrimental to the
original masterpiece.
In Disneys movie, Frozen, The Swing can be seen.
Those who are not familiar with the original artwork see no
wrong doing or have a realization of the actual meaning.
This depiction changes the watchers views, having the
picture seem like an innocent girl being pushed by a lover.
The princess, Ana, even poses like the maiden after
jumping on the couch.
(Image: Mkl325, Blissfully
Unaware)

The original artwork, painted by Jean-Honor

Rococo

Fragonard in 1767; the era of

,
perceives a different meaning, and one that is not
appropriate for younger audiences. There are three
people portrayed, unlike just the two seen in Frozen.
The Baron was taken out along with the three statues. In
the original painting, a maiden is being pushed on a
swing by her husband, the Bishop. Hiding in the bushes
is her lover, whom she has an affair with. As she is
being pushed, the Baron looks under her dress. Cupid
can be seen expressing the secret affair to the left. A
statue in the middle shows disapproval of the affair. Its
a sexual picture that is misrepresented in Frozen, which
changes the viewers opinion about it.
(Image: Mkl325, The
Swing)

The Heaven and Hell Triptych can be found on

a pair of Dr. Martens shoes. On these shoes, the third
panel, a representation of hell, can be shown as an
interesting a cool design. The shoe design doesnt
represent the painting as a whole and its original
meaning.

(Image: Journeys)

The original artwork was painted by

Hieronymous Bosh. The central
panel is best known for its sexual
content. The hell panel, on the right,
is meant to terrify people of their
actions which are depicted in the
central panel. The hell panel creates
a terrifying and unwelcoming
feeling; a feeling and warning lost
when placed on a shoe for a design
effect.

(Image: McCarthy)

A change in medium isnt the only affecting power for a viewer. Location also becomes
an effect on opinion. Modern and abstract artworks are simplistic and could be done by anyone,
but once its put in a museum and done by a famous artist, the value increases tremendously.

Take Piet Mondrians Composition with Red, Yellow, and

Blue, creates in the 1930s for example. Its just black
lines creating boxes, with some being filled with red,
yellow, and blue. Very simple and easy to create. The
value is roughly 50 million dollars. Its not because the
painting is full of details, complex, and intricate, but
because of the artist. When placed in a museum, the
painting is admired and sought after, yet if anyone else
were to do it, it wouldnt have nearly to the same
reaction.
(Image: Lim)

Artwork has been around for a long time and has changed over time. Original pieces of
art can have their meanings and viewers opinions about them manipulated with simple things
like a change in medium or context value, rarity, and admiration changes as well.

SOURCES
Journeys (Shoe Company). Dr. Martens Pascal 8-Eye Hell Boot. Digital image.
Journeys Shoes, n.d. Web. 23 Nov. 2015. <http://m.journeys.com/product?
id=283124>.
Lim, Mr. Composition II in Red, Blue, and Yellow, 1930. Piet Mondrian. Digital
image. Computer Art. 2013-15 Mr. Ed Lim and His Students., n.d. Web. 23 Nov.
2015. <http://limcomputerart.weebly.com/dlt.html>.
McCarthy, Ashlee. The Garden of Earthly Delights. Digital image. N.p., 11 Apr.
2013. Web. 23 Nov. 2015. <https://ashleemccarthy.wordpress.com/2013/04/11/thegarden-of-earthly-delights-1510/>.
Mkl325 (Username). Blissfully Unaware. Digital image. My Life Thus Far: A
Study of Art, Travels and Insanity. 21 Apr. 2014. Web. 23 Nov. 2015.
<https://kateloughran.wordpress.com/2014/04/21/fragonard-and-frozen/>.
Mkl325 (Username). The Swing. Digital image. My Life Thus Far: A Study of
Art, Travels and Insanity. 21 Apr. 2014. Web. 23 Nov. 2015.
<https://kateloughran.wordpress.com/2014/04/21/fragonard-and-frozen/>.