This guy’s final word on that Trump picture went viral because it was funny (and we actually learned something)
There was no shortage of people with something to say about this brilliant picture of Donald Trump and fellow world leaders at the G7 summit.
Like this, for instance.
“Just tell us what Vladimir has on you. Maybe we can help.” pic.twitter.com/DLc7YJFXqT
— Guy Verhofstadt (@guyverhofstadt) June 10, 2018
Or this.
G7 scenes pic.twitter.com/IRsBIfprOA
— The Poke (@ThePoke) June 10, 2018
But one of the more highbrow responses – more highbrow than a kiddie go-kart! – was this.
But this chap was having none of it, and a very entertaining (and enlightening) thread it was too.
1.
Ok, because I’m feeling pedantic as fuck, I need to point out that this photo does not look like a Renaissance painting. It looks like a Baroque painting. pic.twitter.com/LvlvcSZjmu
— The internet proudly presents: Palle Hoffstein (@Palle_Hoffstein) June 10, 2018
2.
This is a Renaissance Painting. The subjects are evenly spaced across the canvas, equidistant to the viewer as if on a stage. The postures are quite mannered instead of natural. This is Primavera by Botticelli btw. pic.twitter.com/MmMug6A0tT
— The internet proudly presents: Palle Hoffstein (@Palle_Hoffstein) June 10, 2018
3.
Even the Last Supper, a more sophisticated piece, suffers from the same staginess, although now the body language is more natural. pic.twitter.com/E98KkFG6l2
— The internet proudly presents: Palle Hoffstein (@Palle_Hoffstein) June 10, 2018
4.
Now here is a Baroque piece. The subjects are positioned naturally in the room, some have their backs to viewer, and postures reflect energy between the subjects. This is Caravaggio btw, a favorite of mine. pic.twitter.com/Gao6qL5xXA
— The internet proudly presents: Palle Hoffstein (@Palle_Hoffstein) June 10, 2018
5.
An even better example from another favorite of mine, Rembrandt. When I saw that photo I thought of Rembrandt. Especially the way he focuses the energies of the subjects. pic.twitter.com/wDGUgrGxN2
— The internet proudly presents: Palle Hoffstein (@Palle_Hoffstein) June 10, 2018
6.
Thank you for letting me get this out of my system.
— The internet proudly presents: Palle Hoffstein (@Palle_Hoffstein) June 10, 2018
7.
My parents 30 years ago: Why are you taking art history?
Me: It will come in handy.
*30 years later*
Me: Mom, you’ll never guess what happened!— The internet proudly presents: Palle Hoffstein (@Palle_Hoffstein) June 10, 2018
Bravo sir! Until the next person comes along and says, er, actually it IS Renaissance, obviously.
