"Self" and "Other": Displays of the Art Institute Chicago

“Eagle”, 1865/90
Wilhelm Schimmel





This sculpture made out of tulipwood caught my eye shortly after entering the Grainger Folk Art Gallery. I think this piece of art stood out to me due to the American recognition of the eagle and its clear symbolism. The eagle represents freedom, and I think the artist wanted to express the freedom he discovered. Wilhelm Schimmel was originally from Germany, and he made his way to the United States, specifically Carlisle, Pennsylvania, shortly after the Civil War.

I think the eagle definitely conveys an obvious message of “Self” and “Other”. The sculpture shows Wilhelm Schimmel’s passion and appreciation for his then new found freedom discovered in his new home of Pennsylvania. The “Other” is shown by the popular and All-American symbol of the eagle. The “Other”, which is our entire country in this instance, can identify with Schimmel in regards to sharing the land of the free. Then the artist also had his own connection with the meaning of this piece because he was an immigrant from Germany. He viewed his journey and freedom in a distinct way from those who already "belonged" here.

It is thought that Schimmel worked on this piece between 1865 and 1890. He carved with a pocket knife in a saw tooth technique, smoothing out sharp and rugged areas. The wood was then painted with colors such as green, red, yellow, and black. The choice of color intrigued me considering the German flag is red, yellow, and black. Could this be coincidence, or did the artist want to represent his homeland in one way as well?

It was nice to have my appreciation of my freedom reinforced. I think we all need to be reminded from time to time to stop, think, and value what we have for ourselves, our families, and our country. Maybe I will even explore the theme of freedom within some of my artwork in the near future.



“Allegory of Peace and War”, 1776
Pompeo Batoni



I absolutely loved this oil painting in the Albert A. Munger Gallery! It was so innovative, yet it sent out an obvious and powerful message. The painting contains a warrior dressed in armor with an angelic looking woman almost in his arms, preventing him from fighting. The peaceful look she is giving him along with the softness and radiance of her body just screams “peace, love, and happiness”. It looks as if the warrior is entranced by her, rethinking his mission to fight. The olive branch she is holding out for him only reaffirms her purpose to make peace within the war zone.

Pompeo Batoni (1708-1787) was Italian. He created mostly historical and religious works, but this specific painting was a mix between various elements. I think the painting symbolized Batoni's desire for peace in this world, perhaps his own country even. Maybe he felt powerful enough to make a difference in his community, his nation...the world. Maybe he believed that one person can make a difference. That is what this painting makes it seem to be. It makes it seem that Batoni wanted to send a message to the world, and he wanted that message to be heard and followed.

I'm sure Batoni was not the only Italian or human being to have felt that way in the late 18th century. Others must have identified with his self want, but then again, others must have also been opposed to his opinions, views, and suggestions. As most subjects are candidates for debate, this fact seems to reveal that "Self" and "Other" will always have similarities and differences.

"Allegory of Peace and War" undoubtedly conveys a message to end war with peace. This simple message has been explored by other artists, philosophers, Generals, and nearly all of humankind in fact. I as well have dabbled with the idea of war and love/peace in my artwork. It is something that surrounds us, and we can not escape it. Of course this idea would be utilized so much...We are trying to make sense of our world.



"The Ancestors of Tehamana, or Tehamana Has Many Parents (Merahi Metsa no Tehamana)”, 1893
Paul Gauguin



This oil painting on canvas, displayed in The Maurice and Muriel Fulton Gallery, revealed a Tahitian girl and a background of the life she lives in. The girl is wearing a basic Tahitian garment, nothing of modern works or upper class. The setting in the background seems to be of a less fortunate area. Perhaps the girl was a child laborer or just of low class? To her left, a small sculpture of Hina is shown. Hina is associated with cycles in the Tahitian culture.

That is what I had gathered from the painting and description at the Art Institute myself. I decided I wanted to further research this painting for more clarification, and what I found was very shocking. The 13-year-ol girl in the painting was Gauguin's young lover. They were arranged to be married at the time. He wanted to capture her in Tahitian culture and show her off to the world.

I guess this is an example of how one can interpret art completely different than the story behind it. Gauguin obviously surprised his audience with his young wife within Tahiti, but I think he wanted to show others another side of not only himSELF, but his other part as well, his wife. Self does not stand alone, it is influenced and actually enveloped by the Other.