European art in the 18th century was being made during an era known as “The Age of Enlightenment”, which spanned from 1685 to 1815. The scientific advancements made during the previous decades were the basis for much of the inspiration for the art from this era. One of the styles that defined this period was Rococo art, known for its use of pastel colors and fanciful architecture indicative of the wealthy class. I personally enjoy the playful yet elegant aspects of the Rococo style. For this project I’m analyzing how gold has been used in art throughout the ages. This particular work incorporates it into the medium of architecture. The gold design adorning the ceiling speaks to the great scope of this building, it contrasts against the dull blue of the sky. One thing gold in art has consistently been used for through the ages is as a signifier of power and wealth. The Rococo style was no different in this application of the gold color. Gold frames can help emphasize the importance of the painting within them as it adds a layer of fanciness to the experience of looking at it. Adding to spectacle is something gold works really well for. Something very distinctly rococo about this work is the almost floral looking designs of the gold decorating the ceiling and walls. 

El Anatsui was one child of 32 and grew up with his uncle who was a Presbyterian minister and a devout Christian who tried to raise Anatsui to similarly hold these beliefs, but Anatsui eventually became accustomed to his ancestral traditions. Anatsui’s art is abstract but the strange shapes they take seem to express a desire for freedom, and part of this ties into how he uses color. The gold in this piece stands in interesting contrast with some of the other pieces as it’s used in an almost ethereal way here, to create a strange juxtaposition with the naturalistic shape of the work, which is something we would associate with earthy colors. This contrast is what gives the work it’s unique feeling even compared to other works that use gold throughout art history, as many of them use gold in a more structured form either mimicking paintings like the sides of the Sake Ewer or for architectural purposes like in Salon De La Princesse. The commonality these all share is how gold is used to look decadent and fancy. 

His father was a goldsmith. Gold used in new expressive levels. Gold and oil paint mixed together. Gold was added with an adhesive.