Museum Art Critique: Surprise Attack Near Harper’s Ferry Essay

When first viewing the painting, Surprise Attack Near Harper’s Ferry, created by John A. Mooney in 1868, the only thing I found myself able to focus on was the group of almost completely undressed men that appear to be bathing in a river. At first glance, I was not truly able to grasp the concept behind the painting or the exact situation that was intended to be portrayed by John Mooney, in this specific piece of historical artwork. After looking at the image more closely and thoughtfully, the first words that entered my mind immediately were fear and chaos. The background of the Surprise Attack Near Harper’s Ferry, with the exception of the smoke in the far distance, contrasts significantly to the utter chaos, fear, and confusion displayed in the portion of the painting where the group of men appear to be fearfully scattering about in the water. The background of this painting, the beautiful colored sky and other scenery including the shimmering water, differs greatly in comparison with the more focused on, somewhat disturbing image, of what appears to represent franticness and fear that is sweeping over this group of men. After observing the painting as closely and carefully as possible, the image to be portrayed caused a feeling of sadness, as well as confusion, to sweep over me. After understanding more about the painting’s meaning, I began to also feel a sense of compassion and sympathy toward these men that I couldn’t even completely comprehend at first. In the painting, Surprise Attack Near Harper’s Ferry, the artist, John A. Mooney, places a great emphasis on the â€Å"subject matter†; the subject matter being the men that were attempting to bathe in the river. Even though the subject matter, the â€Å"central focus† of the painting, seems to just be about this group of Confederate Soldiers, importance is also greatly placed upon the raw emotions shown by these soldiers; emotions that make this painting worth critiquing and analyzing in the first place. On a more positive note or view of the painting, Surprise Attack Near Harper’s Ferry easily has the ability to grab the observer’s attention because of the beautiful, shining color of the river and the broad sky; despite what realities the men might soon be forced to face in these waters. Additionally, one of the major things to notice about this painting is John Mooney’s use of repetition represented by the men in the river. Repetition is noted in the men in the painting, due to their striking, and almost identical similarities in their appearance. Another important principle of design or â€Å"formal property†, is the use of the earlier mentioned contrast between the more serious, central focal point or the â€Å"subject matter† ; also known as the Confederate men in the river, and the more calm and relaxed setting shown by the clear skies and mesmerizing color of the river itself. Contrast is also seen in the painting by the artist’s use of different colors that oppose or conflict with one another. For example, John Mooney uses a much brighter/ lighter color on these men, than what he uses for the intense green/blue river and the more cloudy/ darker color he uses for the sky, or for the background cannon smoke. Contrast is used by this artist to draw more attention to the focal point of the painting.