Marcantonio Raimondi (1480–1534)The Judgment of Paris, 1515, After Raphael, Copper engraving, 11 11/16 × 17 3/16 in (29.7 × 43.7 cm)
REFERRING TO ANOTHER WORK OF ART ALLOWS FOR REFINEMENT OF MEANING
Quoting another work of art can lead to more precise and nuanced meaning as well as richer expression. Quoted images can be adjusted or reworked in a variety of ways in accordance with a wide range of possible intentions.
• Ironic
Changing the appearance and context of a quoted image in order to lampoon or otherwise undercut its meaning.
• Humorous
The reworking of a famous image, preferably one that has gravity, can be extremely amusing.
• Subversive
Using an iconic image in such a way that it subverts the social and political constructs of the day.
• Supportive
Quoting another work of art can imply a closeness of intention and spirit with the artist making the quote.
• Theoretical
The artist making the quote may wish to explore the way in which the quoted image operates in a contemporary setting. This is part of the strategy of the Appropriationists, a contemporary art movement (see Appropriation on page 16).
Marcantonio Raimondi (1480–1534)
The Judgment of Paris, 1515, After Raphael, Copper engraving, 11 11/16 × 17 3/16 in (29.7 × 43.7 cm)
Édouard Manet (1832–83)
Le Déjeuner sur l’herbe, 1862–3, Oil on canvas, 82 × 104 in (208.3 × 264.2 cm)
The central group in Manet’s painting is a direct quote of a famous image in a painting by Raphael as transcribed in an engraving by Raimondi. The fact that Manet is using a classical quote to make a contemporary image reinforces the transgressive nature of the subject matter.
