Title: The Tempest (La Tempesta)
Artist: Giorgione (Giorgio Barbarelli da Castelfranco)
Year: c.1506- c.1508
Medium: Oil on Canvas
Style/Genre: Genre on High Renaissance
Notes & Analysis of the Artwork
Scene is as depicted: On the right, a woman is sitting with a baby
- Possibly a gypsy, 1530 Italy.
- Unusual pose w/ the baby positioned towards the side of the mother, Not in her arms or lap.
- Man smiling with a staff, possibly a solider or unmarried man
- Smiling but not towards the woman, into the distance.
Meaning of the scene remains a mystery.
- A. represent the flight into Egypt.
- B. a scene from mythology or an ancient Greek novel.
- C. Adam and eve with their son Cain.
- Desert city represent paradise (Eden)
- Lightening/storm = presence of god banishing them out of Eden.
Symbolism and subjects allowed for open interpretation of the painting.
Described as a “haunting picture with a sense of permanent mystery and understanding.”
Color composition and story
The Grey presents tranquility.
- Minimal use of this color soothes the scene.
- Calming hue.
- Seen around the female and baby.
The Maroon as sensualism and lust.
- Worn by the solider
- intimate intentions (told by presence of smile).
- Brightens the palette with connection to the female.
The Teal tells of caution and humanity.
- Delivers the story of the oncoming storm.
- Causes disruption w/ connection to the Grey (eye of the storm)
- Omnipotent presence of life and morality.
The Green absence of materialisms and balance.
- Serves a perfect balance to the painting.
- Highlights the importance of nature, non-materialism.
- Balances the painting in the presence of blue.
Chroma Illuminosity 
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