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Arts & Communication On the interplay between painting and music

the contextual level but also the representational level, strongly took on a dramaturgy stand and, perceiving the
forming indirect connections between two concrete works connection between the two forms of art as the story’s
of art, yet revealing rather interesting and multifaceted climax, proposed to maybe keep it for the final act instead,
connections between the two artistic worlds. For example, providing a kind of resolution to the “Big Question” raised,
painter Jacques-Louis David and composer Ludwig van that is, “How are the two pieces of art related?”
Beethoven both strongly related to Napoleon Bonaparte,
although in very different ways: the former having a 3.3. Perception of connection types
personal relation with the historical figure and depicting Regarding the different types of connections conveyed
him in a series of artworks, and the latter being inspired (IQ3), the participants expressed varying preferences (IQ4),
by his accomplishments, developing “the heroic style”, referencing several examples (summarized in Table 2).
and devoting him the “Eroica Symphony” (while later The majority (13 participants) commented that each
disappointed and scratched Napoleon’s name from the connection type has its own merit and value, noting
score’s title page). Thus, in this case, the historical figure slight preferences for some connection types over others,
depicted in a painting may provide “the story link” to whereas two participants expressed very low interest
contextually transcend from the world of visual arts to the in the ownership relationship – it was captured through
world of music. the example of Maria Callas and the painting “La Sacra

3.2. Perception of story structure Famiglia.” Both participants commented that this
connection is “too personal” and has no wider impact or
The three-act story structuring was well received (IQ7), significance, as the rest of the relations uncovered.
and all participants stated that it was comprehensible and
overall provided a good flow between the different topics On the other hand, two participants highlighted the
covered. Some participants (P6, P10, and P11) commented Artwork Card depicting “La Sacra Famiglia” as the one with
they would probably wish to include an additional story part the most interesting anecdotal story (IQ6) and included it
in their favorites (IQ1). “By looking at this painting, I did not
(focusing on the visual art “axis” of the proposed model) that expect it to be connected to Callas, I was really surprised to find
would describe in more detail the subjects depicted within it out,” commented P1, whereas several other participants
a painting (i.e., over the representational level). Referencing made positive references to the feeling of being surprised
the painting “Las Meninas,” P10 gave some examples to that with respect to this connection, during the interview.
end: “Who are those little ladies? Where are they and what
are they doing there?” The same Artwork Card was reported Regarding the connection between works of visual
as an example of this issue by P6 and P11 when describing arts and music through the same art movement (as it was
their least favorite stories (IQ2). manifested in the collection of cards with the painting “Las
Meninas” described above), several participants pointed
The majority of participants (14 out of 15) stated not it out as the least interesting connection type, negatively
to have been confused at any point (IQ8), whereas one characterizing it as “loose,” “indirect,” or “abstract.”
participant mentioned that he was slightly confused when
exploring the narratives of the Artwork Card “The Music However, taking an opposite stand, three participants
Lesson,” which included multiple different connections. pointed out this Artwork Card as the one that gave the
The participant had indicated this story as his least favorite most esthetically pleasing result (IQ5), reporting the
one (IQ2) and, when discussing the three-act story combination of its visual and sound as a considerable
structuring scheme that was overall followed in the offered added value for their viewing experience, and highlighting
stories (IQ7), the participant pointed out “The Music the perceived complementarity between the two pieces:
Lesson” and commented that the story structure seemed
different and confusing in that case (IQ8), saying: “At the Table 2. Participants attitudes toward the examined
beginning it talked about the artist’s family in the painting, connection types
the strong role of music in his household, then about his self- Attitude Connection type (attribute) #Participants
representation through the violin, I was checking them out Liked the Personal (direct) 5
on the painting image, so far so good. But then it switched most
to the composer and talked about him. It felt kind of abrupt Inspirational and artistic influence 4
there, maybe that was too much, it did not have as good flow Art movement (complementarity) 3
as the rest did” (P9). Relation to a historical figure 4

It is also worth noting that, while reflecting on the Liked the Art movement (indirect) 4
least
employed story structure (IQ7), one participant (P12) Ownership (narrow) 2

Volume 2 Issue 4 (2024) 7 doi: 10.36922/ac.2367