SE Academic Review 2023

62 ST EDWARD’S, OXFORD

In conclusion, I disagree with the initial statement. This is because although many works of art depicting nature do contain symbolism and secondary meaning, not all do. Secondary and symbolic meanings are usually embedded in contemporary works where the idea becomes paramount rather than just the skill of the artist. For example, we see this with Ai Weiwei’s Sunflower Seeds . However, this is not always the case as secondary and symbolic meanings can also be found within earlier artists’ work, particularly religious works, such as Dürer’s Adam and Eve . Some works do not contain any secondary meaning, such as Dürer’s A Young Hare which is more about his hyperrealist style and depicts the hare extremely accurately rather than symbolically. This suggests that there is not always a symbolic or secondary meaning embedded in depictions of nature. “ Gainsborough was more invested in the realism of the landscape rather than the meaning behind it. ”

Other depictions of nature do not hold as much symbolic or secondary meaning. For example, Dürer’s A Young Hare . This work is a painting created in watercolour and body colour. It was made in 1502. This painting shows a highly realistic depiction of a hare. Dürer studied this hare to gain better understanding of nature and to learn from it; it was not commissioned by someone. This suggests that the painting was not meant to be symbolic as it was created for his own interest rather than to be admired and seen by others. Dürer himself once said ‘for if it’s contrary to nature it’s bad’. This suggests Dürer was very invested in creating an accurate depiction of nature and was careful to observe what he saw rather than always focusing on embedding a secondary or symbolic meaning within his work. We can also argue that Gainsborough’s Mr and Mrs Andrews contains little symbolism or secondary meaning. This work was created in 1750 and painted in oil on canvas. The painting depicts newly married Mr and Mrs Andrews placed in front of their joint estate. Gainsborough was very interested in nature and focused the image predominantly on the landscape. This allowed him to show his artistic ability and skill in accurately representing nature, suggesting the painting contained little secondary meaning as Gainsborough was more invested in the realism of the landscape rather than the meaning behind it. Constable later said, ‘I see a Gainsborough in every hedge and hollow tree’. This conveys the sense that he closely associated his art with nature, once again suggesting there is not a focus on symbolism but more interest in depicting the landscape we see within the painting. However, we could also argue that there are certain aspects of symbolism in the painting. For example, the couple are positioned beneath a typically English oak tree which shelters the couple powerfully and typifies English trees. This signifies a guarantee of a long prosperous future together and protection over their marriage. In addition to this the painting of Mrs Andrews’ lap is unfinished possibly reserving space for a child, symbolising and expressing the hope that the couple’s union will prove to be as fruitful as their land is. This suggests that the painting does in fact include symbolic and secondary meanings.