Have a Seat

Renoir  likely painted this artwork in the comfort of his studio, where he  positioned his model gracefully on a wicker chair. To fashion the beach  scene behind her, he drew inspiration from his earlier studies on the  picturesque Normandy coast. In terms of style, the painting showcases  the profound impact of Renoir's journey to Italy between 1881-82. This  sojourn significantly influenced his artistic perspective, prompting him  to skillfully merge the "grandeur and simplicity" reminiscent of  Renaissance art with the radiant essence of Impressionism.

This  transformative experience gave birth to Renoir's innovative "dry"  manner, skillfully reflected in the artwork through finely detailed  features and a smooth application of paint on the sitter's face.  Interestingly, the backdrop of the painting exhibits a lively interplay  of swift brushstrokes, indicative of the freer artistic technique that  Renoir employed during his earlier years.

Rest and Recovery: (PRO)

Sitting  down provides an opportunity for rest and recovery, allowing your body  to relax and conserve energy. After physical activity or exertion,  taking a moment to sit can aid in reducing fatigue and promoting  recovery.

Gerard  ter Borch, a highly captivating Dutch artist from the seventeenth  century, remains renowned both in his time and in the present for his  exquisite portraits and refined genre subjects. These remarkable pendant  portraits of Jan van Duren and his wife, Margaretha van Haexbergen,  stand among the most significant works by the artist within any American  art collection.

Jan  van Duren, belonging to the esteemed ruling class of Deventer, exudes  an air of prosperity in his opulent regent attire, while his dignified  wife, Margaretha, is equally resplendent in her elegant clothing. In  this composition, Ter Borch deliberately opts for a simplistic setting,  consisting of a velvet-covered table and a fringed velvet chair, devoid  of elaborate details. This restrained backdrop serves to accentuate and  elevate Ter Borch's masterful depiction of his subjects, capturing their  nobility and grace with remarkable precision and sensitivity.

Musculoskeletal Issues:  (CON)

Sitting  for long periods can lead to musculoskeletal problems such as back  pain, neck strain, and tight hips. Prolonged sitting can weaken the  muscles that support the spine and contribute to poor posture, which may  result in chronic pain and discomfort.

Morisot  fearlessly defies conventional artistic styles as she deliberately  simplifies facial features and omits other descriptive elements,  offering us a candid glimpse of a contemporary subject. This artistic  minimalism is akin to a bold fashion statement, as the sitter adorns the  latest trendy attire while engaged in knitting amidst a typical garden  setting of the period, complete with a gravel path and blooming roses.  The presence of elegant chairs alone suffices to establish the scene as a backyard, a popular feature among middle-class households.

It  is likely that Morisot painted this captivating piece in Bougival,  where she spent the summers between 1881 to 1884, and there's a  possibility that she chose her daughter's nanny as the model for this  composition. In doing so, Morisot captures the essence of modern life with a fresh perspective that shatters artistic norms and captures the  contemporary spirit.

Joint Relief: (PRO)

For  individuals with certain joint conditions or injuries, sitting can  offer relief from weight-bearing on the affected joints. By taking the  pressure off these areas, sitting can provide a temporary respite and  reduce discomfort.

Among  the five renditions of Van Gogh's portrait of Augustine Roulin, the wife of his friend, the postmaster of Arles, the current canvas holds special significance as it was personally chosen by the sitter herself.  Van Gogh remarked that "she had a good eye and took the best." These  portraits were initiated just before his breakdown in Arles, in December 1888, and subsequently completed in early 1889. He affectionately named  them "La Berceuse," signifying "lullaby" or "woman who rocks the cradle," evident through the rope gently held in the sitter's hand, symbolically connected to an unseen cradle.

Circulation: (PRO) & (CON)

While prolonged sitting can negatively impact blood circulation, sitting for short periods after physical activity can aid in blood flow regulation.  It allows the cardiovascular system to normalize and can be especially  beneficial after strenuous exercise.

Sitting  for too long can impede blood circulation, leading to sluggish blood  flow to the extremities. This can result in swollen ankles, increased  risk of blood clots, and a higher likelihood of varicose veins.

After  resigning from his position as minister of foreign affairs due to his  opposition to Napoleon's relentless military ambitions, Talleyrand  commissioned this portrait. Personally acquainted with Talleyrand,  Gérard skillfully captured the sitter's relaxed demeanor while  maintaining an air of authority and inscrutability. The portrayal of  Talleyrand's countenance and attire exudes a sense of composure,  offering a stark contrast to the intricate details of the gilt chair and  desk that Gérard used to add vibrancy to the painting's surface.

Meticulously,  Gérard included insignias representing Talleyrand's numerous honors,  which were updated after the Congress of Vienna in 1815. Talleyrand  played a crucial role in shaping post-Napoleonic Europe during this  time, earning him the prestigious Order of the Golden Fleece. The  portrait serves as a testament to Talleyrand's distinguished  achievements and Gérard's masterful artistry in capturing both his  subject's personality and historical significance.

Negative Impact on Mental Health: (CON)

Extended  sitting can also affect mental well-being. It has been associated with  higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Lack of physical  activity and reduced exposure to natural light can contribute to  feelings of lethargy and emotional strain.

The  influence of the 18th-century French painter Chardin is evident in this  artwork, contributing significantly to its distinctive character.  However, it also showcases an awareness of 17th-century Dutch painting,  particularly the styles of Vermeer and de Hooch. Corot might have  encountered their works during a trip to Holland in 1854. This painting,  most likely created during a period when Vermeer's art was experiencing renewed fascination, beautifully combines elements from different  artistic traditions to form a captivating and harmonious composition.

Focused Activities:  (PRO)

In  specific situations, sitting down can facilitate focused activities,  such as reading, writing, or studying. By providing a stable and  comfortable position, sitting can enhance concentration and improve  productivity for certain tasks.

This  portrait was once mistakenly attributed to David but is now recognized  as the work of his pupil, Marie Guillelmine Benoist. David, a prominent  artist, played a pivotal role in teaching several women artists, whose  talents and creations were brought to the forefront through the Salon.  Prior to the French Revolution, the Salon had severely limited  submissions by women, but with David's influence, their works gained  visibility.

The  painting depicts Jeanne Eglé Fulcrande Catherine Mourgue,  affectionately known as Égle, along with her son. It is believed that  this portrait was exhibited at the Salon of 1802. In 1799, Égle married  into the Desbassayns family, renowned for their vast fortune amassed  from sugar and coffee plantations on the island of La Réunion, located  approximately 450 miles from Madagascar. The Desbassayns family had  operated an extensive system of enslaved labor since the late  seventeenth century, which persisted until the French abolition of  slavery in 1848.

The  artwork not only serves as a tribute to the skill of Marie Guillelmine  Benoist but also offers a glimpse into the social and historical context  of the subject's life and the complexities of the era in which she lived.

Increased Risk of Chronic Conditions:  (CON)

Studies  have linked prolonged sitting with an increased risk of various chronic  health conditions, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular  diseases, and metabolic disorders. Sedentary behavior is associated with  elevated blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and unhealthy cholesterol  levels.

In  this portrait, Bartolomeo Bonghi, a legal scholar, is portrayed wearing  his professorial robes and a distinctive three-cornered hat. He is  depicted holding a book on Roman civil law, a thoughtful gift dedicated  to him by its author back in 1553. From the open window, one can catch a glimpse of a prominent tower, an iconic landmark of the city of  Bergamo.

Moroni,  the artist behind this masterpiece, was widely admired in northern  Italy for his remarkable ability to capture his subjects "from life" or  "from nature," a skill lauded by none other than the renowned Venetian  artist Titian. His portraits exude a sense of realism and authenticity,  making them invaluable references for aspiring artists of his time.  Young Caravaggio, the future legendary painter, is believed to have  studied works like this in his formative years, drawing inspiration from  Moroni's exceptional technique and attention to detail.

The Pros and Cons of sitting

To  mitigate the adverse effects of sitting for long periods, it's crucial  to incorporate regular breaks for standing, stretching, and walking.  Engaging in physical activity throughout the day, such as regular  exercise or short bursts of movement, can help counteract the negative  consequences of prolonged sitting. Creating a balanced routine that  includes both sitting and physical activity is vital for maintaining  overall health and well-being.