Started: april 23, 2005
Last Update: april 23, 2005
Comparing MV 2074 and MV 6344.
Introduction
Allthough at first glance MV 6344 seems simply a small copy of MV 2074,
there are some significant discrepancies between the two paintings,
that may provide some extra insight.
At the other hand all the persons depicted in MV 2074 are present
in MV 6344, even those of whom only a brow or an arm can be seen.
In some respect MV 6344 seems to be better executed than MV 2074. Notice
e.g. the handling of the shadow of the ladder and the way the circular
frame around the celestial sphere is painted.
Differences
- Missing from MV 6344, present in MV 2074.
- Skeletons,
- Armillary sphere,
- Clock NB Huygens still makes the pointing gesture, which now, in absence of the clock, seems to be directed at the Observatory..
- Unknown object on the table,
- The Telescope in the background. NB The telescope in the front and quadrant (?) are present
- Differences in MV 6344
- The left hand of DuHamel is visible;
- Colbert now holds a large sheet of paper.
- The hair of some of the men is shorter and seems less like a wig (e.g. Cassini).
- In general the men in the left are better visible (e.g. Huygens).
- Some of the men seem to wear different clothes (e.g. Colbert, old man handling globe)
- The man between Colbert and Louis XIV is almost reduced to a smudge,