In order to interpret a work of art, it is helpful (but not always necessary) for the viewer to have some background knowledge of the subject being represented. Pythoness, a painting done by Alfred Leslie (oil and acrylic on canvas) is no exception. There are a few things that the viewer will find to be helpful insight when examining the painting. First, is an understanding of the origin of Pythoness, Webster's definition is simple, it is “a woman of divination”. The term can be found in multiple cultures and throughout history, the idea of a female prophet or soothsayers is something that has existed since ancient times. She was Phitonise in Old French, Pythonissa in Late Latin. (Online Etymology) The first use comes from Greek mythology, based on the story of the Oracles of Delphi (originally known as Pytho), where it is said that Apollo defeated the Serpent that guarded Gaia and her Temple, after the Python had been sent to kill him. The high Priestess that sat on the throne in Apollo’s temple was known as Pythia. (Middleton p. 286) Those seeking the wisdom of the gods would come to the Temple and make a request to Pythia. The Priestess could reach into the world of the gods and gather knowledge for those seeking the help, by making a connection with Apollo. Pythia would enter a trance like state, and her prophetic words then had to be translated by a Priest.
Another piece of background information that will be essential to the viewer, is an understanding of Abstract Expressionism. Abstract Expressionism is an art movement that started in the late 40s after WWII. The movement started with younger artists who were looking for a way to express themselves without labels or a political agenda. Abstract works grew somewhat out of Surrealism, young artists had been training under Surrealist painters who had been forced out of Europe by the outbreak of war. But the works of the Expressionists were not meant to capture or recreate a space or particular place, nor were they trying to copy an object. Instead it was about the act of painting and the emotions that a piece could provoke or inspire. (Paul)
Now a moment to talk about the artist himself. Alfred Leslie was born in New York City in 1927, and later served in the Coast Guard during WWII. After the war he attended NYU using his GI bill, he also worked as a model at the Art Students League and the Pratt Institute, where he studied after NYU. His talents were recognized early on, and by the time he was 24 had several pieces hanging in galleries and exhibits. (Krantz) As a young man studying art in New York in the late 40s and early 50s it is easy to see why Leslie’s early work heavily focused on Abstract Expressionism. Leslie is a multi-disciplinary artist, but he first established himself as an Abstract Expressionist, he later focused more on super realism, along with work in film and print. He could have chosen many paths for his work, but I feel his birthplace being New York, and his also being educated there during the birth of Abstract Expressionism, clearly shows why his early works lead him to be known as a second generation Expressionist.
This now brings us to the painting. Upon first viewing, one will notice the presence of strong lines, very pronounced brush strokes and a heavy splatter pattern. It was not until after some research that the subject matter became more clear. One of the first lines that one may notice is the strong vertical line that is slightly offset, I immediately saw this as being placed there to represent Pythoness. I next interpreted the two large black lines that dominate the left side, to be those that seek the wisdom of Pythoness. I feel like the figures are represented using black as a means to convey that they are lost souls, or are in some way damned and are searching for a way to gain redemption. As one views the painting, the viewer will notice that the horizontal lines on the right are not in line with the ones that are on the left. This was done with intent, so there must be something that Leslie is trying to present to the viewer. My belief is that this is done to represent the idea that there are different planes of existence, and only select individuals have access to both worlds. This is why the lost have sought out the Priestess, she is the bridge between and is reaching into one world, to try and help the souls that need help in this world. Another way of seeing this, is as if one side is our conscious mind and the other is the subconscious mind, but because of a veil or barrier we cannot fully understand certain elements of our lives, and therefore we must seek the guidance of the Priestess to help us on our path. One can also look at the colors that are being used as clues, black many times represents death or at least sorrow, this is what led me to believe that the figures were meant to represent troubled souls. In the two top and two bottom quadrants there is a large amount of white with subtle colors that bleed through the layers of paint, but the white could possibly represent the peace that the Priestess can help bring to the troubled. The large brush strokes and strong splatter pattern, can lead one to believe that there is a sense of urgency that drives the actions of those that are involved. There is no sense of comfort in the painting, but as the viewer moves from one quadrant to another, there is a feeling of hope.
This painting is an excellent piece of Abstract art. It captures the spirit and essence of what Abstract Expressionists had set out to achieve. The hierarchy in the painting is found in the colors used, in the brush strokes that Leslie executed and in the splattering that shows the haste and speed of the execution. Abstract was about freeing the artist from conventional approaches to a canvas. The painting speaks volumes, but it does not say the same thing to every viewer. The message can change with time as well, what the painting says to one generation may be different for the next, because the world is ever changing and cultures evolve.