Darstellungsgrund

English translation: Most of the time, the drawings are based on the model as the only reference.

13:22 Dec 1, 2004

German to English translations [PRO]
Art/Literary - Art, Arts & Crafts, Painting

German term or phrase: Darstellungsgrund

The subject is Expressionist painting, and it is the precise meaning of 'Darstellungsgrund' that I'm unsure about:

"In den frühen Werken überwiegen auf wenige Personen fokussierte Darstellungen. Meist ist das Modell der alleinige Darstellungsgrund. In den Zeichnungen sind aber auch Paarkonstellationen zu sehen."

Thank you for your insights :-)

Deborah Shannon KudoZ activity Questions: 60 (none open) (1 without valid answers) Answers: 588 Germany
Local time: 21:53

English translation:Most of the time, the drawings are based on the model as the only reference.

Explanation:
I take "Darstellungsgrund" to mean the reference on which the drawing is based. The german word Grund denotes "reason", but also "ground" in the sense of basis.

Selected response from:

Christina Oltmann
Canada
Local time: 15:53

Grading comment

Thanks for everyone's help - I confess I'm still mystified by the usage, but went with 'basis' here
3 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer

Summary of answers provided

5 +2

motive for the painting

Jo Mayr

3 +3

subject

IanW (X)

4 +1

reason for the portrait

Terence Ajbro

may be

gangels (X)

Most of the time, the drawings are based on the model as the only reference.

Christina Oltmann

Discussion entries: 1

Answers

2 mins confidence:

peer agreement (net): +1

reason for the portrait

Explanation:
Grund = reason. Easier than you would expect.

Terence Ajbro
Sweden
Local time: 21:53
Native speaker of:

English
PRO pts in category: 16

3 mins confidence:

peer agreement (net): +3

subject

Explanation:
Doesn't this just mean "subject"? I stand open to correction.

IanW (X)
Local time: 21:53
Specializes in field
Native speaker of:

English
PRO pts in category: 16

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)

neutral

MMUlr: The model being the "only reason for the portrait" finally results in the model being the "only subject", maybe in front of a coloured wall or sitting on a sofa ... but IMO Terences suggestion gives the exact meaning of the sentence.

13 mins

agree

Francis Lee (X): I think you're right - in light of the last sentence

42 mins

-> Yes, that was my main reason for thinking so, but I really can't say for sure

agree

Stefan Tobler (X): I think this works best in English. After all, we often simplify things in English, compared to German, don't we? And I don't think the only thing motivating the painters were the models! ;)

1 hr

agree

Kieran McCann: taking 'Grund' in the broad sense of basis/substance of the work: http://www.beyars.com/kunstlexikon/lexikon_3705.html

2 hrs

31 mins confidence:

Most of the time, the drawings are based on the model as the only reference.

Explanation:
I take "Darstellungsgrund" to mean the reference on which the drawing is based. The german word Grund denotes "reason", but also "ground" in the sense of basis.

Christina Oltmann
Canada
Local time: 15:53
Native speaker of:

German
PRO pts in category: 19

Grading comment

Thanks for everyone's help - I confess I'm still mystified by the usage, but went with 'basis' here

2 hrs confidence:

may be

Explanation:
In most instances, the model represents the sole focus of attention.

gangels (X)
Local time: 13:53
Works in field
Native speaker of:

English,

German
PRO pts in category: 39

41 mins confidence:

peer agreement (net): +2

motive for the painting

Explanation:
the model = motive for (doing sth.)

--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 6 hrs 29 mins (2004-12-01 19:51:36 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------

... Oftentimes the model is the sole motive for the painting.

--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 1 day 22 hrs 50 mins (2004-12-03 12:13:25 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------

well in this example its yhe opposite, but it works fine

... intrusion of the viewer. The detailed inventory of the \"proposals\" reveals the motive for the painting of the picture. The work provides ...
www.iadb.org/exr/cultural/venezuela/maintex2Page.htm

Jo Mayr
Germany
Local time: 21:53
Native speaker of:

German
PRO pts in category: 3

Login or register (free and only takes a few minutes) to participate in this question.

You will also have access to many other tools and opportunities designed for those who have language-related jobs (or are passionate about them). Participation is free and the site has a strict confidentiality policy.

Return to KudoZ list

KudoZ™ translation help

The KudoZ network provides a framework for translators and others to assist each other with translations or explanations of terms and short phrases.

See also:

ProZ.com term search

Search millions of term translations

Darstellungsgrund

English translation: Most of the time, the drawings are based on the model as the only reference.

Answers

KudoZ™ translation help

Your current localization setting

Select a language

Darstellungsgrund

English translation: Most of the time, the drawings are based on the model as the only reference.

Answers

KudoZ™ translation help

You have native languages that can be verified

Your current localization setting

Select a language