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Nice primer on some basics. I quite agree on the works of Homer being superior. Again, the much more dynamic composition, suggesting the power of the sea, is strongly supported by Homer's triangular composition. The diagonal masses denote motion much more successfully than the essentially horizontal and vertical lines in the "Picnic on the Lawn". Only Manet's forced and out of place bather makes the triangle, whereas Homer's flow from the natural occurrences of the subject.

Perhaps the triangular composition could be the subject for another discussion. A good example would be Goya's "3rd of May" or Picasso's "Guernica". Also, a comparison of Goya's Maja's to "Olympia".

the much more dynamic composition, suggesting the power of the sea, is strongly supported by Homer's triangular composition.

Homer and Manet, and many others, were inspired by Japanese prints and their frequent use of diagonal compositions. But, I agree, Homer is much more subtle in his use of them. And more powerful as a result.

Re Goya's Maja, the image of which is in post 90 something. The head always looks wierd on this. From the top of my head, I think this work and its clothed counterpart were made for a man with the head of his mistress painted on the top of another model. I also remember something about this also being Goya's mistress. But I'm not sure (and I definitely don't have the time to research this.)