Art Flashcards: Prehistoric & Neolithic Concepts

Key Concepts in Art History

• Fertility Figures: Small, prehistoric statues emphasizing feminine features, believed to represent fertility and femininity.

• Neolithic Period: Characterized by significant advances in technology and established settled life, differentiating it from the nomadic lifestyles of earlier times.

• Megalithic Architecture: Notable for being constructed with large stones, often associated with prehistoric monuments and structures.

• Neolithic Dwellings: Built using large stones and wood, illustrating the early development of architecture in settled communities.

• Paleolithic Period: Extends from approximately 250,000 to 10,000 years ago, recognized for the development of early human art and tools.

• Anthropoid Coffin: Coffin designed to resemble a human figure, often adorned with gold, jewels, or hieroglyphs, reflecting beliefs about the afterlife.

• Mastaba: A simple, rectangular tomb used in ancient Egypt, highlighting the evolution of burial practices.

• Nile River's Role: Essential for Egyptian civilization, it provided fertile land through annual flooding, enabling agriculture and societal growth.

• Funerary Objects: Created as a result of the Egyptian belief in life after death, these items were intended to assist the deceased in the afterlife.

• Causeway: Defined as a long, covered footpath, often associated with funerary and ceremonial practices in ancient cultures.

Classical Greek Art and Culture

• Aesthetic Principle of Proportion: In classical Greek sculpture, artists aimed for a balance between realistic representation and ideal beauty, influencing subsequent art forms.

• Philosophical Self-Examination: The classical Greeks valued introspection and philosophical inquiry, shaping their cultural and artistic expressions.

• Three Principles of Greek Aesthetics: Focused on proportion, movement, and rhythm, these ideals shaped the artistic achievements of ancient Greece.

• Aphrodite: The Greek goddess symbolizing love and pleasure, often a subject of artistic representation that reflects themes of beauty and desire.

• Funerary Monuments: Commonly featured images of domestic scenes, particularly those depicting women, illustrating social norms and values of ancient Greece.

Painting Techniques and Roman Influence

• Encaustic Painting: Involves mixing pigment with hot wax, a method used in ancient art forms to achieve vibrant colors and durability.

• Influential Statue: Marcus Aurelius on his horse, a Roman statue that has inspired numerous modern war hero monuments, illustrating themes of strength and leadership.

• Fayum Portraits: Roman funeral paintings executed using encaustic techniques on wood panels, capturing the likeness and personality of the deceased.

• Pompeii's Preservation: The city is significant for its exceptional preservation over centuries, providing invaluable insights into Roman art and daily life.

• Triumphal Arch Significance: Served as a representation of monarchy and leadership in Roman culture, symbolizing military victories and the power of the state.