Art History Flashcards: Techniques & Terms

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Questions and Answers

What is Contrapposto?

Contrapposto is an Italian term meaning 'counterpoise' used in the visual arts to describe a human figure standing with most of its weight on one foot so that its shoulders and arms twist off-axis from the hips and legs.

What is Sfumato?

Sfumato is the Italian term for a painting technique which overlays translucent layers of color to create perceptions of depth, volume, and form.

What is Chiaroscuro?

Chiaroscuro is a term in art for a contrast between light and dark.

What is iconography?

Iconography is a term used in Art History which identifies symbols and images that represent or symbolize meaning. Signup and view all the answers

How is Jesus often identified in art?

Often shown in red and blue robes, with long brown hair, a beard, a halo, a crown of thorns, and a sign of blessing as an infant. Signup and view all the answers

How is John the Baptist often identified?

He is often identified by his crucifixion stick. Signup and view all the answers

What is mannerism?

Mannerism is a style characterized by distortion and use of acidic colors. Signup and view all the answers

What is idealism?

Idealism is not reality but what people as humans believe to be perfect. Signup and view all the answers

What idealistic features are shown in Pieta by Michelangelo?

Mary is portrayed as young and beautiful, harmony through pyramidal composition, and softness in stone. Signup and view all the answers

What is humanism?

Humanism is the study that states, 'man is man,' assigning God less of a role in human life. Signup and view all the answers

What is shown in Sistine Madonna by Raphael?

High Renaissance elements such as symmetry, harmony through pyramidal structure, and Madonna's contrapposto. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Transfiguration by Raphael show?

It shows heightened color, drama and movement, and dramatic 'stage' lighting with intense chiaroscuro. Signup and view all the answers

What is classicism?

Classicism encompasses several ideas, primarily Humanism and Idealism. Signup and view all the answers

Who created cubism?

Cubism was created by Georges Braque and Pablo Picasso. Signup and view all the answers

What is Primitivism?

Primitivism is a term used with various meanings in the history and criticism of the arts. Signup and view all the answers

What is analytical cubism?

Analytical Cubism is characterized by fragmented pieces, multiple viewpoints, monochromatic color, and 'tangible' space. Signup and view all the answers

What is synthetic cubism?

Synthetic Cubism is constructed through the process of collage. Signup and view all the answers

What is futurism?

Futurism admired speed, technology, youth, and violence, emphasizing the triumph of humanity over nature. Signup and view all the answers

What is abstract expressionism?

Abstract Expressionism is a conceptual representation of an artist's emotional state. Signup and view all the answers

What is common iconography in New Zealand art?

Common iconography includes red, green, koru, fern, and landscapes. Signup and view all the answers

What artworks are associated with Kasimir Malevich and Suprematism?

Black Square is a key artwork associated with Suprematism. Signup and view all the answers

What artworks are associated with Mondrian and De Stijl?

Composition with Yellow, Blue, and Red by Piet Mondrian is an example. Signup and view all the answers

What does feminism look like in Jaqueline Fahey's artwork?

Feminist artists express their sense of oppression in a male-dominated world, challenging the patriarchy. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Art Movements and Techniques

Contrapposto: An Italian term meaning "counterpoise," depicting a figure with weight on one foot, leading to a twist in the shoulders and arms.
Sfumato: A painting technique involving translucent layers to create depth and blending colors seamlessly, exemplified in Da Vinci's Mona Lisa.
Chiaroscuro: Refers to the stark contrast between light and dark in artwork, enriching the visual experience.
Mannerism: An art style characterized by distortion and vibrant, acidic colors, as seen in works by El Greco and Michelangelo.
Classicism: Incorporates ideas of Humanism and Idealism, reflecting the balance and form of classical art.

Iconography and Religious Art

Iconography: The study of symbols and images in art that convey deeper meanings.
Jesus Christ: Typically depicted in red and blue robes, representing blood and heaven, respectively. Often features long hair, a beard, a halo, and a crown of thorns.
John the Baptist: Identified by his crucifixion stick, symbolizing his role in Christian tradition.

Notable Artworks and Their Features

Pietà by Michelangelo: Represents Idealism with a youthful and beautiful portrayal of Mary, pyramidal composition, and softness in stone.
Sistine Madonna by Raphael: Combines High Renaissance elements (symmetry, harmony, idealization) with Mannerist elements (shallow space, theatrical setting).
Transfiguration by Raphael: Exhibits heightened color, drama, movement, and use of intense Chiaroscuro.

Modern Art Movements

Cubism: Developed by Georges Braque and Pablo Picasso, breaking forms into fragmented pieces viewed from multiple perspectives.
- Analytical Cubism: Involves deconstructing forms into fragments using monochromatic colors, as seen in Braque's Violin and Candlestick.
- Synthetic Cubism: Constructs compositions through collage techniques, exemplified in Picasso's Still Life with Violin and Fruit.
Futurism: Celebrates speed, technology, and youth, highlighting humanity's triumph over nature, as demonstrated in works by Balla and Severini.
Abstract Expressionism: A movement focusing on the emotional state of the artist conveyed through abstract forms.

Cultural and Feminist Perspectives

Primitivism: Used to describe influences from primitive art forms, represented in Picasso's Les demoiselles d'Avignon.
Common Iconography in New Zealand Art: Elements such as red, green, Koru, fern motifs, and landscapes are prevalent.
Feminism in Art: Represents women’s experiences and challenges to patriarchy, evidenced in Jaqueline Fahey’s work highlighting female identity and oppression.

Significance of Specific Works

Black Square by Kasimir Malevich: This artwork can be interpreted as a black square on a white background or as a black hole, reflecting Suprematism's conceptual depth.
Composition with Yellow, Blue, and Red by Piet Mondrian: A key work in the De Stijl movement, evidencing the principles of abstraction and geometric forms.

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Description

Explore essential concepts in Art History with our flashcards covering key terms like Contrapposto and Sfumato. Gain insights into how these techniques are used by master artists such as Michelangelo and Da Vinci. Perfect for art students and enthusiasts alike!