Recent

  • Show all results for ""

🎧 New: AI-Generated Podcasts Turn your study notes into engaging audio conversations. Learn more

Introduction to Art History
161 Questions
1 Views

Introduction to Art History

Created by
@CleanlyDobro8342

Podcast Beta

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What does the term 'form' refer to in art history?

  • The historical context of the artwork
  • The emotional impact of the artwork
  • The narrative conveyed through the artwork
  • The physical and visual characteristics of the artwork (correct)

    • Which of the following is NOT a physical characteristic of an artwork's form?

  • Medium
  • Composition (correct)
  • Dimensions
  • Material

    • In art history, what does 'content' specifically refer to?

  • The historical significance of the artwork
  • The medium used to create the artwork
  • The physical attributes of the artwork
  • The themes and subject matter conveyed in the artwork (correct)

    • Which of the following best describes 'context' in art history?

    <p>The historical circumstances surrounding the artwork's production or reception</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is considered a visual characteristic of an art object's form?

    <p>Line</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What encompasses both subject matter and themes in an artwork?

    <p>Content</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following elements would NOT be considered when analyzing an artwork's form?

    <p>Theme</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which characteristic describes how an art object physically occupies space?

    <p>Dimension</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'Paleolithic' refer to in the context of prehistoric art?

    <p>The Old Stone Age</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which material is most commonly associated with Paleolithic sculptures?

    <p>Limestone</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What period does the Neolithic era cover?

    <p>c. 6,500 BCE - 2,300 BCE</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The sculpture known as the Woman from Willendorf was created around which year?

    <p>c. 24,000 BCE</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant achievement defines the period known as prehistory?

    <p>The invention of writing systems</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the three main elements of art history in regards to an art object?

    <p>Form, Content, Context</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When considering the context of an art object, which question would be the most relevant?

    <p>What was the political climate at the time of its creation?</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which aspect of an art object does 'form' refer to?

    <p>The physical and visual characteristics</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the 'content' of an art object communicate?

    <p>The underlying message or meaning</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a question to consider when analyzing the context of an art object?

    <p>What colors were used in the artwork?</p> Signup and view all the answers

    To understand the function of an art object, which three components must be analyzed together?

    <p>Form, Content, Context</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it important to know about the patron of an art object?

    <p>It provides insight into the historical context and motivations for its creation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following components of art history would focus on the physical and visual characteristics of an artwork?

    <p>Form</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary subject matter of Paleolithic cave paintings?

    <p>Animals</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which technique was NOT used by Paleolithic artists for creating cave art?

    <p>Engraving on wood</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What material was primarily used as pigment in Paleolithic art?

    <p>Ocher</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which cave is known for its significant wall paintings dating back to 32,000-30,000 BCE?

    <p>Chauvet Cave</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a common feature of the wall paintings in Chauvet Cave?

    <p>Illusion of movement</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What purpose did wooden scaffolds serve in the creation of cave art?

    <p>To reach high walls for painting</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following animals was NOT mentioned as a subject in Paleolithic cave paintings?

    <p>Tigers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the predominant color used in cave paintings found in Chauvet Cave?

    <p>Black</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What geographical area does Mesopotamia refer to?

    <p>Land between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which period marks the development of city-states in Mesopotamia?

    <p>4000-3000 BCE</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What material was primarily used to create the Votive Worshippers from Eshnunna?

    <p>Limestone</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary architectural form associated with Sumer?

    <p>Ziggurat</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which term refers to the artistic convention that indicates importance in scale?

    <p>Hieratic scale</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which civilization is NOT one of the main focuses of the Ancient Near East discussed?

    <p>Egypt</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who was the Assyrian ruler known for establishing the capital at Kalhu?

    <p>Assurnasirpal II</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What material was primarily used to construct the Nanna Ziggurat?

    <p>Mud brick</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a notable feature of the palace walls during Assurnasirpal II's rule?

    <p>Sculptural relief in alabaster</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the original height range of the Nanna Ziggurat?

    <p>20-30 m</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the approximate height of the largest Votive Worshipper figure?

    <p>76.3 cm</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary purpose of the ziggurat in Sumerian society?

    <p>It acted as a spiritual center and meeting place with the gods.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of society ruled Sumer during the time of the ziggurats?

    <p>A society governed by priest-kings claiming divine authority.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During which time frame did the Sumer civilization primarily exist?

    <p>3500-2340 BCE</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the modern-day location of the ancient site of Eshnunna?

    <p>Iraq</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the agricultural resources of Mesopotamia affect its political stability?

    <p>It made the region vulnerable to political upheaval.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which goddess was the Nanna Ziggurat at Ur dedicated to?

    <p>Nanna, the moon goddess.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one of the construction methods used for fortifying Kalhu?

    <p>Mud-brick walls</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the significance of cuneiform writing developed around 2600 BCE?

    <p>It marked a development in writing that recorded a spoken language.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where were clay tablets with cuneiform writing housed in Sumer?

    <p>In temples located at the base of ziggurats.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What materials were primarily used in the creation of votive figures from c. 2900–2600 BCE?

    <p>Limestone, alabaster, and gypsum.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'polytheistic' imply about Sumerian beliefs?

    <p>They worshipped multiple gods and goddesses.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the original height of the Nanna Ziggurat?

    <p>20-30 meters.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who was the Assyrian ruler known for his lion hunting reliefs?

    <p>Assurnasirpal II</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant architectural project did Darius I start around 515 BCE?

    <p>The city of Persepolis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what material were many of the significant works by Assurnasirpal II and Assurbanipal created?

    <p>Alabaster</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What term best describes the aesthetic quality of artworks created by Assurnasirpal II in comparison to static forms?

    <p>Dynamic</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the approximate height of the 'Assurnasirpal II Killing Lions' relief?

    <p>99.1 cm</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following rulers was known for the depiction of his and his queen in a garden setting?

    <p>Assurbanipal</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What feature characterizes the Apadana, built during Darius I's reign?

    <p>Audience Hall</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Between which years did Assurbanipal rule?

    <p>687-627 BCE</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a primary artistic purpose of the Ashoka pillars?

    <p>To communicate Buddhist messages.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which animal is MOST commonly found atop the Ashoka pillars?

    <p>Lion</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of stone was primarily used for the shaft of the Ashoka pillars?

    <p>A single piece of stone</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the inverted lotus flower symbolize in Buddhist culture?

    <p>Achievement of Enlightenment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following inscriptions was NOT found on the Ashoka pillars?

    <p>Philosophical teachings</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which region did Ashoka’s empire primarily extend?

    <p>Northern India and areas including Nepal and Pakistan</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The script used on Ashokan edicts primarily developed into which influence on modern languages?

    <p>Brahmi</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'Hinayana' refer to in the context of Buddhism?

    <p>The early stage before Mahayana Buddhism developed.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What motivated Ashoka's dramatic conversion to Buddhism?

    <p>Witnessing the destruction caused by the Kalinga conquest</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the Four Noble Truths related to in Buddhism?

    <p>The cycle of life and rebirth</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant concept do ashoka pillars represent in both Buddhism and Hinduism?

    <p>The axis mundi</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What intent did Ashoka have with the placement of the edicts?

    <p>To inform and educate his people</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did Ashoka choose to communicate his message across a vast region?

    <p>Through the creation of towering pillars with inscriptions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What philosophy did Ashoka embrace that guided his reign?

    <p>Buddhist ethics and compassion</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What were the Six Cardinal Perfections (Pāramitās) intended for?

    <p>To guide Buddhist practitioners in compassionate living</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following was NOT a characteristic of Ashoka's rule?

    <p>The establishment of Buddhism as the state religion</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the geographical region where Ashoka's pillars were primarily erected?

    <p>Northern India, specifically the Magadha region</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did Ashoka’s conversion affect the spread of Buddhism?

    <p>It facilitated the rapid spread and acceptance of Buddhism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements best describes the main cause of suffering according to Buddha's teachings?

    <p>Desire and attachment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What action did Ashoka take to avoid requiring all subjects to convert to Buddhism?

    <p>He practiced tolerance for other religions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is represented by the four animals carved on the drum of the Lion Capital?

    <p>The four cardinal directions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What element of the Lion Capital symbolizes royalty and leadership?

    <p>The four lions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant role does the Lion Capital play in modern India?

    <p>It is the national emblem of India</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which element above the lions was originally part of the Lion Capital?

    <p>A cakra (wheel)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the Lion Capital symbolize in relation to the Buddha's teachings?

    <p>The spread of the dharma</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'stupa' originally mean in Sanskrit?

    <p>Heap</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which part of the stupa symbolizes the head of the Buddha?

    <p>The pole at the apex</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a primary purpose of burial mounds before the introduction of stupas in Buddhism?

    <p>To bury great teachers, including some in meditation posture</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following sites was NOT associated with the burial of the Buddha's ashes?

    <p>Kolkata</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the middle portion of a stupa represent?

    <p>The Buddha's body</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What essential item must you bring to avoid receiving a zero on the Midterm Exam?

    <p>A pencil</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does a ✔ signify in in-class activity grading?

    <p>The activity has been properly completed</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characteristic does 'Humanism' reflect in Ancient Greece?

    <p>Emphasis on human form and experience</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement best describes 'Idealism' in the context of Ancient Greek art?

    <p>It upholds the belief in creating perfect forms from nature.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which period was the Anavysos Kouros created?

    <p>Archaic Period</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What height is typically associated with the Anavysos Kouros?

    <p>1.93 m</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which description accurately reflects the concept of 'Rationalism' in Ancient Greece?

    <p>It promotes the use of logic and critical thinking.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should students remember to bring alongside a pencil for the Midterm Exam?

    <p>An eraser</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which characteristic distinguishes the Anavysos Kouros from the Egyptian sculpture of Menkaure?

    <p>The style of representation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of the height of the Anavysos Kouros?

    <p>It indicates the importance of the figure represented</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which period does the Spear Bearer (Doryphoros) belong to?

    <p>Classical Period</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of the Spear Bearer reflects the ideals of the Classical Greek period?

    <p>Its portrayal of movement and realistic anatomy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What artistic concept is demonstrated by Polykleitos' Spear Bearer through its proportionate representation of the human body?

    <p>Canon of proportions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What material was primarily used for the original Spear Bearer sculpture?

    <p>Bronze</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the Anavysos Kouros differ visually from the Menkaure sculpture?

    <p>The Kouros has an exaggerated form</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which term best describes the stylistic position of the Spear Bearer that emphasizes an idealized form of the human body?

    <p>Idealization</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of the Parthenon in Athens?

    <p>A temple dedicated to the goddess Athena</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor primarily influenced the design of both the Anavysos Kouros and Egyptian sculptures?

    <p>Religious purpose</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which physical characteristic of the Spear Bearer distinguishes it from the earlier Anavysos Kouros?

    <p>Contrapposto stance</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The term 'contrapposto' refers to which aspect of the Spear Bearer’s posture?

    <p>A stance with weight shifted onto one leg</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which artistic technique is highlighted in the transition from the Anavysos Kouros to the Spear Bearer?

    <p>Increased realism in human form</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which architectural style is represented by the structure of the Parthenon?

    <p>Greek Orders</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which feature is essential to the construction technique used in the Parthenon?

    <p>Post and lintel system</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common visual feature of the sculptures from the Archaic Period?

    <p>Rigid and frontal presentation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which characteristic of the Spear Bearer is emphasized by its height of 2.12 m?

    <p>Monumentality</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In terms of style, how does the Spear Bearer exemplify the High Classical Period?

    <p>By focusing on realistic emotion</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When was the Parthenon constructed?

    <p>c. 447–432 BCE</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the Acropolis in Athens known for?

    <p>The location of significant ancient temples including the Parthenon</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the Spear Bearer's approach to representing human anatomy?

    <p>Mathematical perfection through ratios</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What visual characteristic distinguishes the Spear Bearer as a naturalistic representation?

    <p>Realistic portrayal of motion</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect does the idealization in the Spear Bearer have on the viewer's perception?

    <p>Inspires awe and admiration</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the Spear Bearer's historical context contribute to its artistic significance in Greek culture?

    <p>It embodies the values of the High Classical Period</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What period does Polykleitos' Spear Bearer belong to?

    <p>High Classical Period</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which characteristic best describes the representation in Polykleitos' Spear Bearer?

    <p>Naturalistic with idealized proportions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary material used for the Roman copy of Polykleitos' Spear Bearer?

    <p>Marble</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In terms of height, how does Polykleitos' Spear Bearer compare to Laocoön and His Sons?

    <p>Taller than Laocoön</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What cultural ideal does the Spear Bearer best represent?

    <p>Beauty and athleticism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'Doryphoros' translate to in English?

    <p>The Spear Bearer</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who are the sculptors responsible for creating Laocoön and His Sons?

    <p>Hagesandros, Polydoros, and Athanodoros</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best differentiates the High Classical Period from the Hellenistic Period?

    <p>More focus on emotional expression in subjects</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one primary difference between the original Greek work and its Roman copy?

    <p>The materials used differ</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which sculpture is known for showcasing the tension among its figures?

    <p>Laocoön and His Sons</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What materials were used to create the Augustus of Primaporta statue?

    <p>Marble and originally painted</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which title was granted to Augustus by the Roman Senate in 27 BCE?

    <p>Augustus</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant battle did Augustus defeat Cleopatra?

    <p>Battle of Actium</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'Pax Romana' refer to?

    <p>A long period of peace in the Roman Empire</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a notable physical characteristic of the Patrician Carrying Portrait Busts of Two Ancestors?

    <p>It is made of marble.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which architectural feature is least likely associated with the Roman Empire during Augustus's time?

    <p>Ziggurats</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why was the Augustus of Primaporta statue created?

    <p>To emphasize his divine right to rule</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What height does the Augustus of Primaporta reach?

    <p>2.03 m</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should a student NOT bring to the midterm exam?

    <p>A pen</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who initiated the construction of the Colosseum?

    <p>Emperor Vespasian</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What year range marks the construction of the Colosseum?

    <p>72-80 CE</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What materials were primarily used in the construction of the Colosseum?

    <p>Concrete and marble</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the height of the Colosseum?

    <p>48 m</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who completed the construction of the Colosseum after Vespasian?

    <p>Emperor Titus</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which architectural feature is prominently associated with the design of the Colosseum?

    <p>Round arch</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which historical figure was active during the early stages of the Colosseum's construction?

    <p>Vespasian</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what city is the Colosseum located?

    <p>Rome</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary purpose of the Colosseum during the Roman Empire?

    <p>Gladiatorial contests</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What monumental structure was built nearly simultaneously with the Colosseum and is notable for its classical style?

    <p>The Pantheon</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the purpose of the bronze sculpture of Augustus?

    <p>To commemorate the military victories of Augustus.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which material was used to create the Ara Pacis?

    <p>Marble</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a distinctive feature of the Imperial Procession relief sculpture on the Ara Pacis?

    <p>It includes a variety of human figures.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the height of the Augustus of Primaporta compare to the height of the Spear Bearer?

    <p>Spear Bearer is taller by 9 cm.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What historical significance does the Ara Pacis hold?

    <p>It celebrates military victories and peace.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What artistic style is the Augustus of Primaporta often compared to?

    <p>Classical Greek sculpture.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which feature of Augustus is emphasized in the Primaporta statue?

    <p>His divine descent.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of Roman sculptures set them apart from earlier styles?

    <p>Realism and emotional expression.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What purpose did the design of the Ara Pacis serve in Roman society?

    <p>To celebrate the peace brought by Augustus.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the approximate size of the Ara Pacis?

    <p>10.5 x 11.6 m</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Art History

    • Art history is the study of art objects' form, content, and context.

    Form

    • Form refers to the physical and visual characteristics of an art object.
    • Physical characteristics include medium, material, and dimensions.
    • Visual characteristics include line, shape, form, color, texture, space, and composition.

    Content

    • Content is the communication of the art object.
    • Content refers to the subject matter (a woman, a tree, a specific story) and the theme (love, power, death).

    Context

    • Context refers to the historical circumstances- time and place -- of the production and reception of the art object.
    • To understand the context, we ask questions such as:
      • Where and when was the art object made?
      • What are the relevant political, social, religious, and intellectual cultures at the time?
      • What is known about the artist and the patron?
      • Why did the patron commission the art object?
      • Where was the art object originally displayed?
      • Who were the original intended viewers?

    Prehistory

    • Prehistory refers to the period before writing systems.
    • It is the period before the existence of written documents.

    Stone Age

    • The Stone Age refers to the Prehistoric period.

    Paleolithic Era

    • Paleolithic refers to Old Stone Age (c. 42,000 BCE - 8,000 BCE).
    • Paleolithic art mainly focuses on sculpture.

    Neolithic Era

    • Neolithic refers to New Stone Age (c. 6,500 BCE - 2,300 BCE).

    Cave Paintings: Subjects

    • Animals were the main subject of Paleolithic cave paintings.
    • Some common subjects include:
      • Rhinoceros
      • Wooly mammoth
      • Lion
      • Bison
      • Bull
      • Deer
      • Horse

    Chauvet Cave

    • Chauvet Cave (c. 32,000- 30,000 BCE)
    • Cave paintings were located deep within the caves.
    • The cave paintings are on limestone and use black pigment.

    Creating Cave Art

    • Ground up ocher was mixed with water.
    • Large flat stones served as containers for the mixture.
    • Paint was applied with brushes made from reeds, bristles, or twigs.
    • It could also be sprayed from a blowpipe made from a reed or hollow bone.
    • A wooden scaffold was used to create high walls.

    Color and Line

    • Cave art uses color and line.
    • Examples include the Lion Panel and paintings with mammoths and horses.

    Illusion of Movement

    • The cave paintings, especially the Lion Panel, create an illusion of movement using color and line.

    Sumer

    • Sumerian cities were ruled by priest-kings who claimed to rule in the name of the gods.
    • City-states considered the ziggurat to be the spiritual center.
    • The ziggurat served as a meeting place between the people and their gods.
    • Sumer had a polytheistic society.
    • Nanna, the moon goddess, was worshipped in the Nanna Ziggurat at Ur.

    Writing

    • Sumerians invented writing, which evolved between 3200-3100 BCE.
    • Originally, they used pictographs that represented a single word or phrase.
    • Around 2600 BCE, cuneiform writing was developed, utilizing a stylus to create wedge-shaped marks on clay tablets.
    • Clay tablets inscribed with cuneiform were stored inside the temples on top of ziggurats.

    Votive Worshippers

    • Votive worshippers were sculptures created between 2900–2600 BCE.
    • Constructed from limestone, alabaster, and gypsum, they are believed to have been offerings to the gods.
    • The Votive Worshippers sculpture exemplifies the “hieratic scale” principle which denotes the importance of a figure through its size.
    • The sculpture also illustrates the concept of “artistic convention” by depicting the figures in a stylized and formal manner.

    Assyria

    • The Assyrians rose to prominence in Northern Mesopotamia around 1400 BCE.
    • Assurnasirpal II, who ruled from 883-859 BCE, established his capital city at Kalhu (modern Nimrud, Iraq).
    • He constructed a fortified city, incorporating mud-brick walls.
    • His palace walls were decorated with alabaster sculptures in low relief.
    • Assurnasirpal II’s sculptures depict narratives in a dynamic style.

    Assurbanipal

    • Assurbanipal, who reigned from 687-627 BCE, established his capital in Nineveh (modern Kuyunjik, Iraq).
    • Assurbanipal is known for his library at Nineveh, containing clay tablets with cuneiform script.

    Persia

    • The Achaemenid Empire was founded by Darius I, who ruled from 521-486 BCE.
    • Darius I initiated the construction of Persepolis (the capital of Persia) around 515 BCE.
    • Darius I built the ceremonial complex at Persepolis, which included the Apadana (Audience Hall), a grand structure featuring elaborate stairways adorned with relief sculpture.
    • Relief sculptures depict a variety of scenes, including Darius I receiving tribute from conquered nations. This underscores the power and wealth of the Persian Empire.

    Ashoka's Pillars

    • Ashoka, emperor of the Mauryan dynasty, was one of the first rulers to convert to Buddhism after witnessing the violence of conquering Kalinga.
    • To spread Buddhism, Ashoka erected numerous pillars throughout his empire, reaching areas of modern-day Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.
    • The pillars, typically standing between 40 and 50 feet tall, were carved from stone and weighed approximately 50 tons each.
    • Only 19 pillars remain, many in fragments, with the first discovered in the 16th century.
    • The pillars were topped with sculptures of animals, most commonly lions, which symbolize royalty and the Shakya clan into which the Buddha was born.
    • The pillars were often topped by an inverted lotus flower, representing Buddhist ideals.
    • Ashoka's pillars held edicts, inscriptions written in a variety of scripts, including Brahmi, Aramaic, and Greek, acknowledging his desire to reach diverse cultures.
    • The edicts discussed various themes, including social welfare, tolerance, the importance of dharma, and apologies for past violence.
    • The Ashokan pillars were a significant artistic project during the Hinayana period of Buddhism, which emphasized the teachings of Buddha over physical representations.
    • The pillars represent one of the earliest physical manifestations of Buddhist faith, serving as a form of communication and reinforcing Ashoka's authority.

    The Significance of Ashoka's Pillars

    • The pillars were intentionally placed along trade routes, in border cities, and at pilgrimage sites, ensuring widespread visibility.
    • The pillars served as an early form of public communication, aiming to educate people about Buddhist principles and Ashoka's administrative reforms.
    • Ashoka's edicts illustrate his vision for an ethically governed society and his commitment to religious tolerance.

    The Hinayana Period

    • Dating from the 6th to 1st century B.C.E., it marked an early stage of Buddhism where no images of the Buddha were made.
    • Instead, symbols such as the lotus flower, lion, and wheel became popular representations of Buddhist concepts.
    • These symbols signified the key aspects of the religion, including Enlightenment, the endless cycle of birth and rebirth, and the Four Noble Truths.

    Ashokan Pillar at Sarnath

    • The Ashokan Pillar at Sarnath was erected at the site of Buddha’s first sermon.
    • The pillar is symbolic of the axis mundi.
    • The capital is made of three parts: a lotus flower base, a drum with four animals representing the cardinal directions, and four lions, representing the Buddha, royalty and leadership.
    • The capital was adopted as the national emblem of India and depicted on the one rupee note and the two rupee coin.
    • The four animals on the drum represent the four directions and also the four rivers that flow from Lake Anavatapta.
    • They represent the four perils of samsara - the unending cycle of existence.
    • The lion represents the Buddha, formerly Shakyamuni, a member of the Shakya (lion) clan.
    • Four lions stand atop the drum, facing the four cardinal directions, representing the Buddha spreading the dharma (Four Noble Truths).
    • A cakra (wheel) was originally mounted above the lions.
    • The pillar reads from bottom to top.
    • The lotus represents the murky water of the mundane world.
    • The four animals represent the unending cycle of samsara.
    • The cakra at the top represents moksa - release from samsara.
    • The cakra, the wheel between the four animals, represents the Eightfold Path.
    • The symbolism of the pillar moving up to the apex, the cakra, parallels the way in which practitioners meditate on the stupa (a dome-shaped structure) to attain Enlightenment.

    The Cakra

    • The number of spokes in the cakra was not standardized.
    • The cakra with eight spokes, representing the Eightfold Path, is often used in Buddhism.
    • The cakra symbolizes moksa, the release from the cycle of rebirth (samsara), and the attainment of enlightenment.

    Stupas

    • "Stupa" is Sanskrit for "heap" and represents an important Buddhist architecture form but predates Buddhism
    • Stupas are largely considered to be sepulchral monuments, serving as burial sites or repositories for religious objects.
    • The most basic form is a burial mound made of dirt and faced with stone.

    Early Stupas

    • Before the advent of Buddhism, great teachers were buried in mounds.
    • Some were cremated, while others were buried in a meditative seated position.
    • The domed shape of the stupa represents a meditating individual, symbolizing the Buddha’s posture when he attained Enlightenment and the Four Noble Truths.
    • The base of the stupa represents the Buddha's crossed legs in the lotus position.
    • The middle section represents his body, and the apex with a pole and fence symbolizes his head.
    • Early stupas contained relics of the Buddha, particularly his ashes.
    • The addition of these relics infused them with the Buddha's energy.
    • These early stupas were typically built at sites significant to the Buddha's life, such as Lumbini (birthplace), Bodh Gaya (Enlightenment), Sarnath (first sermon), and Kushingara (death).
    • The choice of these sites was based on both historical and legendary events.

    Ashoka and the Spread of Stupas

    • King Ashoka, a prominent Buddhist proponent, is associated with the creation of 84,000 stupas.
    • This number is likely an exaggeration, but Ashoka undoubtedly built numerous stupas across northern India and territories under the Mauryan Dynasty.
    • He aspired to provide new Buddhists with tools to aid in their faith.
    • This aligns with the Buddha’s pre-death instructions to erect stupas in locations beyond those connected to his life, aiming to bring "calm and glad" hearts.
    • Ashoka also constructed stupas in areas less accessible to those containing the Buddha's ashes.

    The Great Stupa at Sanchi

    • It is a renowned stupa located in Madya Pradesh, India.
    • The location of the stupa was chosen because Ashoka’s wife, Devi, was born in that area.
    • It was sited on an essential trading route, ensuring its accessibility.

    Karmic Benefits

    • The practice of building stupas spread with Buddhism to regions like Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan, Thailand, Burma, China, and the United States.
    • Their form has evolved over time, but their core function remains unchanged.
    • Stupas serve as a reminder of the Buddha and his teachings.
    • Building stupas also offers karmic benefits.
    • In Hinduism and Buddhism, karma is the energy generated by actions and their ethical consequences.
    • It influences a person's next life or rebirth.
    • The Avadāna Sutra outlines ten merits of building a stupa, including the prevention of rebirth in remote locations and extreme poverty.
    • Stupas are prevalent in the countryside of Tibet ("chorten") and Burma ("chedi").

    The Journey to Enlightenment

    • Buddhists visit stupas to perform rituals that facilitate the achievement of Enlightenment, a key goal in Buddhism.
    • This involves comprehending the Buddha's teachings, known as the Four Noble Truths (dharma or the law).
    • Understanding the Four Noble Truths helps to break free from samsara, the endless cycle of birth and death.
    • The Four Noble Truths are:
      • Life is suffering (suffering = rebirth).
      • The cause of suffering is desire.
      • Desire must be overcome.
      • When desire is overcome, there is no more suffering (suffering = rebirth).

    The Stupa as a Circle or Wheel

    • The Maha-parinibbāna sutra suggests that the Buddha's ashes should be buried in a stupa at the intersection of the four great roads (directions), representing the unmoving hub of the wheel, the place of Enlightenment.
    • The stupa, viewed as a circle or wheel, signifies Enlightenment through its unmoving center.
    • It symbolizes stillness and peace attained through the complete understanding of the Buddhist dharma.
    • Many stupas are built on a square base with four sides representing the cardinal directions (north, south, east, west).
    • Each side typically features a gate in the center, allowing entry from any direction.
    • These gates are called torana.
    • Each gate represents the four significant events of the Buddha's life:
      • East: Birth
      • South: Enlightenment
      • West: First sermon
      • North: Nirvana

    The Yasti and the Axis Mundi

    • The stupa's yasti, or spire, symbolizes the axis mundi, the central axis of the universe.
    • It is surrounded by a harmika (fence or gate) and topped by chattras (umbrella-like objects representing royalty and protection).
    • The yasti marks a point of connection between the human body and the universe.
    • The spinal column is the human axis, similar to the axis of Mount Meru, the sacred mountain at the center of the Buddhist world.
    • This connection highlights the practitioner's journey toward Enlightenment, a climb through various planes of increasing knowledge.

    Circumambulation

    • Practitioners do not enter the stupa, as it is a solid structure, but walk around it as a meditative practice focusing on the Buddha's teachings.
    • This circumambulation symbolizes the endless cycle of rebirth (samsara) and the spokes of the Eightfold Path, which leads to Enlightenment.
    • The practitioner’s movement from the periphery to the center of the stupa, marked by the yasti, represents the path to Enlightenment.
    • Circumambulation is also a practice in other faiths, such as the circling of the Kaaba in Mecca by Muslims.
    • This practice can be performed by walking or through prostrations, which mimic the fire’s heat that cremated the Buddha’s body.
    • The heat symbolizes the burning away of attachment to the mundane world, which are obstacles to Enlightenment.
    • The purpose of circumambulation is not veneration of the relics themselves, but a reminder of the Four Noble Truths.

    Votive Offerings

    • Smaller stupas can serve as votive offerings, objects used in acts of devotion.
    • They can be sponsored to gain merit and improve karma.
    • These stupas often bear inscriptions expressing the desire for all beings to attain Enlightenment.
    • They are used in home altars and monastic shrines.
    • Their small size allows for easy transportation, contributing to the spread of Buddhist doctrine.
    • They are usually crafted from stone or cast in bronze.
    • Bronze stupas can also serve as reliquaries, containing the ashes of respected teachers.
    • The form of the stupa often reflects the Buddha’s form, symbolizing Enlightenment and the Four Noble Truths.

    Midterm Exam

    • Midterm Exam 1 (17%) is in class on October 7
    • Bring a pencil (pen will not work) and eraser

    Research Assignment

    • Research assignment is due on October 7 after the Midterm Exam

    In-Class Activity Grading

    • A ✔ means the in-class activity is satisfactory
    • A ✔- - means the in-class activity is below satisfactory

    Ancient Greek Art

    • Ancient Greek art is dated 800 BCE – 31 BCE

    Humanism

    • Man is the measure of all things
    • Interest in the human form (body)

    Rationalism

    • Humans must use logic and reason
    • Humans must exercise critical thinking

    Idealism

    • Belief in the beauty of perfection
    • Nature creates imperfect forms, which humans can re-create as perfect forms (in art)

    The Human Body in Greek Sculpture

    • The male nude
    • Anavysos Kouros, c. 530 BCE is an example of Archaic period sculpture

    Archaic Period (600–480 BCE)

    • Sculpture was a type rather than a portrait
    • Greek sculptures were inspired by Egyptian sculpture

    (High) Classical Period (450–400 BCE)

    • Polykleitos, Spear Bearer (Doryphoros), c. 450-440 BCE is an example of High Classical Period sculpture
    • Polykleitos wrote the Canon of Polykleitos which explains how to create a mathematically perfect representation of the body

    Canon of Polykleitos

    • A system of ratios for creating a perfect representation of the body

    Contrapposto

    • A pose in which the body is balanced, with one leg relaxed and the other supporting the weight, creating a more natural and dynamic look

    Naturalism (or naturalistic)

    • A representational style that closely imitates the appearance of something in the natural world

    Idealization (idealized)

    • A representational style that transforms the appearance of something in the natural world (like the human body) to make it conform to ideals (like cultural standards)

    Polykleitos’ Spear Bearer (Doryphoros)

    • A naturalistic and idealized representation

    Hellenistic Period (323-31 BCE)

    • Hagesandros, Polydoros, and Athanodoros of Rhodes, Laocoön and his Sons is an example of Hellenistic Period sculpture
    • More emotional and expressive style compared to the Classical Period

    The Human Body in Greek Sculpture

    • The female nude

    Classical Greek Architecture and Sculptural Relief

    • Vancouver Central Station (1919) and Vancouver Art Gallery (1906-1912) use Classical Greek architecture elements

    The Parthenon

    • The Parthenon is a Greek temple dedicated to the goddess Athena
    • Located on the Acropolis in Athens
    • Built by Kallikrates and Iktinos, c. 447–432 BCE
    • Made of marble and is 69.5 x 30.9 m

    The Acropolis

    • Is the raised part of Athens

    Greek Orders

    • A regulated decorative system used for Ancient Greek temples

    Post and Lintel

    • A construction system that uses horizontal beams (lintels) supported by vertical columns (posts)

    Midterm Exam

    • Midterm Exam 1 (17%) is in class on October 7th.
    • Bring a pencil (pen does not work for the scanning machine) and an eraser to the exam.

    Office Hours

    • Not specified in the text.

    Research Assignment Guidelines

    • Research Assignment sign-up is in class on October 7th after the midterm exam.

    Review: Art of Ancient Greece

    • Not specified in the text.

    Roman Art

    • Roman Art period: 509 BCE – 337 CE.

    Patrician Carrying Portrait Busts of Two Ancestors (Barberini Togatus)

    • End of 1st century BCE or beginning of the 1st century CE.
    • Made of marble.
    • Height: 1.65 m.
    • Shows a tradition of death masks.

    Augustus (31 BCE – 14 CE)

    • First emperor of the Roman Empire.
    • Gained the title of Augustus (exalted one) in 27 BCE.
    • Assumed complete power and initiated dynastic control over the empire.
    • Defeated Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium in 31 BCE.
    • Established peace throughout the Roman territories (known as the Pax Romana, or Roman Peace).

    Augustus of Primaporta

    • Early 1st century CE (perhaps a copy of a bronze statue of c. 20 BCE).
    • Made of marble, originally painted.
    • Height: 2.03 m.

    Denarius with Portrait of Julius Caesar

    • 44 BCE.
    • Made of silver.
    • Diameter: approximately 1.9 cm.

    Augustus as First Emperor of the Roman Empire

    • Augustus of Primaporta was a bronze sculpture commissioned to celebrate the Roman Emperor Augustus’ victory over the Parthians.

    Comparison with Classical Greek Sculpture

    • Augustus of Primaporta is Roman, made around 20 BCE.
    • Polykleitos, Spear Bearer (Doryphoros) is Greek, created around 450-440 BCE.

    Most Ancient Roman Sculpture

    • Was originally painted.

    Architecture in the Roman Empire

    • Located in the capital city of Rome.

    Ara Pacis (Altar of Augustan Peace)

    • Located on the Campus Martius (training ground) in the city of Rome.
    • Completed 13-9 BCE.
    • Made of marble.
    • Dimensions: approx. 10.5 x 11.6 m.
    • Commemorates Emperor Augustus’ achievement of peace in the Roman Empire after his military victories.

    Imperial Procession Relief on the Ara Pacis

    • 13-9 BCE.
    • Made of marble.
    • Height: 1.6 m.

    Assurnasirpal II Killing Lions

    • c. 875-860 BCE.
    • Made of alabaster.
    • From the palace complex of Assurnasirpal II.

    Colosseum, Rome

    • 72-80 CE.
    • Made of concrete and marble.
    • Height: 48 m.
    • Construction begun by Emperor Vespasian, and completed by his son, Emperor Titus.

    Colosseum Construction

    • Construction began during the reign of Emperor Vespasian (69-79 CE) and was completed by his son, Emperor Titus (79-81 CE).

    The Round Arch

    • Used in the construction of the Colosseum.

    Compare and Contrast

    • Parthenon (Greek): post and lintel construction.
    • Colosseum (Roman): round arch construction.

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Related Documents

    Lecture 2 Prehistoric Art (5).pdf
    Lecture 3 Art of the Ancient Near East (5).pdf
    Lecture 6 - Art of Ancient Greece and the Aegean World (4).pdf
    Lecture 7 Roman Art (5).pdf

    Description

    This quiz explores the essential components of art history, focusing on the form, content, and context of art objects. Learn how the physical characteristics, subject matter, and historical circumstances contribute to our understanding of art. Test your knowledge on the different elements that define art from various perspectives.

    More Quizzes Like This

    Art I: Baroque Art Characteristics Quiz
    10 questions

    Art I: Baroque Art Characteristics Quiz

    GoldNeon avatar
    GoldNeon
    Neoclassical Art Characteristics
    9 questions

    Neoclassical Art Characteristics

    NiftySard6198 avatar
    NiftySard6198
    Definitions and Elements of Art
    10 questions

    Definitions and Elements of Art

    AwesomeGreenTourmaline avatar
    AwesomeGreenTourmaline
    Contemporary Philippine Art Overview
    24 questions

    Contemporary Philippine Art Overview

    MesmerizedString avatar
    MesmerizedString
    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Open
    Browser
    Browser