Western Classical Art Traditions Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What was discovered in the Cave of Lascaux?

Paintings of large animals (correct)

Pottery

Mortuary items

Sculptures

What is the main purpose of Egyptian paintings?

To make the deceased's afterlife place peaceful.

Which colors were primarily used in Egyptian paintings?

Only black and white

Red, black, blue, gold, and green (correct)

Pink, brown, silver, yellow

Purple, orange, grey, white

What do the paintings from the Sarcophagus of Tutankhamen depict?

Events of the life of the king and scenes expected in the afterlife. Signup and view all the answers

What types of subjects were common in Classic Greek era paintings?

Battle scenes, mythological figures, and everyday scenes. Signup and view all the answers

What is a fresco?

A method of painting with water-based pigments on freshly applied plaster. Signup and view all the answers

What is encaustic painting?

A technique using hot wax to fill cracks and then applies colors. Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'Judgement of Paris' represent?

An example of painting from the Classical Greek era. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Kerch Style' refer to?

A vase painting style known for red-figure poetry. Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of vases common in Kerch style:

Pelike = Wine container Lekanis = A low bowl with handles Lebes gamikos = Used for bridal bath Krater = Mixed wine and water Signup and view all the answers

What is polycromy?

A combination of different colors in an artistic manner. Signup and view all the answers

What is panel painting?

Painting on flat panels of wood. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the fresco from the Villa of Mysteries?

It depicts ceremonial rites, possibly marriage or initiation. Signup and view all the answers

What was important about Byzantine painting?

It continued the lively styles of earlier paintings for Christian subjects. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Christ in Majesty' depict?

Figures with elongated faces and large staring eyes against flat colored backgrounds. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Mandorla' mean?

Italian word for almond. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes Romanesque painting?

These were largely mosaics placed on walls of churches. Signup and view all the answers

What was a common theme in paintings from the Roman era?

They copied or imitated Hellenic Greek paintings. Signup and view all the answers

What technique was used in the Tomb of the Diver?

True fresco technique with limestone mortar. Signup and view all the answers

What is a mosaic?

An art process creating images using small pieces of colored materials. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cave of Lascaux

Discovered on September 12, 1940
Features nearly 2000 figures depicting large animals from the region

Egyptian Paintings

Serve to create a peaceful afterlife for the deceased
Primarily focused on themes of continuity and spiritual journey

Colors in Egyptian Paintings

Main colors include red, black, blue, gold, and green

Sarcophagus of Tutankhamen

Walls depict events from Tutankhamen's life and anticipated experiences in the underworld

Classic Greek Era Paintings

Typically found on vases, panels, and tombs
Subjects include battle scenes, mythological figures, and everyday life

Fresco

Involves painting water-based pigments on wet plaster
Created using ground pigments; ideal for murals with a durable, matte finish

Encaustic

Developed by Greek shipbuilders using hot wax for sealing and painting hulls

Judgement of Paris

Illustrates classical themes and is a notable example from the Greek era

Kerch Style

A type of vase painting characterized by red figures and decorative poetry
Named after the location where the vases were found

Common Shapes in Kerch Style

Pelike: wine container
Lekanis: low bowl with two horizontal handles
Lebes gamikos: used for bridal baths, features high handles and a lid
Krater: bowl for mixing wine and water

Polycromy

Artistic technique using a combination of brilliant colors to enhance visual appeal

Panel Painting

Involves painting flat panels of wood, prevalent in various artistic periods

Pitsa Panel

Recognized as the earliest known panel painting

Tomb or Wall Painting

Popular during classical periods, utilizing fresco techniques with tempera or encaustic methods

Tomb of the Diver

Utilizes true fresco technique, depicting a symposium scene

Roman Era Paintings

Often copied Greek Hellenic works, covering a wide range of subjects from animals to landscapes

Mosaic

Artistic technique using small pieces of colored materials to create images

Head of Alexander

A Roman floor mosaic dated to 100 B.C., illustrating the battle between Alexander the Great and Darius III of Persia

Fresco from the Villa of Mysteries

Believed to depict ceremonial rites, possibly related to marriage or initiation in mystery cults

Byzantine Painting

Features styles developed from Greek and Roman traditions but focused on Christian subjects

The Court of Empress Theodora Mosaic

Represents a blend of Greek and oriental styles in imagery for churches during the 11th century

Theodora's Depiction

Presented as an Asian Queen dengan dark hair and intense expression

Romanesque Painting

Primarily uses mosaics in churches, emphasizing strict frontal poses in figures

Christ in Majesty

Displays Mozarabic influences, characterized by elongated features and large eyes against flat backgrounds

Christ's Robe

Wears a greyish robe with a blue mantle, often depicted in religious art

Mandorla

An Italian term for "almond," commonly referring to a shape in religious iconography

Gothic Era Paintings

Primarily found in illuminated manuscripts, focusing on religious themes and narratives

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Description

Test your knowledge of significant art traditions from Western classical history with these flashcards. Explore pivotal elements like the Cave of Lascaux and Egyptian paintings, focusing on their meanings and characteristics. Perfect for art enthusiasts and students alike!