Art History PDF

ART HISTORY Are you familiar with the term “Art Movement”? An art movement is a collective name given to a series of works of art with a common style, philosophy, and technique. This module takes you on a journey through art movements, from ancient art to 20th-century movements. Ancient Art Ancient...

ART HISTORY Are you familiar with the term “Art Movement”? An art movement is a collective name given to a series of works of art with a common style, philosophy, and technique. This module takes you on a journey through art movements, from ancient art to 20th-century movements. Ancient Art Ancient art encompasses a variety of creations from early civilizations, from prehstoric times to classical antiquity. It reflects human expression and cultural values throughout history. Ancient art includes Cave art, Egyptian art, and Greek and Roman art. Cave Art Cave art, dating back to around 40,000 years ago, marked the beginning of human art. The Lascaux Cave in France features paintings of animals, human figures, and abstract symbols, suggesting that early humans used art for communication and connection with their environment. The key characteristics of cave art are as follows: Media—Artists used natural pigments from ochre, charcoal, and minerals mixed with animal fats or water to create paint, which they applied with primitive tools like twigs or animal hair. Styles – The artworks feature simple forms, silhouettes, and outlines, often depicting dynamic animals such as bison, horses, and deer, along with hand stencils and geometric patterns. Purpose – Cave art was likely utilized for hunting rituals and documenting significant events. Significant Artists—The individual artists remain unknown, but their works reflect a collective cultural effort of early hunters. Egyptian Art Egyptian art flourished from 3000 BCE to 30 BCE which focused on the afterlife and the divine to honor gods and pharaohs. The key characteristics of Egyptian art are as follows: Media – Artists used stone, wood, metal, and papyrus. Stone was common for sculptures and monuments, wood for smaller artifacts, metal for decorative items, and papyrus for painting and writing. Styles—Egyptian art featured conventions like the hieratic scale, where larger figures indicate higher status. For instance, the Karnak Temple has colossal statues of gods and pharaohs. Figures are often shown in frontal poses, with heads and legs in profile. Symbolism is a crucial element, with colors and icons carrying specific meanings, such as green representing fertility and rebirth, as seen in depictions of Osiris and the ankh for life. Purpose – The primary purposes were religious and funerary, with artworks intended for temples or tombs, aiding in the deceased's journey to the afterlife. Significant Artists – While many artists remain unknown, Imhotep was a major architect in ancient Egypt, known for designing the Pyramid of Djoser. It was the first large stone building. He also influenced 05 Handout 1A Page 1 of 4 sculpture and was later revered as a god of wisdom and healing. His work set the standard for future Egyptian art and architecture. Greek Art Greek art, from 800 BCE to 30 BCE, influenced Western culture through its emphasis on beauty, humanism, and idealized representations of the human form. The key characteristics of Greek art are as follows: Media – Greek artists primarily used marble, bronze, and pottery. Marble allowed for fine detail in sculpture, while bronze facilitated dynamic poses. Pottery, such as the black-figure François Vase, where figures are painted in a black slip on a natural red clay background, and the red-figure Panathenaic Amphora, where the figures retain the natural red color of the clay while the background is painted black. Styles – Greek art is distinguished by naturalism in sculpture. Artists employed Contrapposto to create lifelike figures with a sense of movement and balance. Purpose – Greek art celebrated human achievement, explored mythology, and honored the gods, often created for public spaces and temples, reflecting civic pride. Significant Artists – Phidias, renowned for the statue of Zeus at Olympia and Praxiteles, a sculptor known for his more relatable and sensual approach, as seen in the Aphrodite of Knidos (Cnidus). Roman Art Roman art, from 500 BCE to 500 CE, is known for its adaptation of Greek influences while emphasizing realism and everyday life, reflecting the complexity of Roman society. The key characteristics of Roman art are as follows: Media – Roman artists utilized marble for sculptures, frescoes for wall paintings, and mosaics for decorative flooring. Marble provided durability and detail, frescoes added vibrant color and narrative depth, and mosaics featured intricate designs using tiny colored stones or glass. Styles—Roman art is marked by a focus on portraiture, especially in busts that capture individuals' likeness and character, often reflecting age and wisdom. Architectural innovations like the arch and dome allowed for larger structures, exemplified by the Pantheon and Roman Aqueducts. Purpose – Roman art aimed to convey power, commemorate achievements, and reflect cultural values. Public monuments honored emperors and heroes, reinforcing their status, while art in private homes reflected social standing. Significant Artists – Many artists remain unknown, but Augustus, the first Roman emperor, contributed to Roman arts by promoting idealized styles and themes of peace. He commissioned or funded the construction of important structures like the Ara Pacis and the Forum of Augustus or Foro di Augusto. Medieval Art Medieval art (500 to 1400 CE) is characterized by its deep influence from the church, focusing primarily on religious themes. The key characteristics of Medieval art are as follows: 05 Handout 1A Page 2 of 4 Media—Artists employed various media, such as illuminated manuscripts, stained glass windows, and sculpture. Illuminated manuscripts featured intricate illustrations on parchment, while stained glass windows adorned cathedrals, filtering light through vibrant colors and depicting biblical stories. Sculpture often decorated church façades and altars to convey religious narratives. Styles – Medieval art is noted for its flat, symbolic representations. Paintings and illuminated texts emphasized outlines and bold colors over realistic proportions. Figures were stylized, prioritizing spirituality rather than naturalism, aligning with the educational purpose of art. Purpose – The primary purposes of medieval art were to educate and inspire religious devotion. It was a visual narrative that conveyed biblical stories and teachings, fostering contemplation and spiritual connection during worship. Significant Artists – Many medieval artists remain anonymous, as individual recognition was less common than in later periods. Many of the artwork was created by monks dedicated to spiritual and artistic pursuits. Notable examples of monastic contributions include illuminated manuscripts, such as the Book of Kells and the works of the Limbourg brothers in the Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry. Asian Art Asian art reflects the continent's rich cultural heritage, diverse religions, and philosophies over thousands of years. It expresses cultural identity while evolving alongside traditional practices. Notable forms include Chinese painting and Ukiyo-e (Japanese print). Chinese Painting Chinese painting, rooted in ancient traditions, emphasized harmony with nature and philosophical concepts. The key characteristics of Chinese painting are as follows: Media – Traditional works primarily use ink and brush on silk or paper, with ink made from natural materials resulting in a variety of tones. Silk has been favored for centuries, while rice paper is commonly used in more recent works. Styles – The two main styles in Chinese painting are landscape and calligraphy. Landscape painting often depicts serene mountains, rivers, and forests. Calligraphy often complements paintings and conveys philosophical ideas. Purpose –Chinese painting expresses spiritual and philosophical concepts. Artists strive to convey the essence of nature and convey emotions and ideas, such as harmony, balance, and the transient nature of life. These artworks often serve as meditative objects for viewers. Significant Artist – One of the notable figures was Wang Wei, a Tang dynasty artist known for his artwork, such as in A Solitary Temple Amid Clearing Peaks. Ukiyo-e (Japanese Print) Ukiyo-e emerged in Japan during the Edo period (1603-1868). The term Ukiyo means “pictures of the floating world" and celebrates the beauty of everyday life. The key characteristics of Ukiyo-e are as follows: 05 Handout 1A Page 3 of 4 Media – Ukiyo-e artists primarily used woodblock printing for mass production. Artists would carve images into wooden blocks, apply ink, and press paper onto the blocks to create prints. Styles – Ukiyo-e is known for vibrant colors, bold lines, and perspective. Artists often used a technique called bokashi to create color gradients and depth. Purpose—The primary purpose was to capture fleeting moments in landscapes, kabuki actors, beautiful people (bijin), and scenes from popular stories. Significant Artists – Notable figures include Katsushika Hokusai, famous for The Great Wave off Kanagawa, and Utagawa Hiroshige, known for his landscape series Fifty-Three Stations of the Tōkaidō. References: Education, R. (2024, July 11). Cave art history. RSC Education. https://edu.rsc.org/resources/cave-art- history/1528.article. Gritten, B. D. (2023, January 2). Ancient Egyptian “Green Coffin” returned to Cairo by the US. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-64147545. National Geographic. (n.d.). Roman aqueducts. https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/roman- aqueducts/. Thoyakkat, G. (2023, September 18). Medieval Art: History, Characteristics, and Examples. Maven Art. https://www.mavenart.com/blog/medieval-art-history-characteristics/. Ukiyo-e. (2024, August 10). https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2291.html. 05 Handout 1A Page 4 of 4