Art History Final PDF

Ancient Egypt (3500-500 BCE) Historical Context Civilization thrived around the Nile River, which was essential for water, agriculture, and transportation. Egypt was originally divided into Upper and Lower regions before uni cation. A strong emphasis o...

Ancient Egypt (3500-500 BCE) Historical Context Civilization thrived around the Nile River, which was essential for water, agriculture, and transportation. Egypt was originally divided into Upper and Lower regions before uni cation. A strong emphasis on the afterlife and the belief in "Ka" (life force) shaped societal and cultural practices. Art and Architecture Sculptures and Paintings: Symbolized permanence and hierarchy. Figures were often depicted in "composite pose" (side pro le with frontal body). Temples: Notable examples include the Temple of Amen-Re and the relocated Temple of Ramses. Key features included Hypostyle Halls and sanctuaries. Funerary Art: Tomb paintings, sculptures, and mummi cation rituals emphasized eternal life. ◦ Example: Cof n of Tutankhamen. Palette of King Narmer: Represented the uni cation of Upper and Lower Egypt. Key Features Art focused on eternal life and divine order. Use of durable materials like stone to ensure longevity. Hieroglyphics served as a storytelling and communication tool. ———————————— Greek and Roman Art (500 BCE – 400 CE) Greek Art Key Themes: Humanism, idealism, and realism. Architecture: Exempli ed by temples like the Parthenon, which adhered to Golden Section proportions. fi fi fi fi fi fi  Sculpture: Celebrated perfect human forms (e.g., Doryphoros by Polykleitos). City Planning: Introduced grid-based designs that re ected mathematical precision. Roman Art Adapted Greek styles but emphasized realism and utility. Engineering Marvels: Innovations like concrete and round arches enabled constructions like the Pont du Gard and the Pantheon. Pompeii: Preserved city showcasing Roman architecture and daily life. Key Example: The Colosseum, an amphitheater for public spectacles and entertainment. ———————————— Middle Ages (400–1400 CE) Historical Context Transitional period between Classical Antiquity and the Renaissance. Often referred to as the "Dark Ages" due to limited intellectual progress following the fall of Rome. Christianity dominated, giving rise to the "Age of Faith." Art and Architecture Early Christian and Insular Art: Manuscripts like the Lindisfarne Gospels emphasized intricate patterns and religious themes. Romanesque Architecture: Featured round arches, massive walls, and masonry (e.g., Sainte Foy, Conques). Gothic Architecture: Introduced pointed arches, soaring heights, and stained glass (e.g., Chartres Cathedral). Late Middle Ages: Shift toward realism, as seen in Giotto’s Lamentation, which incorporated emotional expression and realistic settings. fl Renaissance (1400–1600) Historical Context Marked the "rebirth" of classical antiquity, beginning in Florence, Italy. Characterized by Humanism and Individualism, focusing on human potential and achievement. Prominent artists included Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael. Art and Techniques Perspective: Linear and atmospheric techniques enhanced depth and realism. Realism: Anatomical accuracy and harmonious proportions were key (e.g., Michelangelo’s David). Famous Works: ◦ The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci. ◦ Birth of Venus by Botticelli. ———————————— Baroque (1600–1750) Historical Context Evolved as a reaction to the Protestant Reformation; art became a tool for Catholic propaganda during the Counter-Reformation. Key Features Emphasized dramatic lighting, motion, and emotional intensity. Sculpture: Examples like Bernini’s David captured dynamic action and expression.  Painting: Works such as Caravaggio’s David and Goliath utilized chiaroscuro to heighten drama. Architecture: St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City showcased grandeur and spiritual embrace. Rococo (Early 18th Century) Historical Context Re ected aristocratic re nement and escapism in pre-revolutionary France. Art Characteristics Ornate, playful, and sensual designs. Predominantly pastel colors and curving lines. Example: The Swing by Fragonard, showcasing lighthearted elegance and erotic undertones. Neoclassicism (Late 18th Century) Historical Context Rooted in Enlightenment ideals and inspired by Greek and Roman revival. Key Features Focused on simplicity, symmetry, and clarity. Depicted themes of heroism and rationality. Example: The Oath of the Horatii by Jacques-Louis David, emphasizing virtue and sacri ce. ——————- Romanticism (Late 18th to Mid-19th Century) Key Features Valued emotion, individuality, and a deep appreciation for nature. fl fi fi  Example: Liberty Leading the People by Eugene Delacroix, showcasing the spirit of freedom and revolution. ——————- Modern Art (1860–1960) Historical Context Marked a break from tradition; centered in Paris, France. In uenced by Enlightenment thinking, industrialization, and Freudian psychology. Art Movements 1. Realism: Depicted everyday life without romanticism (e.g., Courbet’s Burial at Ornans). 2. Impressionism: Focused on eeting moments and light effects (e.g., Monet’s Impression: Sunrise). 3. Postimpressionism: Built on Impressionism with more personal and symbolic styles (e.g., Van Gogh’s Starry Night). 4. Cubism: Fragmented forms and multiple perspectives (e.g., Picasso’s Les Demoiselles d’Avignon). 5. Dada: Embraced absurdity and anti-art concepts (e.g., Duchamp’s Fountain). This iconic piece is a standard porcelain urinal signed "R. Mutt." It challenges traditional de nitions of art by elevating an everyday object into a conceptual artwork, emphasizing the artist’s intent over aesthetic or craftsmanship. Duchamp’s Fountain is a pivotal example of the Dada movement’s rejection of conventional art norms.. 6. Surrealism: Explored dreamlike, irrational imagery (e.g., Dalí’s Persistence of Memory). This painting is a hallmark of surrealism, blending the bizarre with the ordinary. Its melting clocks symbolize the uidity and impermanence of time, while the desolate landscape conveys a dreamlike, subconscious world. The juxtaposition of realistic details and surreal elements challenges traditional perceptions of reality and invites introspection into the nature of memory and existence. fl fi fl fl 7. Abstract Expressionism: Spontaneous, large-scale works expressing raw emotion (e.g., Pollock’s Number 1).