ARTH 2303 Study Guide - Art History Exam 1 PDF

Here's a structured study guide covering all the concepts you need for ARTH 2303 Exam 1. ARTH 2303 Study Guide – Exam 1 Key Terms Artistic Techniques & Styles ​ Trecento – The 1300s in Italian art, marked by a transition from Byzantine to early Renaissance naturalism. Key figures: Giotto,...

Here's a structured study guide covering all the concepts you need for ARTH 2303 Exam 1. ARTH 2303 Study Guide – Exam 1 Key Terms Artistic Techniques & Styles ​ Trecento – The 1300s in Italian art, marked by a transition from Byzantine to early Renaissance naturalism. Key figures: Giotto, Duccio. ​ Renaissance – Rebirth of classical ideas in art (14th–16th century), emphasizing perspective, anatomy, and realism. ​ Linear Perspective – A mathematical system creating depth by converging lines at a vanishing point (Brunelleschi pioneered it). ​ Reverse Perspective – A technique where parallel lines diverge instead of converging, often seen in medieval art and icons. ​ Trompe l'oeil – "Trick of the eye"; a technique that makes paintings appear three-dimensional. ​ Sfumato – A soft, smoky blending of tones and colors, used by Leonardo da Vinci (e.g., Mona Lisa). ​ Contrapposto – A naturalistic stance in sculpture with weight shifted onto one leg, originating in classical Greek art. ​ Triptych – A three-paneled artwork, often used for altarpieces. ​ Altarpiece – A religious artwork placed behind an altar, often multi-paneled and highly decorative. ​ Predella – The lower part of an altarpiece, often depicting small narrative scenes. ​ Refectory – A dining hall in a monastery where many famous religious frescoes (e.g., The Last Supper) were painted. Painting Methods ​ Fresco (wet, traditional) – Painting on wet plaster; pigments bind into the wall (durable). ​ Dry Fresco (a secco) – Painting on dry plaster; prone to flaking over time. ​ Tempera (Egg Tempera) on Panel – A painting medium using egg yolk, common in early Renaissance panel paintings. ​ Gold Leaf – Thin sheets of gold applied to paintings and altarpieces for decoration. ​ Oil Paint – Made of pigments mixed with linseed oil; reintroduced in the 15th century by Flemish artists like Jan van Eyck. Drawing & Sculpture Techniques ​ Silverpoint – A drawing technique using a silver stylus on prepared paper; creates fine, delicate lines. ​ Lost Wax Casting (Bronze) – A method of metal casting where a wax model is replaced by molten metal, used in sculptures. Religious & Symbolic Concepts ​ Mandorla – An almond-shaped halo surrounding Christ or the Virgin in art. ​ Memento Mori – "Remember you will die"; a symbolic reminder of mortality in art. Concepts & Comparisons Renaissance & Naturalism ​ Italian Renaissance – Focused on naturalism through perspective, anatomy, and classical references. ​ Northern Renaissance (Flemish) – Emphasized detailed realism, oil painting, and atmospheric perspective. Inventions & Artistic Impact ​ 15th-Century Worldview Changes – Printing press, better cartography, and humanist ideals influenced art. ​ Inventions Impacting Painting – Oil paint, linear perspective, and improved pigments enhanced realism. Religious Themes ​ Eucharist – Representation of Christ’s body and blood, depicted in The Last Supper. ​ Passion of Christ – Events leading to Christ’s crucifixion, often depicted in Lamentation, Crucifixion, and Last Supper. Artists vs. Craft Guilds ​ Concept of the Artist – Renaissance artists gained individual recognition as intellectuals, not just craftsmen. ​ Craft Guilds – Controlled artistic production before the Renaissance, limiting creative freedom. Humanism & Trade Routes  ​ Humanism – A Renaissance intellectual movement emphasizing human potential, reflected in art. ​ Crusade Trade Routes – Brought artistic influences, materials (like pigments), and ideas from the East to Europe. Art Patronage ​ Before the Renaissance – Churches and monarchs were primary patrons. ​ During the Renaissance – Wealthy merchants (like the Medici family) funded artists. Major Artworks & Figures Different Depictions of David 1.​ Donatello’s David – First free-standing nude sculpture since antiquity, bronze, youthful. 2.​ Michelangelo’s David – Larger-than-life marble sculpture, symbolizing Florence’s strength. 3.​ Bernini’s David – Dynamic, mid-action pose from the Baroque period. Florence Baptistery Doors ​ Three Sets of Bronze Doors – By Andrea Pisano (1330s), Ghiberti (1401), and later additions. ​ Ghiberti vs. Brunelleschi (1401 Competition) – Ghiberti won due to superior composition and realism. Leonardo da Vinci & Linear Perspective ​ Used in The Last Supper to create depth and guide focus toward Christ. Notable Figures ​ Giorgio Vasari – Wrote Lives of the Artists, an early art history book. ​ Duke Philip the Good – A major patron of Flemish artists. ​ Giotto, Duccio, Masaccio – Key Trecento and early Renaissance painters. ​ Ghiberti, Brunelleschi – Competed for the Florence Baptistery doors. ​ Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo – High Renaissance masters. ​ Peter the Apostle, Judas, John the Baptist, St. Mark – Biblical figures frequently depicted in Renaissance art. Biblical Stories in Art ​ Jacob and Esau – Represents divine selection, seen in Ghiberti’s doors. ​ Sacrifice of Isaac – Featured in Baptistery competition reliefs. ​ David and Goliath – Symbolic of underdog victory, frequently sculpted. ​ Immaculate Conception – The Virgin Mary’s sinless birth, reflected in Virgin of the Rocks. Key Religious Artworks ​ Lamentation – Depicts Christ’s body being mourned (Giotto’s Arena Chapel). ​ Adoration of the Magi – Wise men visiting Christ, often richly detailed. ​ Tribute Money – Masaccio’s fresco using perspective and chiaroscuro. ​ The Last Supper – Da Vinci’s iconic fresco, demonstrating perspective. ​ Crucifixion – Central Christian theme, often depicted with Mary and John. ​ Holy Trinity – Masaccio’s fresco, first full use of linear perspective. ​ Deposition – Christ’s body being removed from the cross (Rogier van der Weyden). ​ Resurrection – Christ rising from the tomb, symbolizing victory over death. ​ Last Judgment – Christ’s return, dividing the saved and damned (Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel fresco). ​ Birth of Venus – Botticelli’s depiction of classical beauty, a symbol of divine love.