Art History and Developments PDF

ART HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENTS (GROUP 3) What we’ll Discuss  Baroque Art, Gothic Art and Modern Art  Styles of art- A Renaissance Art  Styles of Architecture  Theatre and Dance  Precolonial Art in the Philippines TOPIC 1 : Baroque Art, Gothic Art and Modern...

ART HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENTS (GROUP 3) What we’ll Discuss  Baroque Art, Gothic Art and Modern Art  Styles of art- A Renaissance Art  Styles of Architecture  Theatre and Dance  Precolonial Art in the Philippines TOPIC 1 : Baroque Art, Gothic Art and Modern Art Baroque Art  The Age of Baroque - Spans From 1600-1750 and describe as an age of genius in many fields of endeavor. - Baroque period in Europe includes a number of post-Renaissance styles that do not have much in common.  Baroque - believed to derived from the Portuguese word barrocco, meaning “irregularly shaped pearl” - there was a continuation of classicism and naturalism of the Renaissance - more colorful, ornate, painterly, and dynamic style was developing Motions and space were concerns for artists and architects - additional concerns were with the concept of time, the dramatic use of light, and theatricality  Artistic Styles  In Italy - started in Rome - Reaction to Mannerism - The Baroque period is also referred to as the Age of Expansion, especially in the arts - Patron Popes of the Baroque included: Paul V Urban VIII Innocent X - The Artists - St. Peter’s Cathedral in Rome and its expansion and renovation (Carlo Maderno - architect & Gianlorenzo Bernini - Sculptor) 1. Expresses Renaissance ideals 2. Stands as a Hallmark of the Baroque style 3. Brings together the works of the finest Renaissance and Baroque artists Gianlorenzo Bernini - made numerous sculptures for St. Peter’s - designed the Piazza - his sculpture David embodies three of five characteristics of Baroque sculpture (motion, a different way of looking at space, the concept of time, drama) - Ex. The Ecstasy of St. Theresa (1645-1652) Caravaggio (Michelangelo de Mersisi) - portrayed dramatic movement, tenebrism, emotionally charged subjects, and figures caught in time *Tenebrism - exaggerated chiaroscuro. Translated as “dark matter” it is offen characterized by a small and concertrated light source in the painting or what appears to be an external “spotlight” directed as a very specific point in the composition -Ex. The Conversion of St. Paul (1600-1601) Artemisia Gentileschi -Work was emotional and depicted stories and subjects in a different light - Was raped during her apprenticeship and many historians believe her personal struggles dealing with the trial of her accuser led to an obsession with her work Judith Decapitating Holofernes. Francesco Borromini -Successfully incorporated the Baroque elements of motion, space, and lighting into his architecture. - His work moved from the static to the organic. - Plasticity - the ability of any material, object, or design to change or  transform. Peter Paul Rubens Rembrandt van Rijn Jan Vermeer Nicolas Poussin  Outside of Italy  Spain Diego Velazquez - Court painter for King Phillip IV. Used: - Baroque techniques and Venetian colors. Stark contrast in lights and darks - Deep illusionist space Common folk as models - Harsh realism by using real faces and natural attitudes in his main characters. - Small rough textured brushstrokes that would be the foundation of the impressionist movement.  Flanders After Martin Luther's Reformation the region of Flanders was divided. - The Northern half became the Dutch Republic, present day Holland. - The southern half became Flanders, Belgium. The Dutch Republic became Protestant and Flanders became Catholic. The Dutch painted genre scenes and Flanders artists painted religious and mythological scenes.  Holland - Artists of the Low Countries turned to secular artistic themes. -They followed the Protestant mandate that humans not create "false idols" in any form of art. -The middle class became collectors of art. -Landscape, still-life, and genre paintings were desirable. Rembrandt van Rijn - Painted many self portraits that give insight into his life and personality. -Known for large group portraits. -Often focused on the psychology of a certain situation rather than its surface characteristics. -Master of manipulating light. -Rich colors and strokes of heavy impasto. -Died out to fashion and penniless at age 63.  England - England's most significant contribution to the arts in the 17th and 18th century was in the realism of architecture. The architects: - Inigo Jones - Sir Christopher Wren Wren's masterpiece is the new St. Paul's Cathedral in London.  France -France's "sun king," Louis XIV, preferred Classicism, and he created academies and teachers to perpetuate this Baroque style The French Baroque is a more reserved style, toward Raphael The artists: Nicholas Poussin - main exponent of Classical style in France. Used: - More static staged motion - And, sculptural Raphaelesque figures. Architecture The French king's taste for the classical extended to architecture. The Palace of Versailles is one of the grandest monuments in the French Baroque. - Divides into Classically balanced threes.  The architects: - Louis le Vaux - Jules Hardouin-Mansart  Rococo Art Rococo is a unique style within the Baroque period and strays further away from Classicism. It is a more ornate style that shows sweetness, gaiety, and light, painterly and pastel features. It is chiefly characterized by the representation of leisurely, frivolous, activities of upper class society. The artists (painting): - Jean-Honoré Fragonard - Elisabeth Vigée-Lebrun Gothic Art -followed the Romanesque period -Took advantage of some advances in architecture -best examples of Gothic architecture are found in cathedrals, particularly in Spain and France -followed the Romanesque period THE POINTED ARCH -the pointed arch shape is the -most recognizable shape from the Gothic period -a change from the rounded arch from the Romanesque period -More emphasis on the vertical (arch is "pointing" upwards) FACADE -Facade the front of the church -Detailed, ornate sculpture all over the facade -Reims Cathedral Reims, France Begun 1255 FLYING BUTTRESSES - new system engineered to redirect the weight of the walls and the roof away from the walls -Shifting the weight away from the walls allows for massive windows instead big difference from Romanesque, which had thick walls and almost no windows - Ornate stained glass windows allow beautiful coloured light to stream into the cathedral -Windows are both decorative and/or depict scenes from the Bible GOTHIC MANUSCRIPTS Manuscripts aren't always just pretty roses! The Martydom of Thomas a Becket Carrow Psalter 13th Century -flying buttresses and ribbed vaults allow for a soaring vertical space inside GOTHIC PAINTING - still uses very flat space - more realistic depiction of people - The Calling of the Apostles Peter and Andrew Modern Art - modern art, painting, sculpture, architecture, and graphic arts characteristic of the 20th and 21st centuries and of the later part of the 19th century. Modern art includes many styles and ideas, focusing on breaking away from traditional and historical rules to create art that reflects changing social, economic, and intellectual conditions. Modern Art Movement Impressionism (1870) - characterizations of the style include small, visible brushstrokes that offer the bare impression of form, unblended color and an emphasis on the accurate depiction of natural light. Ex. Woman with a Parasol - Madame Monet and Her Son (Painting by Claude Monet) Post-Impressionism (1880) - do not simply portray the world as if taking a photograph, they add interpretation and emotion to the scene or figure via color, shape, and form. Ex. The Starry Night (Painting by Vincent van Gogh)  Symbolism (1880) - represents absolute truths symbolically through language and metaphorical images, mainly as a reaction against naturalism and realism. Ex. The Crying Spider (Drawing by Odilon Redon) Fauvism (1905) - characterised by its bold colours, textured brushwork and non-naturalistic depictions, favored pairing complementary colors Ex. Henri Matisse (1905) by André Derain Expressionism (1905) - present the world solely from a subjective perspective, distorting it radically for emotional effect in order to evoke moods or ideas. Ex. The Sick Child by Edvard Munch Cubism (1908) - objects and figures are broken down into distinct planes and reassembled into abstracted forms. Ex. Girl with a Mandolin (1910) by Pablo Picasso Futurism (1909) - an Italian art movement of the early 20th century, which aimed to capture the dynamism and energy of the modern world in art. Ex. Street Light (Painting by Giacomo Balla) Abstract Arts (1910) - art that does not attempt to represent an accurate depiction of a visual reality but instead uses shapes, colours, forms and gestural marks to achieve its effect. Ex. Fire evening (Painting by Paul Kleel Dada Arts (1916) - the art, poetry and performance produced by dada artists is often satirical and nonsensical in nature. Ex. Fountain by Marcel Duchamp Precisionism (1915) - focused on the themes of industrialization and modernization in the American landscape, using precise, sharply defined geometrical forms. Ex. Aucassin And Nicolette 1921 by Charles Demuth Surrealism (1920) - strange images or bizarre juxtapositions, unconsciousness as a valid reality, dream-like artwork or symbolic images, automatism techniques to create random effects, distorted figures or biomorphic shapes, depiction of perverse sexuality, and chance or spontaneity. Ex. The Persistence of Memory by Salvador Dalí Art Deco (1920) - reflected admiration for the modernity of the machine and for the inherent design qualities of machine-made objects (e.g., relative simplicity, planarity, symmetry, and unvaried repetition of elements). Ex. BuildingChrysler Building, New York City, designed by William Van Alen Pop Arts (1956) - deconstruction of images seen in popular culture – television, comic books, magazines, movies and other various forms of advertising. Ex. Campbell's Soup Cans (Painting by Andy Warhol) Modern Architecture - employs little to no ornamentation, efficient use of space, open structure and floor plans, modern materials, abstraction, clean and straight lines, and minimalism. Modern Sculpture - Surrealist imagery, anthropomorphic abstraction, new materials and combinations of new energy sources and varied surfaces and objects. TOPIC 2 : Styles of art- Renaissance Art STYLES OF ART AND RENAISSANCE ART Renaissance  is the French word 'rebirth'.  The Renaissance was a period in European history which led to a revival in classical learning and wisdom.  14th to 17th Century  Florence, Italy Periods of Renaissance 1. Proto-Renaissance (1300–1425) 2. Early Renaissance (1425–1495) 3. High Renaissance (1495–1520) 4. Late Renaissance or Mannerism (1520–1600) RENAISSANCE ART Colors and Techniques: During the Renaissance period, colors were made from earths and minerals. Some colors were made from organic materials like plants, flowers, and berries, which were relatively cheap and easy to acquire. Metal-based and mineral-based pigments were more expensive.  Azurite - BLUE  Malachite - GREEN  Lead - WHITE OR RED  Lapis Lazuli - ULTRAMARINE  Gold, silver, and tin leaves were also used in pieces made for wealthy clients or important churches. (a) (b) (c) Figure 1. metals based pigments. a) azurite, 9b) malachite, c) red and d) white lead oxide, and e) lapis lazuli (d) (e) Fresco Process of Fresco Paintings: True fresco involves applying several coats of plaster.  To prepare the wall, two layers are used to coat it. First is the arriccio, which has a coarse consistency that acts as a binding agent. The second layer is intonaco, which is the finer layer.  The sketch of the design is drawn using charcoal. The artist would then decide which section to work on for that particular day. A very thin layer of plaster that is translucent enough to see the sketch is applied to the section.  Water-based pigments were used to paint the final picture. The color and plaster dry together, making it possible for fresco paintings to last for centuries.  The disadvantage of frescoes is that they deteriorate in damp climates.  Example: The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci (painted in Milan, a city with high humidity. The painting began to crumble only after decades of its completion).  ” The Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci Tempera Process of Tempera Paintings:  Tempera involves mixing colors in fine powder with a liquid that acts as a binding agent.  Commonly, it uses egg yolk mixed with water as the binding agent. Oil can also be added to the solution, making it dry faster and be applied to canvas. Another recipe involves white curd instead of egg yolk and diluted lime juice.  The advantage of creating the colors in this way is that they become much brighter and have a translucent quality useful for building up layers of color to give an image depth and texture.  A disadvantage was that colors could not be mixed when applied to the working surface. “The Birth Of Venus” By Sandro Boticelli Oil Painting Process of Oil Paintings:  Oil paints involve powdered pigments added to oil.  Oil paints were versatile and could be applied to prepared wooden panels, canvas, paper, fabric, or a wall surface. A primer layer of white or very light grey was typically applied to the surface before painting proper began.  Various layers were then applied, with the artist usually starting with the background, then peripheral elements. The rich colors oil paints offered were ideally suited for the brocaded clothing, plush drapery, and sparkling jewels that were fashionable at the time.  Analysis of Renaissance paintings has revealed that there are often up to seven different layers of paint in any one area.  Examples: Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci and The Virgin of Chancellor Rolin by Jan van Eyck. “Mona Lisa” by Leonardo Da Vinci “The Virgin of Chancellor Rolin” by Jan van Eyck Van Eyck was the undoubted master of oil painting and one of the first Renaissance artists to regularly use oil paints in his work. The Netherlandish artist Jan van Eyck (c. 1390-1441 CE) was traditionally credited with inventing the oil painting technique, but it was, in fact, a much older method that had simply fallen out of favor with artists. TOPIC 3 : Styles Of Architecture STYLES OF ARCHITECTURE Architectural styles are unique ways of designing and building that reflect different times and cultures. Each style has specific features, like columns in ancient Greek buildings or glass and steel in modern ones. Classic Architecture (7th to 4th BC) - Architecture from ancient Greece and Rome that influences later styles. - Features symmetry, columns, domes, and detailed ornamentation, influenced by ancient Greece and Rome. Example: The Parthenon, Athens, Greece (447 to 432 BC) by Ictinus and Callicrates Classical Order - During this period, marble, concrete, and classic details like decorative door surrounds and broken pediments were highly valued. Doric Order: Simple, sturdy columns with no base and a plain capital. Ionic Order: Slender, elegant columns with a base and capitals decorated with scroll-like ornaments. Corinthian Order: The most elaborate columns, with capitals decorated with acanthus leaves and small scrolls. Romanesque Architecture (1050 AD to 1170 AD) - a style from Medieval Europe. - It features thick walls, heavy pillars, narrow windows, stained glass, round arches, and towers. - It is known for large buildings and the use of vaulted stone roofs to replace wood roofs, which were prone to fire. Example: Pisa Cathedral, Pisa, Italy (1063 – 1092) by Buscheto Renaissance Architecture (1400 AD to 1600 AD) - emphasizes symmetry and proportion. - It often includes the use of columns and domes, which were inspired by the buildings of ancient Greece and Rome. Architects aimed to create structures that were harmonious, elegant, and well-organized. - was particularly common during the Renaissance, when architects looked back to classical designs for inspiration to create a sense of order and beauty. Example: Sistine chapel, Vatican City, Rome (1473 – 14822) Divided into three phases: 1) Early Renaissance (1400 onwards) - revived Greek and Roman styles, using balanced designs with columns, arches, and simple, harmonious details. Example: Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence, Italy (1296 – 1434) 2) High Renaissance Architecture (1500 onwards) - aimed for grand, harmonious designs with large buildings, domes, symmetrical plans, and classic features like columns, blending art and architecture. Example: St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City (1506 – 1626) 3) Mannerism - used more dramatic, complex designs with irregular proportions, exaggerated details, and less focus on symmetry and balance. Example: Palazzo del Te, Mantua, Italy (1525 – 1535) by Giulio Romano Baroque Architecture (1600 AD to 1755 AD) - all about creating powerful, visually striking designs with lots of details and dramatic effects. - features dramatic designs with intense emotional impact, bold light and dark contrasts, intricate decorations, and grand, impressive forms and spaces. Example: Palace of Versailles, France (1661 – 1682) Neoclassical Architecture (1750 AD to 1920 AD) - revives classical design with an emphasis on simplicity and elegance. - It features columns, pediments, and symmetrical layouts inspired by ancient Greece and Rome, aiming for a timeless and balanced aesthetic. Styles under Neoclassical  1.) Temple Style Building - use columns, triangular pediments, and symmetrical designs inspired by ancient Greek and Roman temples. 2.) Palladian Building - are inspired by the Italian architect Andrea Palladio, focusing on classical elements, symmetry, and the use of columns and pilasters. 3.) Beaux-Arts Architecture - is known for its grand and elaborate ornamentation. Modernism (1917 to 1965) - popular in the early to mid-20th century - emphasizes simplicity, clean lines, and functional design using materials like steel and glass, with open floor plans and flat roofs. Examples: Villa Savoye, France (1928 – 1931) by Le Corbusier The Barcelona Pavillion (1929) by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Contemporary Architecture (Late 20th century AD – present) - uses innovative materials like glass and steel, emphasizes sustainability, and features creative, unconventional designs with advanced technology and diverse styles. Examples: Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao, Spain (completed in 1997) by Frank Gehry Sydney Opera House, Australia (completed in 1973) by Jorn Utzon TOPIC 4 : Theatre and Dance Theater and Dance. Theater and dance are vibrant performing arts that explore human expression through movement, storytelling, and performance. Theater - involves live actors performing scripted plays or improvisations, often on a stage, to convey stories, emotions, and ideas. It encompasses various genres, including drama, comedy, and musical theater, and requires collaboration among actors, directors, playwrights, and designers. Dance - uses the body as an instrument to express artistic and emotional content through movement. It includes a wide range of styles such as ballet, contemporary, jazz, and hip-hop. Greek Period  6th Century BCE: Greek theater began in Athens with the performance of tragedy plays at religious festivals dedicated to Dionysus.  5th Century BCE: The golden age of Greek drama, with playwrights like Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides creating iconic tragedies. Comedy also flourished with Aristophanes. Roman Period  4th Century BCE: Roman theater began, heavily influenced by Greek theater. Early performances included dances and musical accompaniments.  240 BCE: Livius Andronicus staged the first Latin adaptations of Greek plays.  1st Century BCE - 3rd Century CE: Roman theater reached its peak with playwrights like Plautus and Terence for comedy, and Seneca for tragedy. Medieval Period  5th - 10th Century CE: After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, theater activity diminished but was kept alive by traveling performers.  10th - 15th Century CE: Religious plays, such as mystery and morality plays, became popular, often performed in churches or public squares to convey Christian stories and morals. Renaissance Period  15th - 17th Century CE: The Renaissance saw a revival of classical Greek and Roman theater. Italy led the way with innovations in stage design and perspective scenery.  16th Century CE: In England, the Elizabethan era produced great playwrights like William Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe.  17th Century CE: The development of the proscenium arch and more elaborate stage machinery in Italy influenced theater across Europe ORIGIN OF DANCE Egyptian Period  Predynastic Era (before 3100 BCE): The earliest depictions of dance in Egypt come from pottery and rock carvings.  Old Kingdom (c. 2686–2181 BCE): Dance was integral to religious and funerary practices, with professional dancers performing at important festivals.  New Kingdom (c. 1550–1070 BCE): Dance became more elaborate, often performed by trained groups at banquets and religious ceremonies. Greek Period  2nd Millennium BCE: Dance was a fundamental part of Greek culture, originating in Minoan Crete.  5th Century BCE: Dance was incorporated into Greek theater, with choreographed performances in tragedies and comedies.  Classical Period: Dance was used in various social and religious contexts, including festivals and symposia. Roman Period  4th Century BCE: Roman dance was influenced by Greek and Etruscan traditions.  1st Century BCE - 3rd Century CE: Dance was primarily for entertainment, with pantomimes and theatrical performances becoming popular.  Late Roman Empire: Dance began to decline in popularity due to the rise of Christianity and its disapproval of certain forms of entertainment. Renaissance Period  15th Century CE: The Renaissance saw a revival of dance, with Italy leading innovations in court dances like the bassadanza and ballo.  16th Century CE: Dance manuals were published, detailing various court and country dances. France and Italy were prominent centers of dance development. 17th Century CE: The introduction of the proscenium stage and more elaborate choreography marked the evolution of dance into a more formalized art TOPIC 5 : Precolonial Arts in the Philippines PRE – COLONIAL ARTS IN PHILIPPINES  Based on their everyday lives  based on their lifestyle  simple  made use of readily available materials in nature LAGUNA COPPERPLATE INSCRIPTION  The recorded history of the Philippines between 900 and 1565 begins with the creation of the Laguna Copperplate Inscription in 900 and ends with the beginning of Spanish colonization in 1565.  It is the earliest-known, extant, calendar-dated document found within the Philippines.  The plate was found in 1989 by a laborer near the mouth of the Lumbang River in Wawa, Lumban, Laguna, in the Philippines.  highlights the established pre-colonial text that is significant in the initial writing condition PALEOLITHIC  also called the Old Stone Age (from Ancient Greek palaiós means 'old' and líthos means 'stone') ARTS IN PALEOLITHIC  FLAKE TOOLS - A Stone-Age tool that is a flake of stone struck off from a larger piece.  ANGONO PETROGLYPHS - They are the oldest known work of art in the Philippines. These inscriptions clearly show stylized human figures, frogs and lizards, along with other designs that may have depicted other interesting figures but erosion may have caused it to become indistinguishable.  TABON MAN - oldest human fossil  - The Tabon fragments are collectively called "Tabon Man" after Tabon Cave - Dr. Robert B. Fox, American anthropologist NEOLITHIC  Since lithos in Greek means "stone", the Neolithic period is the "new" or "late" period of the Stone Age. ARTS IN NEOLITHIC  SHELL BRACELETS AND PENDANTS - The use of marine shells, such as conus or giant clam shells, was common in the production of these ornaments. - These shell ornaments were symbols of status and identity.  LINGLING-O – The basic form of this ornament is an almost ‘c’ - Made of gold, silver or copper  BAYBAYIN - is a pre-colonial Philippine writing system. According to historical records, it belonged to the Brahmic family and was used as early as the 16th century.  SILUP – They out tattoos in their upper part of the body to imitate a garment of clothes, it is done by the men of North Kalinga.  PINTADOS – They used sharp metal instruments previously heated over fire.  MANUNGGUL JAR - a secondary burial jar excavated from a Neolithic burial site in the Manunggul cave of the Tabon Caves at Lipuun Point in Palawan, Philippines.  BUL-UL - is a carved wooden figure used to guard the rice crop by the Ifugao. TOPIC 6 : Precolonial Arts in Other Countries PRE – COLONIAL ARTS IN JAPAN  Japanese art is the painting, calligraphy, architecture, pottery, sculpture, and other visual arts produced in Japan from about 10,000 BCE to the present. ARTS IN PRE-COLONIAL  JOMON PERIOD (JOMON POTTERY ) - The pottery was low-fired, and reassembled pieces are generally minimally decorated and have a small round-bottomed shape.  ASUKA PERIOD (KONDO) - served as the main hall in a Buddhist temple complex, where the principal image or statue of a Buddha or bodhisattva was enshrined. It was the primary space for religious worship, rituals, and ceremonies.  HAKUHO PERIOD (BODHISATTVA) - The finest examples of late 7th-century painting are found in the Golden Hall at Hōryū Temple. Many of these wall paintings were irreparably damaged by fire in 1949, but photos and reproductions remain. One fresco depicting an Amida (Amitabha) Triad shows graceful figures rendered with comparative naturalism and defined with consistent, unmodulated brush lines known as “wire lines” (tessen-byō). Like the Hōryū pagoda sculptures, the wall paintings suggest the influence of Tang style.  NARA PERIOD ( TŌDAI TEMPLE: GREAT BUDDHA HALL ) - houses the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana, known in Japanese as Daibutsu (大仏).  HEIAN PERIOD ( THE TALE OF GENJI ) - centers on the life and loves of a handsome son, Hikaru Genji, born to an Emperor during the Heian Period  KAMAKURA PERIOD (BUDDHIST SCULPTURE) - Buddhism flourished in Japan, and many Buddhist statues were created. These statues often depicted Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, in various forms and poses.  MUROMACHI PERIOD ( SESSHŪ: VIEW OF AMANOHASHIDATE ) - This masterpiece depicts a bird's-eye-view of the famous sandbar in Tango province, one of the Three Famous Scenic Spots in Japan  AZUCHI-MOMOYAMA PERIOD (CYPRESS TREES)  - The painting is a polychrome-and-gold screen that depicts a cypress tree against the backdrop of gold-leafed clouds and surrounded by the dark blue waters of a pond.  EDO PERIOD (THE INSISTENT LOVER) - provides an excellent example of the lush and complex mood achievable with the medium. Within a seemingly uncomplicated composition Jihei represents a tipsy brothel guest lunging for a courtesan while an attendant averts her eyes. PRE COLONIAL ARTS CHINA 1. Neolithic Art (c. 10,000 - 2,000 BCE) - Jade Carvings: Jade was a precious material used to create ritual objects and ornaments, reflecting early beliefs about the afterlife and spiritual power. 2. Bronze Age (c. 2,000 - 221 BCE) - Bronze Vessels: The Shang and Zhou Dynasties (1600–256 BCE) were known for their highly sophisticated bronze casting. These vessels were used for rituals and bore elaborate decorations of animals, mythical creatures, and symbols of power. 3. Qin Dynasty (221–206 BCE) - Terracotta Army: Commissioned by Emperor Qin Shi Huang, this massive army of life-sized terracotta soldiers was created to guard the emperor in the afterlife. Each figure is uniquely detailed, representing a significant achievement in sculpture and funerary art. 4. Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE) - Silk Painting: The Han Dynasty saw the development of silk as a medium for painting. Early subjects included mythological creatures, natural landscapes, and depictions of daily life. 5. Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE) - Buddhist Art: The Tang Dynasty was a golden period for Buddhist art, with the creation of large stone sculptures of Buddhas and bodhisattvas in cave temples such as those in Dunhuang and Longmen. - Painting and Calligraphy:Figure painting, landscape painting, and calligraphy flourished during this period. Important figures like Yan Liben were masters in courtly art depicting officials and religious themes. 6. Song Dynasty (960–1279 CE) - Landscape Painting: The Song Dynasty is especially noted for the development of landscape painting, which became a major genre of Chinese art. Artists like Fan Kuan and Guo Xi created monumental landscapes with a focus on nature, harmony, and the spiritual connection between man and the natural world. 7. Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368 CE) - Literati Painting (Scholar-Artist Tradition): Literati painting emerged during the Yuan Dynasty, where scholars painted in a freehand style, emphasizing personal expression over technical precision. Famous artists include Zhao Mengfu and Ni Zan. 8. Ming Dynasty (1368–1644 CE) - Court Painting: Ming court painting continued the tradition of landscape painting but also included portraits, depictions of birds and flowers, and narrative scenes. Common Themes in Pre-Colonial Chinese Art: - Nature: From early times through the Qing Dynasty, nature has been a dominant theme in Chinese art, particularly in landscape painting. - Philosophy: Confucian, Daoist, and Buddhist beliefs deeply influenced Chinese art, shaping its symbolism and aesthetics. - Humanity's Role in the Cosmos: Many works, particularly during the Song Dynasty, explored humanity's relationship with the natural world and the universe. - Harmony and Balance: Whether in architecture, ceramics, or painting, balance, and harmony were fundamental principles. PRE COLONIAL ARTS IN INDONESIA Indonesian art and culture are incredibly diverse, reflecting the country's rich history, numerous ethnic groups, and influences from various civilizations. Indonesia, an archipelago with over 17,000 islands and more than 300 ethnic groups, has developed a unique cultural identity shaped by indigenous traditions, Hindu-Buddhist influences, Islamic culture, and interactions with foreign traders and colonizers. The arts in Indonesia span a wide array of forms, including architecture, sculpture, painting, music, dance, textiles, and crafts.  Traditional Art Forms - Batik: Batik is a traditional method of dyeing cloth using wax-resistant techniques, creating intricate patterns and designs. Each region of Indonesia has its own style of batik, with notable centers in Java (particularly Yogyakarta, Surakarta, and Pekalongan). In 2009, UNESCO recognized batik as a "Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity." - Ikat and Songket: These are traditional weaving techniques. Ikat involves resist-dyeing the yarn before weaving, while songket involves weaving with gold or silver threads, often producing ceremonial garments. - Woodcarving and Sculpture: Traditional woodcarving is common, especially in Bali and Toraja. Balinese carvings often depict Hindu deities, while Torajan carvings feature geometric patterns and ancestral motifs. - Wayang (Shadow Puppetry): Wayang kulit (shadow puppets made from leather) and wayang golek (wooden puppets) are deeply rooted in Javanese and Balinese culture. They are used to narrate stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, as well as local folklore, often with philosophical and moral lessons. - Painting: Traditional painting in Bali, known as Kamasan painting, is based on shadow puppet figures and religious narratives. In the 20th century, more modern Balinese and Indonesian painters began blending traditional and contemporary styles.  Crafts and Handicrafts - Silverwork and Metalwork: Regions like Yogyakarta and Bali are renowned for their fine silverwork and goldsmithing, producing jewelry, ceremonial objects, and intricate metal art. - Pottery and Ceramics:Pottery is produced throughout Indonesia, but traditional pottery, like the Majapahit ceramics, has historical significance in Java. - Mask Making: Masks are used in traditional dances and rituals. The topengdance, common in Java and Bali, involves performers wearing expressive masks that represent various characters from myths and folklore.  Colonial and Modern Art - Dutch Colonial Influence: The Dutch colonized Indonesia for over 300 years, and during this time, European artistic styles blended with local traditions. Indonesian artists began to incorporate Western techniques into painting, sculpture, and literature. - Modern Art: Indonesia’s modern art scene emerged in the 20th century, with figures like Raden Saleh, a 19th-century painter who was influenced by Romanticism. Contemporary Indonesian art encompasses a variety of styles and mediums, from politically charged street art to abstract expressionism.