artistry12

[artistry12]

Marissa,

I appreciated reading your honest viewpoint of the structures erected in Roman art. The public baths were actually quite the luxury of the time. It’s hard to believe nowadays, participating in this way of keeping sanitary, with all of the inventions we have today. But overall, these baths were cleaned and were quite sterile for the time period in which they were living in. I too felt that the architecture of this time period was absolutely amazing. It’s astonishing to think that they built these without any of the amenities or technology we have today.

-seanna. 

Chapter 9

Chapter 9 was about Ancient Rome. Ancient Rome is one of the most interesting times in history and in every history class that I’ve taken we have talked about it. So much happened during this time that it is hard to talk about it all. I haven’t gotten to talk about the art part of Ancient Rome before so I’m glad I’m being given that opportunity. Rome is one of the most famous cities in the world. Everyone has heard of it and knows how rich its history is. Rome at one point was the most powerful place in the world. Everyone wanted to be like the people in Rome.

Rome was had famous for it architecture. They had lots of arches, domes and vaults. These were some of the staples in the Roman architecture. There was different kinds of architecture that was around in Rome. The first is domestic architecture this was a very simple kind of architecture. The focal point was the Domus which is like a large version of a foyer in a house. There were public buildings that had two characteristics they were forum and basilica. The forum was a open room that people could gather in. I think it is a great idea that there were big public buildings. In everyone town now-a-days there is a public space where people can gather and that all started back when Rome had public buildings where people could gather. A basilica is a huge roofed building. If you want to fit a lot of people like there was in Rome you would need a very large building. Something that I thought was very interesting was the public baths. Today we would think that that is disgusting and honestly I think it is gross. The public bath was from socializing, bathing, and swimming. This is like a recreational center that we have today. I would not deal well with this. They should’ve called it something different. A public bath just sounds like everyone baths together and sits in their own filth together, I think that that is very gross, I’m glad they were cleaning themselves but the way they did it was very weird. The Colosseum is one of the most famous structures in the world. It was used for people to joust and fight. I think it was made beautifully. I can not believe that it is still standing today and the fact that it is standing is amazing. People go and visit it today. I would love to visit the colosseum one day and just look at how they made it. It is so large it had to of taken forever to make. Roman architecture is truly amazing and I think it put the ground work for the architecture that we have today. I wished that more people appreciated how much work was put into making these buildings. They are truly amazing. I truly enjoyed reading about them in this very interesting chapter.

[artistry12]

Week 12

Ancient Rome was the subject of this week’s reading. This is a big section, as it continues impacting Western culture throughout history. The Roman empire covered a vast expanse of land, comprised of a variety of cultures. When reading about this chapter, I was reminded of Shakespeare’s play about Julius Caesar and his tragic death. Caesar was a formidable man--a great political figure known for his military strength and own literary writings. He was killed at the hands of his own advisors; people he had trusted, with his close friend, Brutus, at the center of it all. (It’s a great play, and I highly suggest reading it.) But moving on to the actual art of the Roman culture. If anything was the highlight of this period, it would be the architecture. Accomplishments were made during this era that had never been done before. Notice, however, how these structures outline the power hierarchy of Rome, with the ruler and the nobles at the very top of this pyramid, and the supporting figures at the lowest points.

The Colosseum was a familiar building to me before I read the section about it. This structure was created as an arena for spectacles of sorts. This included a place where gladiators combated, as well as where fights between man and beast ensued, or just the animals themselves. This was built as entertainment not only for the people, but for the ruler, Emperor Nero himself. There were three levels to the Colosseum, providing ample seating for the violent revelry, as well as proper viewing of the center stage. The support of this building was mainly accredited to the numerous columns on every level. Personally, I see the political significance in this structure. It’s amusing to me how smart Nero was, and how smart many of these Roman rulers were. They kept the people pleasured with seemingly big things, like this form of entertainment, so that they were too distracted to realize the amenities they were missing. Meanwhile, Nero was not hurting at all. In fact, the Colosseum was built on his own former property.

I appreciated the box on page 145 delving into what each color symbolizes in Roman marble. Augustus brought about a change from using concrete to higher quality marble. Depending on where it was quarried and what environmental conditions it was created in, determines what color the marble is in. For example, a high amount of iron will create a red-toned marble. This is shown in the bust of Emperor Caracalla. Red was the color of choice for rulers, which I found surprising, because I know that purple is the color known as representing royalty. But then I saw that “red porphyry” was the origin of the word purple, which I found to be quite interesting. White marble was the choice for flesh-tones. I really appreciated the veined marble, and personally, I deem it as the most beautiful. The vein in the Unknown Barbarian (Parthian?) is purple. It’s absolutely extraordinary that the earth produces such stunning materials. This sculpture shows a man in a pose of submission, possibly kneeling to an emperor. However, by the draping and material of his dress, we determine that he is a man of importance, or at least a man with money. The shine on his figure is adds another dimension to the piece. I find marble to be quite an aesthetically pleasing material (as do most people in this day and age), so I quite enjoyed this lesson.

(Depicted above is not Caracalla, but the purpose of the photo is meant to illustrate an example of the red marble used.)

[artistry12]

Eliza,

I also found the bronze images to be great accomplishments of the Etruscans. However, I must say that aesthetically, these aren’t my favorite pieces. I can appreciate the workmanship, because I do understand what message they were revealing. But I must say I bonded more with the sculptures made out of stone. As you said, the Etruscans did base more of their art on stylistic preferences, rather than following in the footsteps of the Greeks. Overall, I think although not much is known about them, we’re looking at a highly intelligent society, who differentiated from other cultures existing at the time with their own set of beliefs and ideas. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

-seanna.

Blog Post - Week 11 The Art of the Etruscans

Something I found interesting the first minute I was reading the text, was the similarities with the Etruscans and the Greeks. Greece was a lot of the inspiration for the art, architecture, and social customs in Etruria. Not only that, but we lost a lot of potentially important and well written history, that being, the writings of the Etruscans, which was written from right to left. Hopefully from their artwork, architecture, and buried tombs, we can still decipher just what the Etruscans had to say.

The first pieces of artwork that stand out to me are the Wounded Chimera, and the Capitoline Wolf (p. 118, and 119) Both animals are made out of bronze, and are very characteristic in my opinion. They have elements of looking realistic, but then they kind of look like, how should I put it…Like a cartoon, or maybe an illustration? I question if the artist meant it to be that way. The babies, Romulus and Remus, look very realistic underneath the wolf. Very neat depictions though, I must say. 

About the Etruscan women, I’m glad to hear that they had more freedom than the women in Ancient Greece. They were literate, and women in higher ranks wore elaborate jewelry. What a fancy mirror on page 20 (the Mirror from Volterra)! I can’t imagine having such a delicate piece of artwork to look in, and the text states that only the women used the mirrors. I feel that it defines the culture, once again. The Etruscans seem very civilized, like the Greeks. 

With the last examples of artwork of the Etruscans being tombs and whatnot, it seems the last half of the chapter is focused on that. I think it’s cute how they made the Sarcophagi. The Sarcophagus on page 123 is a very nice, simple piece of artwork, and it depicts culture of the Etruscans once again. 

The Etruscans chose stylistic effects over anatomical accuracy. This is something I had mentioned before. I think this says a lot about the Etruscan culture! The Greeks were so precise and perfectionist, whereas the Etruscans were delicate, and stylistic. I find that fascinating. It leaves me to wonder, were the Etruscans modest about their culture, and simply inspired by the Greeks? Or did they think they were better than the Greeks, having better ideas? As the text says, these people were literate, and they had writings that were very rich and extensive. Not only that, but they had their own language, religions and customs. Something about their artwork and history though, leads me to believe they were modest, and just simply inspired by the Greeks. 

Reading all of these chapters, just through artwork we can slowly see culture and civilization coming together. From the barbaric and simplistic past of basic survival, to a now pampered and defined society, we see that humans always had a instinctual need to create artwork, which I find fascinating. In the last part of this text, it is mentioned that even dentistry came to play, within the Entruscan culture. They made dentures to improve health and even be cosmetically pleasing. We’ve come a long way as a society, this chapter, once again, like the other chapters, has made me reflect on this.

[artistry12]

Week 11

This week we read about the Etruscan civilization. The Ancient Greek civilization was a precursor to the Etruscan civilization. Unfortunately, not much is known about the Etruscan people. Their language is indecipherable to us, as none like it exists today. Much of the literature has been lost through time. However, from Roman texts, we perceive that their literary accomplishments were great, being described as “rich and extensive.” Yet, we can learn much about them through their art and religious practices regarding their burial of the dead. One common theme throughout this age of art is stylistic preference over anatomical accuracy. This is such a drastic difference from last week’s study of the Greeks. An example of this is displayed in the sarcophagus depicting a couple who died. First of all, I find it interesting that the bodies were still not placed fully in the sarcophagus. No, the Etruscans stuck to cremation, and added the ashes to the sarcophagi. Now onto the sculpting of the couple themselves. It’s clear that they are not naturalistic. A quality I notice to this work is how smooth it is; there really are no harsh lines. The body of the man and the women seem to morph into each other as we look past their waists. This is an obvious departure from Greek sculpture. The couple is sitting in a dining position, depicted as enjoying a meal together. The normalcy of the occasion appeals to us. We get the underlying feeling that these two cannot be dead for they’re doing an act so commonplace. And yet, they are not in an organic form. The couple seems to be defying all odds, trying to ignore the fact that death has taken them away.

Another sculpture I found to be disheartening in a way was Mater Matuta. This is of a woman holding a newborn child in her arms. The sadness flickered across her face is a trait of funerary art. The expression of the women conveys that the child in her arms is dead. She is displayed in a more natural way, yet the Etruscan influence is still there in the stylized hair. We believe her to be a more important figure as there is a sphinx engraved onto her throne, indicating that she might be a goddess. The reading said that she might be a “protector of mothers who died in childbirth.” What a beautiful and yet depressing statement.

Lastly, I cannot speak of the Etruscan’s art without highlighting their extraordinary metal work. Animalistic influences were evidently very integral to their art. In both pieces shown in our book, the Wounded Chimera and the Capitoline Wolf, there is extreme detail in the hair. Both of the animals are on high alert, threatening whomever dare approaches them. Their details in their heads are also very revealing. Both mouths are ajar. We can imagine a warning growl or baring of teeth occurring. The protective stances of both metal sculptures are different. One conveys a protector of others (Capitoline Wolf), while the other is ready to defend itself more so than having the interests of guarding others (Wounded Chimera). This is mainly due to the fact that the Chimera is wounded. And we know an animal will fight with everything it has to extend its lifetime.

Although not much is known about the Etruscan culture, we can perceive much about the people through their art. They were highly skilled people who had their own traditions and cultural distinctions.

[artistry12]

Nikki,

Your post related very closely to what I discussed in mine. I thought it was very interesting that one man, Abbot Suger, had a desire to feature the light aspect of religion--the direct connection light shared with God. I also found the stained glass window you featured beautiful. It is reminiscent of the mosaics used in the Byzantine era. The difference is found in the uses of color. This, of course, was added by none other than Suger to display a variance of light. Thanks for sharing your thoughts this week!

-seanna.

Chapter 13 Gothic Art

Gothic art has some striking differences than what we have seen so far. Gothic Cathedrals are so elegant in style; Abbot Suger really did his research to make these beautiful works. I featured a picture of Nave, Sainte-Chapelle for it’s elegance. There are so many small designs you can get lost trying to look at it all.  I didn’t realize stained glass dated back so far into the Early Christian and Byzantine churches but didn’t get popular until this time frame. Another major difference from other architecture we have studied is the use of rib vaults. This type of vault is not only aesthetically pleasing but it also made for a stronger structure, so they could implement better use of lighting by adding more windows. Suger really felt compelled to make more lighting to show God’s presence. Seems like more of an emphasis was put on creating a solid structure just as much the need for beauty. Builders created flying buttress on the exterior structure to support the wall where an interior arch or vault was greatest. They also moved away from the traditional rounded arch to a pointed arch. Most people can identify Gothic works based off this change. As seen in other outer churches scenes of the Old Testament appear around the entrances. The exterior sculptures of Chartres Cathedral has a mass amount on their Royal Portal. It is unfortunate some of these were damaged because people thought the figures represented kings and queens of France during the French Revolution.  I’m curious what other art happened during the Gothic period as this chapter really focused on architecture and statutes build into them.

Picture retrieved from:

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bayeux_Cath%C3%A9drale_Notre-Dame_Chapelle_Saint-Sebastien,_Saint-Gerbold_et_Sainte-Radegonde_Baie_34_Vie_de_sainte_Radegonde_2016_08_22.jpg 

[artistry12]

Week 16

This week’s reading dealt with Gothic art. Being introduced to the chapter, I find it ironic that the people referred to as the Goths actually had nothing to do with the origins of this style of art named after them. And yet, we still refer to their cathedrals today as being ‘Gothic art’. However, the term itself embodies the art produced in Western Europe--originating in France during the twelfth century lasting until the sixteenth century in other parts of Europe. The man who created the line of Gothic style was Abbot Suger. He was a man in the French royal monastery at Saint-Denis. One can imagine then, that he was a very spiritual man, invested in his religious endeavors, and that he was. When he was appointed as abbot, or head of the monastery, at Saint-Denis, he erected some of the most inventive architecture of the time period. Specifically, Suger rebuilt and expanded the eighth-century Carolingian church, making Saint-Denis the “spiritual center of France.” He believed the centers of worship he designed should feature light. In religious context, light signifies salvation and truth--being from God. This was unlike his predecessors of medieval architecture. The signature of that time period was the dark, hallowed church. While Suger didn’t invent any new architectural structures different from the medieval times, he did transform the placement of preexisting elements. He allowed the existence of light to shine through--designedly expressing the relationship between light and God’s presence in a new way. Thus, the work was done to illuminate the chapel. The walls were painted with gold and other precious metals, and windows were erected to give way to natural daylight. The words of Suger himself illustrate the work being done:

“Once the new rear part is joined to the part in front, The church shines with its middle part brightened. For bright is that which is brightly coupled with the bright. And bright is the noble edifice which is pervaded by the new light; Which stands enlarged in our time, I, who was Suger, being the leader while it was accomplished.”

There were a couple of parts in this lesson that really stood out to me. One of which being the stained-glass windows. I love this beautiful art form. Stained-glass is really a type of mosaic. Each piece is different, being separated in no particular way each time. By itself it is just a shape with no particular meaning. But place them together, and the pieces make a masterpiece. Gothic stained glass differed from the Byzantine era with the different uses of color. As we observed in the Byzantine chapter, many of the mosaics were made with gold. However, as illustrated in the “Carpenters’ Guild” window, we see the use of more color. Specifically, bold, primary colors like the red and blue shown. The stained-glass windows were a very innovative way to bring to life the light Suger desired so. He meticulously thought over how he would enliven the cathedral with God’s light. When the sun shined through, an attendee of the service would most certainly be enchanted with the blues, reds, and gold reflectance rays, shining in brilliant hues. Overall, stained-glass windows were not only an essential part of religious architecture, but they also stood for artistic expression.

[artistry12]

Emma,

I found your viewpoint of this chapter refreshing. I can tell that you have some experience with the Bible and religion. The Edict of Milan certainly paved the way for Christianity. The impact this religion has had on society has lasted to this day. Eastern Asia sounds fascinating. I see the similarities in what I wrote about Korea, as your research encompasses mine. Their ceramics were a testament to the art of the time. I also noted how intricate and delicate they were. The advancements they made in this field are extraordinary for the technology they had at the time. I appreciated reading your blog post!

-seanna.

Week 13-Chapter 10

This week we read about early Christian and Byzantine Art. I found this chapter to be very interesting because certain points that were brought out in the chapter, we had previously discussed in school. In my world history class, I had learned about Constantine and how he had played a major role in the spreading of Christianity. He had established the Edict of Milan, which stated that there would be religious tolerance in the Roman Empire.

The Bible is an important piece of religion. Contained in the Bible is the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Bible’s message can at times be taken literally, and other times need to be interpreted to determine the meaning. In the New Testament, there is the the Gospel accounts which describe Jesus life and ministry from the different perspectives of those who wrote them. Also in the New Testament, there is a many chapter written by Paul. One chapter he wrote was Acts, which describes the works by Jesus’ apostles while they went and preached to various people. Paul also wrote many letters which stated how a Christian should behave and principles to follow. Revelation, a chapter that is also in the Old Testament, contains messages about the coming Judgement and when all the wicked things of this world will be wiped away for good. Christians read and followed what the Bible had taught them.

Once the Edict of Milan was passed, people were able to build places of worship, rather than worshiping only in their home. Constantine supported the building of churches and many were built in just a short amount of time. Churches were mirrored in construction after the architectural design of the basilicas. One well-known basilica is Old St. Peter’s. Peter was known to be one of Jesus first apostles to follow him, which is where the name of this basilica comes from. The overall construction of Old St. Peter’s is impressive. The basilica had many sturdy columns that supported the structure. The apse, or domed roof, near the end/back was a new feature for this time period. At the apse, their was usually a statue of emperors and also in this case an image of Jesus. Which brings me to my next point which is the use of statues of idols in worship. Later in time the issue of whether idolatry would be acceptable become controversial. The Iconoclasts believed that it was fine for images to be represented, as long as it was not in human form. On the other hand the Iconophiles favored the use of images. During this time, Iconoclasts gained more popularity than Iconophiles. In my personal opinion, the use of images should not be worshiped, because the Bible says to give God exclusive devotion. Worshiping an image would not be doing so.

Byzantine art was an interesting chapter to learn about. I not only was able to be refreshed about some information that I had previously learned about in school, but I also had the opportunity to learn vital information about this time period when Christianity thrived.

Non-western art region

Non-western art region I chose was  East Asia. I chose this area because we have been recently discussing this area in my World Cultures class. China went through many dynasties throughout the time period of 1 A.D. and 500 A.D. The Han dynasty ruled from 206 B.C. to 220 A.D. The Han dynasty was split in two ways, the Western Han and the Eastern Han. The Eastern Han ruled from 25–220 A.D. Many accomplishments were made during that period. Many of the arts during that time flourished. Poetry and  literacy was especially improved. Much of the art that was made depicted their culture and life. For example, their would be dancers and musicians depicted in pottery, this was evidently very important to their culture. The ceramics were intricate and displayed many spacial properties. Japan and Korea displayed similar art forms in some ways since those countries are very much related.

https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/1997.34.2/

[artistry12]

Week 13

This week’s chapter highlighted the rise of Christianity and the influence this had on the art and society of the time. How applicable that we would cover such a topic since Nisan 14 fell on this past Saturday. The expansion of Christianity was mostly due in part to Constantine and his issue of the Edict of Milan. This edict was critical in the free practice and tolerance of all religions. Christianity challenged prior attitudes in the adoption of monotheism, as Roman, Greek, and Egyptian beliefs consisted of polytheistic beliefs. This acceptance was controversial during the time period, and views were ever changing under new leadership. These points led to one of the contributing factors in the dividing of the Eastern and Western Empires, later leading to the distinction between Early Christian and Byzantine. I personally enjoyed reading this chapter. I was reminded throughout the text of Bible characters I learned about as a child, people such as: John the Baptist, Jonah, the Good Shepherd, and others. This was especially evident in the sarcophagus found in the Church of S. Maria Antiqua. A sarcophagus is a stone coffin, typically adorned with artistry or an inscription. As early Christian art, this coffin contains influences from Roman imagery. This sarcophagus was different from prior civilizations’ traditions in that it did not have the personification of the person who died on the cover. But there is a lot of iconography in this piece, central to the core of the religion. Many believers of Christianity took the experiences of these Biblical men and invented beliefs about salvation that still have influence today. The implications of these beliefs have merit today, as people believe in the light and the dark, heaven and hell.

Although the fundamental beliefs of the Christians were unorthodox to preceding convictions, there are shared traits found in the art. For example, we know that earlier civilizations had strong feeling toward their ruler having divine approval. In a way, the rulers of the time had a self-proclaiming aspect of being superior, because they were doing all things “in the name of God and Jesus.” This is evident to me in the mosaics located in the San Vitale. 

Coming into the apse of the church, there are several brightly colored mosaics. The first of which depicts Jesus, dressed in a royal purple robe with a halo circling his head. On either side of this mosaic, there are two side walls that represent the court of Justinian and his empress, Theodora. Both Justinian and Theodora are portrayed as wearing the same royal purple with halos around their head, as if God displaying his approval of them. When I look at these mosaics, I see two figures who stand out among their court, establishing their authority. Then the radiance of the halo gives them the right to conduct their rulership as they see fit. In some instances, I personally see faith twisted as a God-given right to act on personal preferences, not God’s standards. This may or may not be the case here, but it does happen.

We had the opportunity this week to expand our knowledge of art with the research of Eastern art. I chose to explore Korea, 1-500 A.D. The biggest influence to Korea was the neighboring country of China. This makes sense as Korea was originally part of China’s vast empire. Korea later split into the Three Kingdoms. This time period was marked with little peace, as there was cultural and political dividing, along with much bloodshed. During this era, Korea was battling to remain independent against China, Japan, and neighboring enemy Korean states. To establish their autonomy, all Three Kingdoms sent large embassies to China and maintained diplomatic relations there. All the while, cultural information was being exchanged and commerce was increased. This time was marked by Confucian ideals and Buddhist beliefs. Confucius stressed the need for social rituals (“li”) and humaneness (“ren”) by means of love and kindness. Confucian principles also identified a social hierarchy with the supreme authority of a ruler. Buddhism was based on the ancient teachings of Buddha himself. Four aims in life were identified, all sought after throughout the progressing stages of life: artha (economic and social success), dharma (learning), kama (pleasure), and moksha (enlightenment).

I found Korean art to be very enthralling. Much of the art found on the MET website was discovered in tombs of the elite. Work in ceramics was transitory in Korea. They made some great advancements in the firing of stoneware vessels with some of the “earliest known high-fired ware in the world (Korea 1- 500 A.D, https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/1997.34.23/),” with temperatures reaching above 1000°C. The reason these vessels are all the same gray-toned color is due to the lack of oxygen in the kiln while firing. The ash glaze found on these vessels was actually discovered by accident from the ash that flew around the kiln. In the particular piece below, there is a lot of technical skill exhibited. This vessel most likely acted as a stand, supporting another container holding food or drink. Examining the jar, there is a wavy pattern evident, along with precise cutouts. It’s a very artistic piece, although used in mortuary practices.

One more piece I found quite beautiful was a “Bird-shaped vessel”. Personally, I do see the resemblance of a bird, but I am also reminded of a seahorse. Yet, the silhouette of the tailend’s curvature bring the viewer back to the reminiscence of a bird. Liquid was poured through the opening in the back and was poured out through the tail. The base was very important to this piece in order to provide support. However, I do think the head is the most delicate part to this vessel. The long beak, flamboyant feather showcase on top of the head, and the jutting of the ears all contribute to the fragile details. Although it is delicate, this bird has an independence about it. Overall, a very interesting vessel.

References:

https://asiasociety.org/education/confucianism

https://asiasociety.org/education/religions-south-asia

https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/ht/05/eak.html

https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/1997.34.1/

https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/1997.34.23/

[artistry12]

Emma, 

The Ancient Greek culture is full of information, and I’m glad to see that you included so much of it in your blog post for this week. Clearly, this civilization has impacted society today in innumerable ways. Whether in the arts themselves or for practical matters, such as the grave markers you mentioned. Even our standards of beauty today have been influenced by what the Greeks perceived as beauty with their proportions and symmetry. Thank you for sharing!

-seanna.

Week 8- Chapter 7

This week’s reading has made me consider how much that the Ancient Greeks have influenced future civilizations and how much intellectual ability, effort, and time they had to be able to create the art they did.

One way that the Greeks have influenced future cultures is the style of government. Unlike previous civilizations who looked up to kings and pharaohs, the Greek had a more democratic style of government, which has been progressively tweaked and passed on to other civilizations. The Greeks had governments in independent city-states, rather than just one central government that was followed.

The Greeks have also given future civilizations was their literature and drama. Even in my high school english courses, we have discussed the Greek and how much they have given to the language arts. Great works of literature such as The Odyssey, have changed the way some areas of literature arts are viewed.

Another aspect of Greek culture that other civilization have taken was the idea of grave markers. The Greeks didn’t try to follow the complicated tradition of preserving the bodies of those who had died. Instead, they decided to give the dead a tombstone, or grave marker. Today, that practice is also followed. No doubt the Greeks have given so much to help advance other civilizations.  

One of the great achievements of the Greeks was, of course, their being able to build statues and architectural buildings. One of the well-known creations of the Greeks is the Parthenon. Reading about the plan for the Parthenon was extraordinary. The great attention to detail, through the 9 years of making it was truly astonishing.  

Temples, theaters, and myths are also commonly remembered from the Greek culture. As I was reading this chapter, the Greek Theater was quite the achievement for it’s time. There was a round space in the middle of the theater, and the seating arrangement was built around that area. They used this area for religious ceremonies to the God, Dionysus. Here at that location, the Greeks could also watch dancing and theatrical plays, which shows the amount of emphasis they had for the arts at that time.

Podcast “The Ancient Origins of Modern Beauty”

The podcast brought our that present-day, people have differing views on beauty and some may be able to describe beauty in just a couple word, but the Ancient Greeks had much more complex view of beauty that has influenced contemporary standards of beauty. I found the difference between kalós and kallos interesting. Although from the surface, these words look virtually the same, they have different meaning relating to beauty. Kalós refers to something being good. On the other hand, kallos gives the impression of something having a great amount of beauty or physical attractiveness. Symmetry and proportion was viewed as beautiful to the Greeks back then. They had sculptures that were made where the head would be in some sort of exact proportion to the rest of the body, really illustrating the detail and effort that was put into making sculptures that demonstrated beauty. What we have seen through different the Ancient Greeks art and sculptures have given us, as a society, a better understanding of beauty back then, and modern-day as well.

https://www.wnyc.org/story/ancient-origins-modern-beauty/ (Podcast)

http://historylink101.com/2/greece3/theater.htm

[artistry12]

Week 8

This week’s reading was about Ancient Greece. Ancient Greece has housed some of the world’s most brilliant literary minds and philosophers. In more than one way, this civilization has influenced much of the culture in today’s society, including the art world. I personally appreciated how the chapter delve into the life of those in the community at the time, as this influenced the depiction of individuals in art. While men were required to be involved in government at the time, women were not highly regarded for much else other than marriage and their ability to reproduce. They had little independence, as their lives were dictated by whatever the man of the household needed or ordered. Women were even restricted to their home, with the exception of religious functions and festivals. The quote by Aristotle truly shocked me. He said, “The deliberative faculty….in the female it is inoperative.” This quote makes it abundantly clear that women were not valued for their intellect. Marriage was used for advantageous purposes, whether for economic assets or to carry on the family name. However, later on in history, women began to receive more freedoms. Education was available to those who could afford it, and important characters in plays were often portrayed by females. How did this affect females in art during the Greek period? Women were often depicted as naked, sexual objects, referring to their limited rights. Some sculptures of women do not even have heads, which very clearly enhances their bodily features. Yet, women were also portrayed as goddesses and mythological creatures. Goddesses have a powerful, divine ability to sway and wield their given attributes. This shows the strength and authority that women did possess, but for the most part, were not credited for at the time.

The Greek period is arguably most known for their study of anatomy, along with the pursuit for naturalism. Much of the art at the time dealt with mankind in relation to nature. This theme was inspired by philosophers of the era. I would be remiss to not mention sculpture when referring to Greek art. The transition between the Classical period and the Hellenistic period truly show an advance in the understanding of the human body. In Classical art, sculptors were focused on exact proportions and symmetry. There was not much, if any, freeform movement to these statues. On the other hand, Hellenistic art broke the rule book the Classical era wrote. Hellenistic sculptures had the ability to tell a story. One can see the emotion and act of motion. During this time, highlights and contours were introduced, as well as how specific parts of the body moved when in action. An example of this is in the Boxer. The effects of brutal fighting are all over his body. His face tells a story of a lifetime of boxing. And we can see that he’s not young in age, as the skin on his face is slightly sagging underneath his eyes. If we compare this figure to Doryphoros (Spear Bearer), immediately we notice the lack in expression. This is the difference between these two time periods in art. The advancements in art are clear. We could even refer to the Hellenistic period as the evolution of the Classical art sculptures. This is not to take away from the individual achievements of the Hellenic period, because realism began here.

The podcast, The Ancient Origins of Modern Beauty, discussed what the Ancient Greeks viewed as beauty in relation to the standards of beauty today. They began by asking people to call in, answering the impossible question, “What is beauty?” The answers varied, including timelessness, the smile of a family member, the cohesiveness of nature, and the rush of feeling one feels in the heart. Yet, beauty is an abstract term; the answer is affected by the person themself. Notions of beauty we have today can be attributed to the Ancient Greeks. We can reflect upon the statues created of perfect symmetrical proportion. We look at these, and probably all agree that they are very beautiful. These statues were so captivating to the Greeks that some actually desired to be with them physically. There were two categories of beauty identified in the podcast, adequacy/being “fine” vs desire/real physical attractiveness. Overall, the desire lies in symmetry and proportion. We see celebrities today promote these concepts with muscular physiques, perfect curvatures, and skinny waists. Ancient Greek studies have been adapted into what is our conception of beauty today.

Overall, Ancient Greece has been proven to be far reaching in its influence in society, from their pursuit of naturalism in art to holding the inspiration behind our standards of beauty today.

[artistry12]

Emma, 

I thought you did an excellent job at summarizing what Cotter’s articles mean to you. Indian art and others like it, truly face an uphill battle with all of the different obstacles against them. Honestly, I felt disappointed, especially in the museums today, for listing artifacts like African masks, as simply no more than a beginning to Western art. The museum did not even go into the story or meaning behind these masks; all they were was part of a representation of “primitive” art that led to what we Western art has become today. I agree with you in what we must do as individuals. We have to protect the art of the past. However, I say we must also protect today’s art too, just as you said. Otherwise, the same events could occur that leave today’s accomplishments in the dark.

-seanna.

Week 7- Art History

As we read this week’s chapter, three main civilizations were discussed- the Cycladic, Minoan, and Mycenaean civilizations. Each other these civilizations had unique features about them, and I was very much enlightened about this chapter to a whole new culture.

To start off, the Cycladic civilization was discussed and while the book didn’t have a lot of information on this civilization, we know that the marble statues that they made to look like humans are one of the great accomplishments of that time. It was likely that these statues were idols for worship. The geometrical component of the statues seem very symmetrical and show great amounts of effort put into the making of them.

The next civilization discussed was the Minoan civilization and the wall paintings, pottery, and other forms of art made during this civilization left much up to interpretation. The pottery in particular amazed me most. They developed many abstract designs, which were very impressive. For example, the floral vase gives a different look to what was seen before in previous cultures/civilizations. The octopus vase could have possibly given us a look into what kind of things they focused on as a group. For instance, we know that the Minoan civilization had a love for the sea and even at one point was said to have controlled the Aegean. Other discoveries such as those at Thera, like the Ship Fresco depict a piece of their life, again depicting the sea as a major object in the photo. The detail and precision is quite impressive.

Finally, we learned about the Mycenaean culture. The most intriguing piece of  this civilization would have to be Lion Gate. The placement and structure of the irregular stones here is interesting because of the huge and heavy blocks of stone would be a feat in itself to lift up. In fact, they were given the name Cyclopes because of the their enormous strength. This week’s reading was certainly interesting and informative.

                                             Essay’s by Cotter

These essays by Cotter definitely made me think about Non-Western art in a different manner. If nothing is done to protect vital artifacts and parts of ancient they could quickly fade in the background. Already, so many traditions and important pieces of culture are already beginning to lose meaning in a lot of countries, so we need to protect what we can from history. Although many are motivated by money or other reasons to pursue a career in studying modern art. Art history is very important to study and learn about and this article has made me interested in looking into careers in which I can study art history and various cultures.

One fact I didn’t know previously was that museums have began to add more and more contemporary art to their museums rather that non- Western ancient art. By museums doing this, they are evermore-so allowing Eastern art to slowly fade away. Another fact that was brought up in the article, “Eastern Art Through Western Eyes” was that art history departments in schools are decreasing. That article specifically said, “there is a very strong possibility that within a

year no university in New York City will offer graduate-level courses in Indian art. (City University never has, New York University hasn’t in years, and Columbia appears to be waffling on whether it will keep Indian art in its curriculum.)” By taking away learning about the history of art, you are taking away part of history.

These articles have helped me to see a different perspective to art history and have helped me to see that we cannot ignore the art of other civilizations, but we need to embrace it. Although many people have different sentiments on art and its present-day value, we need to look beyond what see and discover the deeper meaning.

I believe that it is our responsibility and role as people, to protect not only what is to come and the art that is being made now, but to preserve and treasure past art as well. Art is invaluable, whether current or past, and we need to hold onto it.

http://www.greekboston.com/culture/ancient-history/mycenaean-civilization/

[artistry12]

Week 7

This week we learned about the Aegean culture. Sadly, not much is known about the anthropology of this civilization. The function of their art is not truly known. And key components of their culture are a mystery--what their religion consisted and what the people believed in is unknown. There is only speculation regarding these elements, which is frustrating as these are major parts to the center of their civilizations. It seems too easy, unfair really, that a whole culture could be lost in this respect. Part of this cultural loss is due to the language barrier. There are two kinds of Aegean script, Linear A and Linear B. Linear A, which was the primary Minoan lettering and language, is not decipherable to researchers. The difference between these two scripts is in the timeline. Linear B came into use about 600 years later and was an adapted form of Minoan used to write early Greek. This makes it interpretable but still offers little to no cultural information.

One common distinction in the art of the Aegean is the lighter, white toned skin, representing Minoan females. There are more of these figures depicting females. The reason for which is unknown, but it is thought that these images were used in ritual purposes. An example of one of these statues is the Female Cycladic idol, from Amorgos. It’s interesting that this figure wasn’t meant to be standing upright. In the photo, although the idol appears to be standing alone, this is only possible with the assistance of a prop. One theory regarding this state is that they may have been carried in religious processions. This figure is interesting because of the various planes. I see a contrast in naturalism versus rigidity. We can see the similarities with this figure in relation to females of past civilizations, with the highlight of the feminine, fertility characteristics--the breasts and public triangle. This idol is very proportionate which gives it a formal, stiff character, but when we examine parts like the breasts and knees, we discover a different quality to the art. These appear to naturally protrude from the body, possessing an organic, unrefined quality. The sculpting of the knees is especially convincing, as they are very realistic in character.

The articles we read this week were eye-opening in regards to the multicultural facets of art. According to the articles, many scholars and observers of art put more premise and value into Western art than Eastern art. Although Western art claims to be the embodiment of “progressive values” (“ART VIEW; Eastern Art Through Western Eyes,” Cotter, 1994), this is proven directly contradictory to the facts. The College Art Association conference, a well-known conference in the art community, is meant to serve as a history of global art, as well as teaching the various practices of art. The majority of these expo panel discussions were devoted to non-Western art. Out of over 100 panel discussions, there was only one dedicated to Indian art (“ART VIEW; Eastern Art Through Western Eyes,” Cotter, 1994). This article was written in 1994, so clearly this issue could potentially have improved since this time. However, I briefly scrolled through the program for the 2017 College Art Association conference, and there was not a bounty of speakers addressing primarily Eastern art, let alone Indian art. One issue I was unaware of were that the views of contemporary art enthusiasts and Western world art specialists have essentially reverted back to a colonialist approach to art. This is unbelievable really, as Western art has the mantra of acceptance.

These articles make me value art history, in general, so much more. I strive to work toward viewing each aspect of art as more than the beginnings of Western art. Although we may view some art as “primitive” in comparison to today’s complex contemporary art, the art was actually advanced for its time, and a representation of their culture. It doesn’t help that museums display traditional artifacts as only documents for “European Modernism,”(“ART VIEW; Eastern Art Through Western Eyes,” Cotter, 1994) not even bothering to delve into the meaning and history behind the artifacts themselves. I have to say I was not aware of this issue. The pay gap between studying anything besides contemporary art history was surprising as well. No wonder this topic of dying cultures not being documented is an issue when there is such a shortage of people to study them. Meanwhile, cultures are constantly changing and lost. 

Overall, Cotter’s articles give me a new perspective toward art. I love going to museums, and I my outlook will definitely change in the future when attending galleries. I won’t view vital parts of other cultures as just another path to how Western art has been shaped to what it is today. Although this is easy to do, as this is what we have been taught. (I mean, look at the name of our book.) Also, I see the important responsibility I share as an art lover. We must not only protect the art of today, but much more so for the art of cultures that are disappearing. Art is priceless; it is a glimpse we have into any society and era of history. We need to preserve the art and its existence through history, as it is vital to any civilization’s survival in the records.

[artistry12]

Tina,

I too am amazed at how this art has been preserved throughout the years. The Egyptians really set the stage for the beginnings of Western Art. Honestly, when I reflect on the pyramids, I think of what a feat it was for their time. Not having the machinery and technology we have now, they relied on human labor and what advancement they had at the time. I can’t even imagine! This is a great post, and I love documentaries, so I’ll have to check out the National Geographic ones you recommended.

-seanna.

Week 6/ Chapter 5

[artistry12]

Week 6

This week’s reading about Egypt set the stage for the beginnings of Western Art. I learned a great amount not only about the art created during this time, but the relation it held to the time period. When a ruler was in power, statues were made in their honor. A common theme found in all Egyptian art, despite the ruler in control, is divinity. Deities and gods were highly prized by the culture of the time. We can see this as every piece contained, in a large part, a representation or manifestation of a principal god. This makes sense as the Egyptians believed that gods dictated life itself; the gods controlled the universe and the nature within. The gods held their favor with the succession line of the Pharaoh or Queen. Art was mainly purposed for these rulers. It carries a motif of the relationship god and human, specifically ruler, share. Although art was purposed for the person in power, it played religious significance for the more common, lower class. It served to remind them not only of the prominent position their kings held, but could also serve as a way for them to worship and personally connect with their gods.

There is a conventional quality to Egyptian art. Typically, the head and legs are in profile, while the torso and eyes face the front. Usually, the man in picture is stiff in nature, very serious. It’s clear that a man such as this is a person of prominence--a ruler who indicates no sign of emotional weakness. I enjoyed reading about the Amarna Period, because it was the time that brought about change; however short lived it may have been. The ruler of this time period, Akhenaten, challenged the tradition of his forefathers by adopting a monotheistic religion, unpopular to the general population. His divergent ideas from the then norm of society and the love he had for his family is evident within the artistic style during his reign. Contrary to the tense, authoritative leaders of the past, Akhenaten displayed the compassionate side to his personality--what some would perceive as vulnerability. In one limestone relief, Akhenaten and his wife, Nefertiti, are depicted in a rare style of naturalism. They are seen playing with their daughters in a real family setting. The lines are fluid and relaxed, exhibiting traits of warmth. Akhenaten is even seen placing a kiss on one of his daughters. This piece is a refreshing feature of humanism and intimacy to the Egyptian age.

A bust of Akhenaten’s wife, Nefertiti, is also unique to its age. The queen appears to be genuine, as a prominent figure but also as a character in history. We still gather that she was indeed a ruler by the definition of her neck muscles and sharp jawline. Yet, her expression is not firm; it has a gentle, powerful quality to it. One can tell that she was quite beautiful in appearance. Instead of depicting her long locks, the artist gave her a tall, blue crown. The placement of the crown was not unnaturally vertical, but there is a swooping dimension to it that gives her the elegance she most likely possessed during her time. And it's clear her husband held held her in high esteem as she was given a notable position in his sun cult religion.

[artistry12]

Caitlyn,

I wish I could have included the Ishtar Gate from Babylon in my blog post. It really is beautiful in appearance. There is definitely a change present from functionality to aesthetic features in the art of this era. I enjoyed reading your own interpretation of it. I could definitely see how you could describe it as “heaven’s gate.” To think that these gates were numerous in numbers in Babylonian times is amazing to me. It definitely would symbolize power to King Nebuchadnezzar, the inhabitants, and anyone challenging his empire. 

-seanna.

Chapter 4

This chapter has given me a lot of new destinations that I want to visit. The Neolithic Era was said to be where skills changed from hunting and gathering, to more of how to take care of the land and animals to be able to live off of them. With this change, it was easy to understand because in the Midwest, it is huge for farming and agriculture. Since they were able to learn about the irrigation and finding a control with a certain government outline and being able to have the civilians obtain jobs, that was how they starts to actually create a town and community. Agriculture is a major part of the community in the Midwest. Back when I lived in Wisconsin, majority of us were born into a farming family, or knew somebody that was. Everywhere you drive, you were surrounded by the fields of corn, hay, and beans, and it makes you realize how many jobs agriculture creates.

Mesopotamia, was the first civilization that I recognized while reading. The name was very familiar but I was not completely sure of what they were all about and what they were known for. I thought it was interesting how it was the land between two rivers which made It and easy target for war but also a good target for trading. I believe that it probably why they were taken over, because it was a good location for trade and then the civilizations that populates it could make a good coming.

The cylinder seals were really cool. Back in middle school for our art class we were given a rubbery square piece that we had to carve out certain designs, and then we would imprint them onto a piece of paper. We did that project because we were learning at the time how they created the prints with the raised designs. It was a bit difficult at first because you had to carve out the space you wanted to be imprinted, so it played a little mind game because to me I though you would want to carve out the minor details, so to see that they did this back then and how their impressions were made was really cool.

The most favorite piece and civilization that I saw was the Ishtar Gate from Babylon. I am currently reading a book for fun about the Babylon’s and how they created the concept of money, and this gate is beautiful. Back in my hometown, they have this little walk through area called the Grotto that is made of many different shells and rocks and then also glazed pieces like the ones found in this gate. The designs that they make from the bordered to the dragons and bulls in it are neat. I believe this gate symbolized a sense of power and peace along with royalty. My first thought when I saw it was that it was like the idea of “heaven’s gate.” Along with the gate as one of my favorite pieces seeing, I also liked the Audience Hall of Darius. It has a very Greek taste to it with the white stone and the warriors, it shows a very strong presence.

[artistry12]

Blog Post 4

This week’s reading took us on a journey to the rise and fall of Neolithic cultures and the relation art had to this history. As I was reading Chapter 4, I was reminded of the account in the Bible book of Daniel and his ‘world powers’ vision. It’s prophecy of these different rulerships and their replacements corresponds to historical findings, which is absolutely astounding. But throughout the reading, there seemed to be a common, if not central, theme to the majority of these empires. They relied heavily on their gods and idols, using nature, animals, and rulership as key elements. Personally, I found all of the art highlighted very impressive. We are beginning to see a difference in mentality, as art no longer serves a purely functional purpose, but there is an incorporation of aesthetic flourishes.

The religious aspect in Mesopotamian culture with the ziggurats was interesting to me. The reading brought out that the people thought these structures linked the earth with the heavens, bringing them closer to the gods they worshipped. It served as a transitional structure between our two planes--a platform for the god that protected their city. According to the reading, mountains were “believed to embody the immanent powers of nature.” Why was this so? Well the streams that poured from the mountain were life-giving, as this not only provided for their survival but also their crops, making agriculture possible. The ziggurats were built in imitation of this force of nature. Also built during the Uruk period included a sculptured vase made out of alabaster. The dimensions and placement of the designs on the four registers (horizontal low-relief bands) was something I initially did not take notice of when studying the image. This vase is believed to honor the goddess Inanna, who signified fertility, love, and war. The positioning of the figures, although three-dimensional, are flat. It appears as if the nude men and animals walk on only the thin ledge provided. While on the top tier, it seems that various figures and vegetation are suspended in midair.

Moving along to the Sumer period, we can see an enjoyment of music and instruments. This is brought out by the skill and craftsmanship possessed to create compositions such as the Sumerian lyre depicted below. The appearance reminds me of a harp; I’m sure it was similar in melody. How beautiful it must have sounded! The incorporation of bulls has clearly still carried on from past history, as is made evident in this piece. The combination of human and bull is incorporated here with the addition of the beard on the bull. This idol’s purpose held mythological meaning, as well as being an exquisite musical instrument.

As we proceed in history, we notice a change from pictures to words. The Law Code of Hammurabi in the old Babylonian period provides an example of this. It also continues to serve as a major part in society and culture today. Hammurabi was a King, and this law code was how he structured his empire. He still put himself in subjection to the gods as illustrated at the top of the code. The reading brought out that if the god Shamash had stood up from his throne, he would have towered over the human ruler. But even though Shamesh was more powerful, the law code still implied that Hammurabi was chosen by divine means. It’s an influential piece for sure, as we are given insight into the culture of the time. The law did not provide much protection for those of the lower class. If they committed a crime against someone of higher social standing, the punishment would be far more severe than had a person of upper class wronged one of a lower class standing. Social equality was not important; the primary concern was to the continued stability of the empire. One part of the law code some religions and cultures still apply today is that of the “eye for an eye” law, or the Talion Law. It’s easy to see why it is important to study this artistic history as it has impacted the society man has built today.

Overall, the cultural advancement throughout the Neolithic area is great and has influenced the world in ways we may take for granted today.

[artistry12]

Kristen,

I enjoyed reading your research on the cave paintings. I too did my research on this same subject. I found the same point to be interesting--that we might never know what the oldest cave paintings are. We may have found them, or they may never be found. I believe it’s possible, especially because of the preserving qualities of a sealed off cave. I watched a video where the cave was said to contain the oldest cave paintings, but reading your post enlightened me. It’s amazing to think that there are works of art from some 35,000 years ago still around today. Thanks for sharing!

                Cave paintings are generally paintings or engravings found in caves. According to Britannica.com, Cave art has been found in European caves and shelters dating back to the Ice Age between 40,000 and 14,000 years ago.

                The most controversial point about cave paintings is where the oldest ones are at. There is a city in Spain called Altamira. This cave contains some of the neatest Paleolithic art. There is pictures of bison, horses and other paintings on this cave. According to nytimes.com, these paintings and carvings into the limestone were made about 22,000 years ago. This cave has been closed because of algae growing on the paintings. According to nytimes.com, Altamira has been the source of controversy since its paintings were first discovered in 1879 by Marcelino Sanz de Sautuola. His findings are said to be fake since scientists could not find what he wrote that he found. Scientists can’t figure out when these paintings were made since the false works from Marcelino.

                An article I found on smithsonianmag.com goes through the oldest cave paintings in the world. One of the oldest cave paintings is in Sulawesi, Indonesia. There are paintings on the cave walls in red paint. There are different animals carved into the cave walls. An archaeologist named Aubert found out that these paintings are at least 35,400 years old (smithsonianmag.com). These are considered the world’s very first picture.

                In the same article, it talks about cave paintings in South Africa. Archaeologists have found that the pigment used in caves 164,000 years ago (smithsonianmag.com). These paintings were made by objects that we couldn’t find today. Scientists believe that the humans who have made cave paintings are wired differently than humans today. They used unique objects to make the cave paintings. According to smithsonianmag.com, they used pierced shells to carve into the cave. This evidence is still not one hundred percent confirmed. It seems like scientists are not able to find many cave paintings that are earlier than 35,000 years old.

                I believe that we may never know when the first cave painting was drawn. Many of the cave paintings in the world will never be discovered. There may be a cave painting that is 50,000 years old, but we may never find it. Scientists should keep studying different caves and cave paintings. We could determine how the humans, who made these paintings, acted differently than us. It would be neat if we could look through every cave and determine when the cave paintings were made. These paintings may also be lost by erosion or other natural disasters. According to smithsonianmag.com, in Africa, there was small growths or white mineral formed by evaporation or seeping or dripping water. Some cave paintings will be more or less preserved in different environments in the world. We will never know how old a cave painting is if they are destroyed by some sort of erosion.  I believe that caves will always be found and studied throughout history. I think all of cave paintings are unique in their own way. The paintings show us history of humans in a wonderful way.

                References

Clottes, Jean. “Cave art.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, inc., 18 May 2015, www.britannica.com/art/cave-painting.

Minder, Raphael. “Back to the Cave of Altamira in Spain, Still Controversial.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 30 July 2014, www.nytimes.com/2014/07/31/arts/international/back-to-the-cave-of-altamira-in-spain-still-controversial.html.

Mott, Jo Marchant Justin. “A Journey to the Oldest Cave Paintings in the World.” Smithsonian.com, Smithsonian Institution, 1 Jan. 2016, www.smithsonianmag.com/history/journey-oldest-cave-paintings-world-180957685/.