Graffiti from 5 Pointz (Queens)

Impressionism and Post Impressionism

Impressionism is an art period of when artist make the initiative to advance from academic doctrines and romantic ideals towards the portrayal of of contemporary life. Artist of this time were interested in capturing moments of life. They would make art pieces of what they could see. These pieces were done quickly.Landscapes is an example of the works that were done during this age. Known artist of this time period are Monet and Mary Cassatt.

Post-Impressionism focuses not on what is seen, but on the interpretation of what  is being seen. To see through what is being seen to another superficial reality. The poet, Rimbaud, describes artists of this time period to be extraordinary, mysterious, and visionary. Artist know for their work during this art period are Van Gogh, Paul Gauguin, and Edward Munich.

European colonization was a worldwide affect that affected all non-Western cultures. These cultures were faced with the challenged of losing their cultural identity. An example of this is the territorial movement of Native American land on U.S. soil. Examples of this issue during this time period give birth to new art from the non-industrial societies of this time period (i.e. Africa). The art work from these non-industrial societies are influential for new art pieces from European artists. An example of artwork that was seen as influential was the buffalo shape costume from the Native American tribe, the Zuni.

Renaissance and Baroque

                  The Renaissance was a time of rebirth. The term of humanism is one that contributes to the meaning of the Renaissance. Humanism is the term used to described the attitudinal shift in Europe. As a result of this shift, factors of the Middle Ages, also known as the Dark Ages, such as religious fervor, was being challenged by logical and philosophical thought. Movements in art and literature also took place. For many Europeans, this was time a time of exploring the potential of the individual and the rediscovery of cultures that were forgotten by the world. During this time, art work is influenced by different factors. For example, in the Italian Renaissance the artwork is human centered because the following of Mediterranean tradition. Along with the Renaissance, the Baroque period was also another movement. Artist were using the techniques of the Renaissance to make art more dramatic and emotional. During this time period there was an emphasis on the use of intense light and shadow, scale, and composition. The two art works below are examples of the art work that were produced during that time.
                 The first art work is named the "Chess Players" by Liberale da Verona. This art piece was made in 1457. Liberale da Verona is an Italian artist and this piece is made of tempera on wood. There is a bit of a narrative to this piece as well. There are two short stories that are being told, one is that a maid, positioned near the window, has smitten a young man and the erotically charged game of chess (the lady is about to lose). The emphasis on the blond afros that are being sported is because it was the height of fashion during this time period.In this piece, the technique of shading is used which is recognized as the transition from the Medieval style of art in which the art was very flat.
                   The next art piece is composed of oil paint on canvas. This piece was made by Dutch artist Rembrandt van Rijn. Titled "Aristotle with a Bust of Homer" was made in 1653. The amplified use of shading, a technique taken  from the Renaissance era, and foreshortening are seen in this piece. The medallion represents Alexander the Great, who was tutored by Aristotle. This painting was sold to a collector by the name of Antonio Ruffo. Also, the painting refers to Aristotle's comparisons of using sight and touch as a way of gaining knowledge.

Rembrandt

Simon Schama's Rembrandt

Describe the portrait of the fur merchant. Why is he the "business man's" hero?
-The fur merchant is known as Nicholas Ruts, he sold Russian sable. Rembrandt painted this portrait with emphasizing a few features such as the fur that Nicholas wears. The fur is painted dropping down his body as though it just falls down his body. Rut's glance gives the look of a slight impatient intelligence. He is regarded as the "business man's hero" because of the slight pink that is used in his eyelids, which implies that he has given up sleep for the sake of his investors. His painted sacrifice of sleep shows his concern of his investors, regarding him as a hero.

What's the mood of the 83 year old woman?
-This painting is located in the National Gallery in London. Rembrandt shows the mood of the women to be sad and it's shown through her dropping eyelids. Rembrandt's interest in conveying the human condition in his art works brings out the mood of this elderly woman.

What is Rembrandt communicating in the painting of Sampson & Delilah?
-In the painting of this biblical story, Rembrandt is communicating the moment when Delilah betrays Sampson, but in a different perspective. Most other artists of that time portray Sampson as a nude hulk in slumber, but Rembrandt decides to cloth him. Along with clothing, there is a knot that appears to be tying Sampson and Delilah. This representing the love that they both had for each other, along with the inevitable betrayal that awaits him.

The Medici: Birth of a Dynasty

Why was the Medici family so important in the development of the Renaissance?
-The Medici family was important to the Renaissance's development because of their strive to strengthen their family. By being involved in certain upcoming changes such as Brunelleschi's architectural prowess and his dome atop the Florence Cathedral, the artistry of Filippo Lippi, and the sculpting of Donatello, they were able to further increase the power of the Medici. By being involved with the transitions within the society of Florence, they help to acquire power and status, as well as advance the progress of the Renaissance.

Why was Donatello's David so revolutionary?
-Donatello's David was revolutionary because, at the time, it was the first attempt at sculpting a free stand nude sculpture.

Describe this sculpture in detail.
-The sculpture of David is not portrayed as a man, but as a youthful boy. This biblical shepherd is sensual as the boy is dresses in nothing but a hat and boots. This piece is also very life like in which the shift in weight of the character gives a sense of realism.

Khary Maynard

10/3/13

HUA 101

Greek, Roman, and Egyptian Art

            Art is historically transcendental. It is a window that gives us a glimpse to perceive what the past was like. It also is a way of communication between the viewer and the artist; to converse in societal and cultural differences. Examples of art that have withstand the test of time and have been preserved to be able to sustain this glimpse into the past is Egyptian, Greek, and Roman.

            Egyptian Art focused more on the symbolism of religious belief of gods and goddesses and hierarchy. The picture below shows a sculpture of a man in a frontal position. This position would represent that this person is of noble status. The posture as to which he's standing embodies strength   and power. Also, the positioning of his feet, looking as though he's moving forward, was also a concept in Egyptian sculpture that was used only in sculptures of royalty.

            Greek Art dwells on a different focus. The human form is seen as the highest creation of nature to the Greeks. It focuses on the specific proportions of the human body. Along with this aspect, classicism, the recurrent sensibility of the realization of proportions, is also apart of the focus within Greek Art. The picture is that of the iconic Discobolos (The Disc Thrower). This sculpture was made of marble. The proportions are very detailed and a freedom of movement is a concept that was expressed in Greek sculpture.

            Roman Art takes a step away from the hierarchical and specific  proportions of the human body and focuses on being idealistic. Roman Art focuses on individuality; showing the imperfections, age, certain characteristics of the body. There was also an emphasis physical accuracy and paying attention to detail. An example of this is the art piece below is that of a man showing fear while laying against a horse. The name of this sculpture is Grand Ludovisi Battle Sarcophagus depicting Roman conquest of Barbarians. This piece can also be found at the Met. The picture below is showing a piece of the whole sarcophagus. On the sarcophagus, each individual portrayed is expressing an emotion.

            Art history is way of communicating with the past. It lets the present have a glimpse of the society and cultural differences of past. This is the way in which the artist is able to converse with present-day viewers. The examples of Ancient Egyptian, Roman, and Greek Art are proof of this.