1 Strange Beginnings Flashcards
In what way is early art similar to architecture?
It tended to be built for a purpose, rather than just to be appreciated aesthetically.
How does the ability of objects to represent real people and things account for an early use of ‘art’?
It was thought that by acting on the object, one could influence that which it represented. Representations FEEL like that which they represent.
Date of cave paintings in Lascaux, France?
17000-15000 BC
In what way were ritualistic representations different in their use from art objects today?
They were considered valuable if they worked –if they could perform the required magic.
Two examples of non-Western artists creating realistic works?
- Bronze heads sculpted from life, Nigeria, 12-14th century
- Heads on Inca vessels in Peru, 250-550AD
The whole story of art is not a story of progress in ________ proficiency, but a story of changing ____ and ___________
The whole story of art is not a story of progress in technical proficiency, but a story of changing ideas and requirements
Why is so much primitive art not realistic?
Because its purpose was to be realistic enough to represent the object successfully. There was no point in total realism.
One Egyptian word for sculptor was ‘he-who-keeps-____’
One Egyptian word for sculptor was ‘he-who-keeps-alive’
In Egyptian art everything is painted from its most __________ angle. Why?
In Egyptian art everything is painted from its most characteristic angle, because the art was designed to provide the most accurate possible representation of the object so that it could live on in the afterlife.
Who is Horus?
Sky god, depicted as a falcon or with a falcon’s head.
Who is Anubis?
God of funeral rites, depicted as a jackal or with a jackal’s head.
Bronze age dates?
3300BC to 1200BC
Identify, date, describe
Cave paintings at Lascaux, France, c15000-10000BC
These paintings are often painted or scratched on top of each other –idea that by making picture of prey, hunter would have power over it
Identify, date, describe
Lintel from Maori chieftain’s house, early 19th century.
Tribal people may have extraordinary skill –but not be interested in realism.
Identify, date, describe
Head of a negro, probably a ruler, bronze, Ife, Nigeria, 12th-14th century.
Tribal artists can create convincing likenesses if required – this is not preserve of Western art.
Identify, date, describe
Oro, God of War, Tahiti, 18th century.
Even simple face can personify object.
Demonstrates the minimal conditions for object to have uncanny power beyond any visible function.
Identify, date, describe
Inuit dance mask, Alaska, 1880
Man-eating demon with blood-stained face.
