Art Eras Flashcards
What are the defining characteristics of the Renaissance art period?
Renaissance art (14th-17th century) focused on realism, perspective, classical themes, and human anatomy. It emphasized naturalism, depth, and the use of light and shadow. Notable artists include Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael.
What distinguishes Baroque art from the Renaissance?
Baroque art (1600-1750) is known for its dramatic use of light and shadow (chiaroscuro), dynamic movement, emotional intensity, and grandeur. It often depicted religious scenes with theatrical compositions. Notable artists include Caravaggio, Bernini, and Rembrandt.
Describe the key elements of Gothic art.
Gothic art (12th-16th century) is characterized by its elaborate architectural style (pointed arches, flying buttresses), stained glass windows, and religious themes. It emphasized verticality and light, often found in cathedrals like Notre-Dame.
What themes are typical in Rococo art?
Rococo (early 18th century) is light, decorative, and often frivolous, focusing on themes of love, playfulness, and aristocratic life. It features pastel colors, ornate details, and soft, playful imagery. Notable artists include Jean-Honoré Fragonard and François Boucher.
What is Neoclassicism, and when did it emerge?
Neoclassicism (mid-18th to early 19th century) is characterized by a return to classical ideals of simplicity, symmetry, and moral seriousness, inspired by Greco-Roman art. It often depicts heroic subjects. Notable artists include Jacques-Louis David and Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres.
How did Romanticism differ from Neoclassicism?
Romanticism (late 18th to mid-19th century) emphasized emotion, nature, and the sublime, often as a reaction to the rationality of Neoclassicism. It portrayed dramatic, exotic, and emotional scenes. Notable artists include Caspar David Friedrich and Eugène Delacroix.
What is the significance of Impressionism?
Impressionism (late 19th century) sought to capture the effects of light and movement, often painting outdoors. It featured loose brushwork and a focus on everyday life. Notable artists include Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir.
How does Realism differ from Romanticism?
Realism (mid-19th century) focused on depicting everyday life with an objective and truthful representation, often portraying ordinary people and social issues, contrasting with Romanticism’s emotional and dramatic themes. Notable artists include Gustave Courbet and Jean-François Millet.
Describe the main features of Post-Impressionism.
Post-Impressionism (late 19th century) built on Impressionism but emphasized more structure and symbolic content. It used vivid colors and sometimes distorted forms for emotional effect. Notable artists include Vincent van Gogh, Paul Gauguin, and Georges Seurat.
How did Surrealism express itself in visual art?
Surrealism (1920s-1950s) aimed to depict the unconscious and dreams, using bizarre, dream-like imagery. It often combined realistic details in illogical or fantastical ways. Notable artists include Salvador Dalí and René Magritte.
What characterizes Cubism, and who pioneered it?
Cubism (early 20th century) is characterized by fragmented, abstracted forms, showing multiple perspectives simultaneously. It was pioneered by Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque, breaking traditional representations of objects.
Define the key features of Abstract Expressionism.
Abstract Expressionism (1940s-1950s) emphasized spontaneous, expressive brushstrokes, and a focus on the artist’s emotions or inner experience rather than recognizable subjects. Notable artists include Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko.
Describe the principles of Minimalism in visual art.
Minimalism (1960s-1970s) emphasizes simplicity, often using geometric shapes, monochromatic palettes, and a reduction to fundamental forms. It sought to remove personal expression, focusing on pure elements of art. Notable artists include Donald Judd and Agnes Martin.
What are the characteristics of Art Nouveau?
Art Nouveau (late 19th-early 20th century) features flowing, organic lines, inspired by natural forms like plants and flowers. It emphasized decorative arts, with notable artists including Gustav Klimt and Alphonse Mucha.
What is the focus of Fauvism, and who led this movement?
Fauvism (early 20th century) is characterized by the use of vivid, non-naturalistic colors and bold brushwork. It emphasized the emotional impact of color. Henri Matisse was a leading figure in the movement.
