Chapter 2: Art History Flashcards
1
Q
Who is considered the first significant painter to elevate the status of the artist?
A
Giotto
Giotto is known for turning mannequins into people and dry Christian doctrine into vivid narratives.
2
Q
What was Giotto’s key work that features thirty-three scenes from the lives of Christ and the Virgin Mary?
A
The Arena Chapel frescoes in Padua
These frescoes are significant in art history for their innovative use of space and narrative.
3
Q
What nickname is associated with Masaccio, and what does it mean?
A
Masaccio, which equates to ‘Pigpen’
This nickname reflects his rough appearance and possibly his approach to life.
4
Q
What are the key works of Masaccio?
A
- The Holy Trinity with the Virgin, St. John, and Donors
- The Tribute Money
- The Expulsion from Paradise
These works showcase his pioneering use of perspective and anatomy.
5
Q
Which artist is known for perfecting picture painting and achieving balance and harmony?
A
Raphael
Raphael’s works are characterized by their clarity and gracefulness, making him a model for future painters.
6
Q
Name one of Raphael’s key works.
A
The School of Athens
This fresco exemplifies the High Renaissance ideals of harmony and balance.
7
Q
What distinguishes Titian’s painting style compared to that of other Renaissance artists?
A
Focus on light and color
Titian’s work is noted for its vibrant use of color and energetic brushwork, contrasting with the structural balance of Florence.
8
Q
What are some key works by Titian?
A
- Madonna with Members of the Pesaro Family
- Rape of Europa
- Venus of Urbino
- Christ Crowned with Thorns
Titian’s versatility spans various genres, from religious to erotic.
9
Q
What is El Greco known for in his painting style?
A
Distortions and an inward, fire-and-ice world
His figures often appear gaunt and tense, contributing to a unique emotional expression.
10
Q
What is the title of El Greco’s most resplendent work?
A
Burial of Count Orgaz
This painting showcases his dramatic use of color and form.
11
Q
What is Peter Paul Rubens known as?
A
The ‘prince of painters’
Rubens was celebrated for his opulent and dynamic style, which defined the Baroque period.
12
Q
What key concept does Rubens’ work exemplify in contrast to High Renaissance art?
A
The Baroque principle of dynamic, emotional, and exuberant art
This is in contrast to the static and balanced nature of High Renaissance art.
13
Q
Name a key work by Rubens.
A
The Judgment of Paris
This painting is known for its lush composition and vibrant figures.
14
Q
Fill in the blank: Masaccio’s work is often referred to as a ‘______ painter’ due to its scholarly appeal.
A
scholar’s
This term describes how his innovative approaches were appreciated mainly by art historians rather than the general public.
15
Q
True or False: Raphael was known for making frequent mistakes in his works.
A
False
Raphael is celebrated for his precision and lack of errors in his compositions.
16
Q
What city is associated with Titian’s flourishing career?
A
Venice
Venice’s unique cultural and economic environment influenced Titian’s artistic style and output.
17
Q
Who painted The Judgment of Paris?
A
Rubens
This work is noted for featuring Rubens’ second wife in the middle.
18
Q
What is the significance of The Night Watch?
A
A key work by Rembrandt, showcasing his mastery of light and shadow
It is housed in the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.
19
Q
What artistic movement is Claude Monet known for founding?
A
Impressionism
Impressionism focused on capturing light and color in outdoor settings.
20
Q
What did Cézanne reject in his artistic approach?
A
Impressionism
He sought to infuse gravity and grandeur back into painting.
21
Q
Which painting is considered one of the most radical by Picasso?
A
Les Demoiselles d’Avignon
This painting is noted for its break from traditional representation.
22
Q
What does chiaroscuro mean?
A
Bright-dark
It describes the technique of modeling three-dimensional figures through light and dark contrast.
23
Q
What is the defining characteristic of Cubism?
A
Seeing things in relationship to one another from multiple viewpoints
This approach allows for simultaneous perspectives.
24
Q
Fill in the blank: Rembrandt’s portrayal of ordinary people made Christianity an affair for _______.
A
ordinary men and women
This was a significant shift in art during his time.
25
Which series of paintings by Monet is iconic for its portrayal of light?
Water Lilies series
## Footnote
This series spans from 1899 to 1925.
26
What did Cézanne consider the definer of form?
Color
## Footnote
He emphasized color over line in his works.
27
True or False: The Polish Rider is confirmed to be painted by Rembrandt.
False
## Footnote
It is now attributed to a different student of Rembrandt's.
28
Which artist is known for the series of paintings of Rouen Cathedral?
Claude Monet
## Footnote
These works highlight the effects of light on the cathedral at different times.
29
What is the Italian term for the artistic technique of creating depth using light and shadow?
Chiaroscuro
## Footnote
This technique was notably used by Leonardo da Vinci.
30
What is the main theme of Rembrandt's paintings?
Human experience and emotion
## Footnote
He captured the essence of everyday life with sensitivity.
31
Who were the true Impressionists besides Monet?
Pissarro and Sisley
## Footnote
They are recognized as key figures within the Impressionist movement.
32
What is a defining aspect of Picasso's later works?
Lack of intensity
## Footnote
Critics noted this decline in his paintings post-1950.
33
What artistic style did Cézanne help to reverse?
Representational accuracy
## Footnote
He shifted focus towards perception over mere representation.
34
Fill in the blank: Michelangelo is known for his work on the _______.
Sistine Ceiling
## Footnote
This includes the famous Creation of Man.
35
Who is known as 'II Divino'?
Michelangelo
## Footnote
This nickname reflects his divine talent in art.
36
What is the significance of The Syndics of the Cloth Guild?
A notable painting by Rembrandt reflecting societal roles
## Footnote
It is also housed in the Rijksmuseum.
37
What did Picasso claim about his painting process?
He painted forms as he thought them, not as he saw them
## Footnote
This highlights his unique approach to art.
38
True or False: Van Gogh is considered a true Impressionist.
False
## Footnote
He is categorized as a post-Impressionist.
39
What is chiaroscuro?
A technique in drawing and painting that models three-dimensional figures by contrasting areas of light and dark.
## Footnote
Leonardo da Vinci was among the first to use chiaroscuro, and Rembrandt is considered a master of this technique.
40
What does contrapposto refer to?
A pose in sculpture where the upper body faces a different direction from the lower body, with weight resting on one leg.
## Footnote
It was a Greek solution for balancing the weight of the body in sculpture.
41
What is fresco?
A method of painting murals by applying water-based pigments onto fresh, moist lime plaster.
## Footnote
Famous examples of frescoes include Michelangelo's work in the Sistine Chapel.
42
What is impasto?
The technique of applying thick layers of oil paint that stand out from the surface.
## Footnote
Used by artists like Van Gogh and Rembrandt to create texture.
43
Define morbidezza.
A term meaning 'softness' or 'tenderness,' used to describe the soft blending of tones in painting or rounding of edges in sculpture.
## Footnote
Correggio is an artist known for this technique.
44
What does pentimento refer to in painting?
Evidence that an artist changed their mind or made a mistake, often seen as the original layers of paint show through.
## Footnote
A famous example is the double hat brim in Rembrandt's portrait Flora.
45
What are putti?
Naked, chubby babies often depicted in Italian paintings, especially from the fifteenth century.
## Footnote
The term 'putto' means 'little boy' in Italian.
46
What do the terms Quattrocento and Cinquecento refer to?
The fifteenth and sixteenth centuries in art history, respectively.
## Footnote
These terms signify the Early and High Renaissances.
47
What is sfumato?
A technique that creates a soft, hazy effect by fusing areas of color or tone.
## Footnote
Leonardo da Vinci is particularly associated with this method.
48
What does sotto in su mean?
A technique of painting figures in perspective on a ceiling to create the illusion of floating overhead.
## Footnote
It was popular during the Baroque and Rococo periods.
49
Define veduta.
A detailed, factual view of a town, city, or landscape.
## Footnote
Artists who painted vedute were known as vedutisti.
50
What is Fauvism?
An art movement characterized by raw, vibrant colors and bold outlines, emerging from 1905 to 1908 in France.
## Footnote
Central figures include Henri Matisse and André Derain.
51
What is Expressionism?
An art movement focused on expressing emotional experience rather than physical reality, prevalent from 1905 to the 1920s.
## Footnote
Key figures include Ernst Ludwig Kirchner and Wassily Kandinsky.
52
What defines Cubism?
An art movement that deconstructed perspective and form, emerging in the early 20th century.
## Footnote
Key figures include Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque.
53
What is Futurism?
An art movement that emphasized dynamism and the energy of modern life, active from 1909 to 1918.
## Footnote
Prominent figures include Umberto Boccioni and Filippo Tommaso Marinetti.
54
Define Constructivism.
An art movement that viewed art as a form of production in service of social purposes, active from 1913 to 1932.
## Footnote
Central figures include Naum Gabo and Aleksandr Rodchenko.
55
What is Dada?
An avant-garde movement characterized by its anti-art stance and absurdity, active from 1916 to 1922.
## Footnote
Central figures include Marcel Duchamp and Tristan Tzara.
56
What is a notable quote by Tristan Tzara regarding Dada?
"Like everything in life, Dada is useless."
## Footnote
This quote reflects the Dada movement's anti-art philosophy.
57
Who are the central figures associated with the Dada movement in Zurich?
* Tristan Tzara
* Jean Arp
## Footnote
Tzara was a poet and Arp a painter and sculptor.
58
Which cities were significant for the Dada movement?
* Zurich
* New York
* Paris
* Berlin
## Footnote
Each city had prominent artists contributing to the Dada movement.
59
Name one of the central figures of the Dada movement in New York.
Marcel Duchamp
## Footnote
Duchamp is known for his influential works that challenged conventional art.
60
What are the salient features of Dada?
* Anarchic
* Nihilistic
* Disruptive
* Childhood and chance as inspirations
* Nonsense name
## Footnote
Dada emerged from a sense of disillusionment with traditional art.
61
Who is considered the spiritual father of Dada?
Marinetti
## Footnote
Marinetti was a key figure in the Italian Futurist movement, influencing Dada.
62
What is a notable quote by Comte du Lautréamont related to Surrealism?
"As beautiful as the chance meeting on a dissecting table of a sewing machine and an umbrella."
## Footnote
This quote encapsulates the surrealist fascination with unexpected juxtapositions.
63
What is the life span of Surrealism?
1924-World War II
## Footnote
This period marks the rise and significant development of Surrealist art and literature.
64
Who were the central figures in Surrealism?
* André Breton
* Louis Aragon
* Paul Eluard
* Jean Cocteau
## Footnote
Breton is often considered the founder of Surrealism.
65
What are the spiritual fathers of Surrealism?
* Sigmund Freud
* Giorgio de Chirico
* Leon Trotsky
## Footnote
These figures influenced Surrealism's exploration of the unconscious and dream imagery.
66
What are some salient features of Surrealism?
* Antibourgeois
* Emphasis on dreams and the unconscious
* Favoring bizarre associations and juxtapositions
## Footnote
Surrealism sought to challenge the rational and promote the irrational.
67
Who are considered the keepers of the flame of Dada?
* Performance artists
* "Happenings" people
* Conceptualists
## Footnote
These groups continue to explore and expand upon Dada's principles in contemporary art.
68
Who are considered the keepers of the flame of Surrealism?
* Abstract expressionists
* "Happenings" people
## Footnote
These artists and movements reflect the ongoing influence of Surrealist ideas.
69
Fill in the blank: Surrealism's headquarters were initially in _______.
[Paris]
## Footnote
Paris was the central hub for many influential Surrealist artists and events.
70
Name one artist from the abstract wing of Surrealism.
Joan Mirò
## Footnote
Mirò's works often featured abstract forms and vibrant colors.
71
Name one artist from the explicit wing of Surrealism.
Salvador Dali
## Footnote
Dali is famous for his detailed and dreamlike paintings, such as 'The Persistence of Memory.'
72
Who is Jackson Pollock?
An influential American painter known for his drip painting technique and a key figure in Abstract Expressionism
## Footnote
Pollock was born in 1912 and died in 1956.
73
What is 'Action painting'?
'Action painting' is a style associated with Jackson Pollock, characterized by energetic application of paint
## Footnote
This style is a variant of Abstract Expressionism.
74
What was Mark Rothko's approach to art?
Rothko's work focused on conveying emotions through large, fuzzy-edged rectangles of color
## Footnote
He is known for the 'theological wing' of Abstract Expressionism.
75
Which artist was known for their paintings of women?
Willem de Kooning
## Footnote
De Kooning is noted for his portrayals of big-breasted women.
76
What was David Smith's contribution to sculpture?
Smith created sculptures that were 'ready-made' and looked provisional rather than monumental
## Footnote
He was influenced by Picasso and worked as a welder.
77
Who is Andrew Wyeth?
An American realist painter known for works like 'Christina's World'
## Footnote
His style is considered accessible compared to Abstract Expressionism.
78
What is the significance of Rauschenberg and Johns in art history?
They are key figures who challenged Abstract Expressionism and influenced the development of Pop Art
## Footnote
They lived together and had contrasting artistic philosophies.
79
What is a hallmark of Andy Warhol's art?
Warhol is known for his use of mass production techniques in art, such as silkscreen printing
## Footnote
He famously created works featuring Campbell's soup cans and celebrity portraits.
80
What concept did Frank Stella emphasize in his work?
Stella emphasized self-referentiality and reduction in his minimalist art
## Footnote
He aimed for clarity and simplicity in his paintings.
81
What is the main theme of Christo and Jeanne-Claude's work?
Their work focuses on large-scale environmental installations that engage the public
## Footnote
They are known for wrapping buildings and landscapes.
82
What is Laurie Anderson known for?
Anderson is known for her innovative performance art that combines music, visuals, and technology
## Footnote
She was NASA's first artist-in-residence.
83
True or False: Performance art has remained completely rooted in visual arts.
False
## Footnote
Performance art has evolved to embrace theater and dance.
84
Fill in the blank: Rothko's art is often associated with _______.
theological themes
## Footnote
He aimed to evoke deep emotional responses.
85
What did David Smith aim to glorify in his sculptures?
The workaday world
## Footnote
His approach differed from traditional monumental sculpture.
86
What did Rauschenberg's 'combines' feature?
Mixed media and found objects
## Footnote
His approach was seen as a precursor to Pop Art.
87
What is a central idea in Frank Stella's philosophy on art?
The idea that 'what you see is what you see'
## Footnote
This reflects his minimalist approach.
88
What was the impact of Warhol on the perception of art in the middle class?
He made art accessible and chic for middle-class homes
## Footnote
His works often featured themes of popular culture.
89
What is the purpose of Christo and Jeanne-Claude's projects?
To disrupt environments and encourage new perceptions of space
## Footnote
Their installations often receive significant media attention.
90
What is performance art?
A form of art that combines various elements like feminism, stand-up comedy, and multiculturalism.
91
Who is Julian Schnabel?
An ambitious painter known for large canvases and neo-expressionist works.
92
What is the Cremaster Cycle?
A series of five surreal films by Matthew Barney, exploring themes of sexuality and mythology.
93
What does 'International Style' refer to in architecture?
A modern architectural style characterized by rational design and use of materials like glass and steel.
94
What is Brutalism?
An architectural style featuring rough, unfinished concrete and large massing.
95
Define Expressionism in architecture.
A brief architectural style characterized by distorted forms and a sense of emotional intensity.
96
What does Postmodernism signify in architecture?
A condition and style that rejects modernism, often featuring historical references and eclectic design.
97
What is Deconstructivism?
An architectural movement focused on chaotic, fractured forms and a rejection of traditional aesthetics.
98
What is the Chicago School of Architecture known for?
The development of modern American architecture and the invention of the skyscraper.
99
Who is Ludwig Mies van der Rohe?
A prominent architect known for his glass buildings, particularly the Seagram Building.
100
Fill in the blank: The _______ order is one of the classical architectural styles.
Doric
101
True or False: The International Style emerged in the early 1930s.
True
102
What are some key characteristics of Brutalism?
* Large expanses of concrete
* Dungeon-like interiors
* Bad finishes
103
What did Philip Johnson contribute to Postmodernism?
Designed a skyscraper resembling a grandfather clock for AT&T.
104
What are the main themes of Barney's Cremaster Cycle?
* Pregenital sexuality
* Mythological references
* Historical details
105
Fill in the blank: The _______ movement is known for its focus on emotional and subjective experiences.
Expressionism
106
List two architects associated with the Chicago School.
* Louis Sullivan
* Daniel Burnham
107
What is a defining feature of Deconstructivism?
Deliberate chaos and fractured forms.
108
True or False: Brutalism is characterized by decorative and ornate designs.
False
109
What is the significance of the term 'bâtiment brut' in relation to Brutalism?
It refers to unfinished concrete, a hallmark of the style.
110
What does the term 'cremaster' refer to in the context of Barney's films?
The muscle that raises and lowers the testicles.
111
What style emerged as a reaction against modernism in architecture?
Postmodernism
112
Fill in the blank: The _______ style is known for its rational design and scientific approach.
International
113
Who is Mies van der Rohe?
An architect known for glass buildings, notably the Seagram Building in New York
## Footnote
Mies is often associated with the International Style and classical architecture.
114
What is a major problem with Mies van der Rohe's architecture?
It is fairly easy to copy, leading to a lack of uniqueness in urban settings
## Footnote
Many buildings that mimic Mies's style can create a monotonous architectural landscape.
115
What architectural styles influenced Mies van der Rohe's early work?
* Expressionism
* de Stijl
## Footnote
His early works included a famous glass skyscraper project in 1921.
116
What characterized Mies van der Rohe's work after the early Thirties?
Marked by precision, simplicity, and rectilinearity
## Footnote
This change is exemplified in his designs for the Illinois Institute of Technology.
117
What is Le Corbusier's real name?
Charles Édouard Jeanneret
## Footnote
He adopted the pseudonym Le Corbusier.
118
What was Le Corbusier's vision for cities?
He believed unhygienic old cities should be replaced with high-rises
## Footnote
This idea was largely ignored in Paris but gained popularity in the U.S. as 'urban renewal'.
119
What is the Villa Savoie?
A legendary example of the International Style designed by Le Corbusier in 1929
## Footnote
It is considered a definitive work of modern architecture.
120
What is the Bauhaus School?
An influential art and design school presided over by Walter Gropius
## Footnote
It was known for its modernist approach and was closed by Hitler.
121
What is Gropius's most memorable work?
The Bauhaus building
## Footnote
It epitomized the International Style.
122
What style is Frank Lloyd Wright most associated with?
Prairie style
## Footnote
This style reflects the essence of American architecture influenced by nature.
123
What is Fallingwater?
A famous house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1936, built over a waterfall
## Footnote
It is celebrated for its integration with nature.
124
What architectural concept did Wright emphasize in his designs?
Continuous and flowing space
## Footnote
He viewed architecture as a sculptable whole rather than segmented rooms.
125
What is Alvar Aalto known for?
His personalized version of the International Style and sensuous architecture
## Footnote
He is also recognized for his use of wood and responsiveness to environments.
126
What is the Barcelona Pavilion?
A modern architectural masterpiece by Mies van der Rohe, built for the 1929 exposition
## Footnote
It is known for its free plan and innovative use of materials.
127
What is L'Unité d'Habitation?
An apartment building designed by Le Corbusier, often referred to simply as 'the Unité'
## Footnote
It was intended as a 'social condenser' to promote harmony among residents.
128
What distinguishes the Robie House?
It is the finest example of Wright's Prairie-style architecture
## Footnote
The house features a long, low design that reflects the surrounding landscape.
129
Who designed the Carson, Pirie, Scott department store?
Louis Sullivan
## Footnote
It exemplifies the Chicago School with its structural clarity and ornamentation.
130
What architectural style is the Chrysler Building associated with?
Art Deco
## Footnote
It is recognized as one of the most beautiful skyscrapers, designed by William Van Alen.
131
What was the 1925 Exposition des Arts Décoratifs known for?
It was one of the high points in modern design.
132
Who designed the Chrysler Building?
William Van Alen.
133
What makes the Chrysler Building significant in skyscraper design?
It succeeds at all levels with a decorated lobby, automotive-themed iconography, and a stainless steel top.
134
What does the phrase 'Less is more' refer to?
A design maxim coined by Mies van der Rohe.
135
What is the meaning of 'Ornament is crime'?
A slogan by Adolf Loos reacting to fin de siècle excess.
136
What does 'Form follows function' imply?
Design should start from the functional requirements of a building.
137
Who is associated with the phrase 'The plan is the generator'?
Le Corbusier.
138
What does Buckminster Fuller’s phrase 'Roam home to a dome' refer to?
Geodesic domes and innovative architectural designs.
139
Who took the first photograph and when?
Nicéphore Niépce in 1827.
140
What is the common view of Ansel Adams in landscape photography?
He is often considered the greatest landscape photographer.
141
What did Timothy O'Sullivan contribute to landscape photography?
He photographed the West following the Civil War.
142
Name a contemporary trend in landscape photography.
Photographing environmental disasters.
143
Who was the first notable fashion photographer?
Baron de Meyer.
144
Which photographer revolutionized fashion photography in the mid-Thirties?
Martin Munkacsi.
145
What is the significance of Edward Avedon in fashion photography?
He is known for reinventing fashion photography until his death in 2004.
146
Is photography considered art?
Yes, but often not when it claims to be.
147
Who was Alfred Stieglitz?
A revered figure in photography who encouraged manipulation of images.
148
What does abstract photography typically lack?
A recognizable subject matter.
149
Who are the leading figures in still-life photography?
Irving Penn and Hiro.
150
What is the primary focus of photojournalism?
Documenting events and telling stories through photographs.
151
Who is known as the patron saint of photojournalists?
Lewis Hine.
152
Which photographer is recognized for their work on child labor and sweatshops?
Lewis Hine.
153
What does Cartier-Bresson suggest about portraits after age forty?
We have the faces we deserve.
154
Who is considered one of the best portrait photographers?
August Sander.
155
What is the essence of documentary photography?
It aims to capture reality for future generations.
156
Who was the first great large-scale documentary photographer?
Matthew Brady.
157
What did Walker Evans often photograph?
Empty rooms and people from behind.
158
What has co-opted the energy of documentary photographers in recent times?
Television.
159
What does the author suggest about Evans' view of photography?
Evans likely viewed photography with embarrassment, as many pictures show empty rooms or people photographed from behind.
160
How have documentary photographers been affected by television?
Much of their devotion and energy has been co-opted by television, appealing more to Generations X, Y, and Z.
161
True or False: Walker Evans won an Emmy.
False
162
What is the author's view on surrealism in photography?
All photographs are surreal; however, some photographers try to be official surrealists and often fail.
163
Who is considered one of the great unofficial surrealists?
Robert Frank
164
What type of subjects does Joel-Peter Witkin focus on in his work?
Witkin focuses on disturbing subjects like amputees, dwarves, and severed heads.
165
Fill in the blank: The best of all women photographers is my aunt _______.
Isabel
166
Which photographer is known for her gravitational attraction to large people?
Lisette Modell
167
What is Imogen Cunningham known for in the photography world?
She became the art-photography world's unofficial mascot due to her long career.
168
Who made the best portrait of James Joyce?
Berenice Abbott
169
What is Helen Levitt recognized for?
Taking street life photographs in New York for over forty years.
170
What distinguishes Sylvia Plachy's photography style?
She chronicles life at ground level with a wry, Frank-like eye.
171
What is Nan Goldin's approach to photography?
She explores intimate stories and the social underbelly through personal and political themes.
172
Fill in the blank: The paparazzi are considered the _______ among photographers.
least
173
Who is known as the valedictorian of celebrity photographers?
Ron Galella
174
What did Andy Warhol predict about fame?
Everybody would be famous for fifteen minutes.
175
What has legitimized Ron Galella's work over time?
An expensive art book, major gallery show, museum retrospective, and the passage of time.
176
What does the author suggest about the evolution of paparazzi?
They may be considered pond scum, but they have the potential to evolve into something greater.
