Final Essays Flashcards
During the semester we studied several paintings that recount historical events responding to different purposes. Select two of such paintings (identified by the name of the artist and title of the work) and explain how the artists approached those particular historical events and with what intentions did they take that approach. Make sure to describe the styles of the artworks and how they related to the historical events.
Francisco Goya’s “The Third of May 1808” is a historical piece that depicts Spanish resistance to Napoleon’s advance on Spain. The reason behind this piece was to show the nobility of the rebels against the French army using subtle hints of religious imagery to emphasize the honorable atmosphere, as well as to show the brutality of the French army. This painting belonged to the Romanticism period. Theodore Gericault’s “The Raft of the Medusa” is another historical painting that illustrates the shipwreck of the French ship, Méduse. The intent of this was to show the darkness of human nature in the state of hopelessness, as well as to express dislike for the ineptitude of the French government. This piece belonged to the Romanticism period.
During the semester we studied several artworks that were created for specific locations or having a particular location in mind. Provide two examples of art or architecture with this characteristic and explain how their composition, subject matter, design and general treatment of the art or architecture was determined accordingly to the place for which it was intended for. Make sure you identify your examples by the name of the artists, the title of the works and period styles when they was created.
The Hagia Sophia was a mosque and an example of ancient Islamic art. It was created in Instanbul as a place of worship for Muslims. It was created by the Byzantine emperor Justinian, and it’s designed with multiple mirrors and was intended to express a sense of Allah’s presence for worshippers. Given the general Islamic background of the location, Islamic art traits were used in it’s design. Likewise, St. Peter’s Basilica was an Italian renaissance church made in the center of the catholic faith. Given the elegant design and spaciousness of the basilica, it was intended to give a feeling of majesty and greatness. It’s design was intended precisely for the place it was made, given the importance of the Vatican in the catholic faith.
Discuss how Bernini and Caravaggio established the Baroque style in sculpture and painting respectively, focusing on one specific work by each artist.
Caravaggio was one of the primary figures of the baroque art style, given the traits he introduced to the movement. Several of the characteristics you can see in baroque art were established by Caravaggio himself, such as tenebrism and naturalism. An example of his work would be “Boy Peeling a Fruit” in which the dramatism of the period is notable in the use of lighting, and the elaborate poses of figures. Bernini contributed to the sculpture of the baroque period whose works were characterized by exaggeration and dramatism, which can be seen in baroque sculpting as a whole. Bernini’s “Baldacchino” expresses other characteristics found in baroque artwork that originated with Bernini, like the use of spiraled columns and multiple types of media in sculpture.
Through an artwork of your choosing, explain the mannerist style. Provide at least 3 stylistic elements of the style and the reason why it is called “Mannerism”. Remember to properly identify the artwork by title and author.
Mannerism is a an artistic style that came about in the Late High Renaissance. Paintings of this period were characterized by an imitation of other high renaissance artists, most especially Michelangelo. Some characteristics of this style include: elaborate poses, fantasy or mythological topics, and elongated proportions of the body. One image that demonstrates this is Madonna With the Long Neck by Parmigiano.
