Midterm 1 Flashcards
VISUAL AND CONTEXTUAL ANALYSIS / SINGLE STORY
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Implied Lines
Invisible lines that direct our eyes in a piece of art
Contour LInes
lines that define the form of an object/painting
Organic Lines/Shapes
Irregular and imperfect (natural) lines
Inorganic (Geometric) Lines/Shapes
Straight or curving lines that are often found in geometry
Complimentary Colors
Red - Green
Yellow - Purple
Orange - Blue
Analogous Colors
Colors that are very similar to each other, especially when they are next to each other on a color wheel
Tint/Shade
TINT
color + white = lighter color
SHADE
color + black = darker color
Warm vs. Cool Colors
Warm colors—yellow, orange, red and combinations therein—breathe energy, positivity and a sense of sunshine into any room.
Cool colors—green, blue and purple—evoke relaxation and calm.
Contrast
Creating major visual differences between multiple elements
Monochromatic vs. Polychromatic
- The word “chrome” comes from the Greek word chrôma, which means “color”
Monochromatic: when all colors in a painting derive from one primary color
Polychromatic: when a painting includes several contrasting colors
Atmospheric Perspective
When artists portray objects that are meant to look farther away as paler and less-detailed
Linear Perspective
Relative size, shape, and position of objects are determined by drawn or imagined lines converging at a point on the horizon
Texture
The feel, appearance, or consistency of a surface or substance
Balance
The way that visual aspects and elements are distributed within a piece
Symmetry
Mirror/Bilateral Symmetry
Radial Symmetry
Asymmetry (Balanced)
Hieratic Scale
Figures that appear larger than others in order to show their importance
Iconography
Visual symbols intended for a specific culture
Visual (Formal) Analysis vs. Contextual (Historical) Analysis
Visual (Formal) Analysis: analyzing a piece of art or literature according to physical appearance or purely on content
Contextual (Historical) Analysis: analyzing a piece of art or literature according to things like time period, background or beliefs of the artist, contemporary styles
Be able to describe a piece of art using some of the elements of art and principles of composition.
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Why might both visual and contextual analysis be important to understanding a piece of art or literature?
To get the whole picture!
What is iconography? How does understanding the iconography of a specific group or culture help us better understand their art?
Symbols used in art that would be familiar to a specific culture. Understanding iconography can greatly enhance our appreciation for their art.
(UNDERSTANDING -> APPRECIATION!)
Understand the meaning of the terms above. Why might an artist choose to use one or more of these elements? For example, why might an artist choose warm colors over cool colors? Why might an artist choose to use hieratic scale? How might the use of sharp contrast affect the feeling of a painting, etc.?
All art is intended to create certain emotions, make us think, draw our attention to a particular aspect, or teach us a lesson!
How can a single story be dangerous? How does this apply to history? How does it apply to us?
A single story dramatically limits our perspective. With history and in our lives today, it can lead to misinformed judgements based on false perceptions/beliefs.
PREHISTORY AND MESOPOTAMIA
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Prehistory / Prehistoric
Before Written Records
Ziggurat
A large temple base made of mud brick (common in ancient Mesopotamia)
Cuneiform
OLDEST KNOWN WRITING SYSTEM!
Wedge-shaped characters used in the ancient writing systems of Mesopotamia, Persia, and Ugarit–surviving mainly impressed on clay tablets
Code of Hammurabi
A Babylonian legal text composed during 1755–1750 BC. It is the longest, best-organized, and best-preserved legal text from the ancient Near East. It is written in the Old Babylonian dialect of Akkadian, purportedly by Hammurabi, sixth king of the First Dynasty of Babylon
Stele
An upright slab (usually stone) that contained inscription or sculpture (or both), and was used to commemorate an event or memorialize a person.
Polytheism
The belief in multiple Gods (having affairs and stuff)
Civilization
Human society with its well developed social organizations, or the culture and way of life of a society or country at a particular period in time
Hammurabi
The sixth king of the Amorite First Dynasty of Babylon, best known for his famous law code which served as the model for others, including the Mosaic Law of the Bible. He was the first ruler able to successfully govern all of Mesopotamia, without revolt, following his initial conquest.
Venus of Willendorf
A prehistoric sculpture that was created around 25,000 BCE and has exaggerated features such as breasts, abdomen, and hips (11 cm tall)
Cave Paintings at Lascaux
Some of the earliest and most detailed human paintings, located in southeast France. Depictions of animals.
Stonehenge
The most architecturally sophisticated and only surviving stone circle in the world. Could have served as an ancient burial ground as well as a ceremonial complex and temple of the dead.
Votive Sculptures
Objects offered to a god or goddess at a sacred place, such as a temple. Symbolic!
Stele of Hammurabi
A seven-foot-tall piece of basalt that was inscribed with the law code the Babylonian King Hammurabi presented to his people
What type of art do we find in prehistoric Europe? How do these types of art fit with what we know about Neolithic lifestyles?
Cave paintings and rock art, Petroglyphs and carvings, Portable art (ex: Venus figurines), megalithic structures (ex: Stonehenge). Each of these arts reinforce the idea that the Neolithic lifestyle included much symbolism and rituals, community and social organization, agricultural practices, and astronomical knowledge
Why are there so many “mysteries” surrounding prehistoric art?
Lack of written records, Aging and preservation issues, Symbolic and abstract nature, Contextual ambiguity =
How did the move to cities change the type of art that was produced? Why?
The transition from nomadic lifestyles to settled communities and eventually to urban centers during prehistory significantly influenced the types of art that were produced.
How did the function of Sumerian votive sculptures affect how they are portrayed?
They were created to portray continual worship to the gods, so they often had a reverent, serene, calm appearance.
How did Naram-Sin and Hammurabi use art to solidify their power and/or to justify their decrees?
Both Mesopotamian leaders commissioned artworks that communicated their divine right to rule, their military prowess, and their role as lawgivers. (victory Stele of Naram-Sin and Stele of Hammurabi)
What was the Code of Hammurabi? In what ways did the code encourage greater equity? In what ways was it inequitable?
The code consists of 282 laws covering a wide range of subjects, including criminal justice, property rights, family law, and commercial transactions.
Greater Equity: standardized punishments, codification of laws, protection of the weak
Inequitable: social class distinctions, gender inequality, harsh punishments, slavery
How might Sumerian ziggurats fit into the description of the Tower of Babel given in the Bible?
Architectural Similarity, Construction Materials, Cultural and Religious Context, Symbolic Themes
OLD TESTAMENT
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Testament
An agreement or covenant between God and man
Babylonian Captivity
A time when the Babylonian Empire destroyed Jerusalem and Solomon’s temple, took many Jewish people captive, and conquered the kingdom of Judah, which was where many Jewish people lived.
Lost Ten Tribes
Northern Kingdom is overrun by the Assyrians and people are scattered or killed
United Kingdom of Israel
All of the Tribes of Israel appointed Saul to be their king (even after Samuel warned them against having a king)
Abraham
Hebrew patriarch of the Abrahamic religions, including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam
Isaac
Abraham’s son, the second patriarch and father of Jacob (Israel)
Saul
The first monarch of the United Kingdom of Israel
David
The third monarch of the United Kingdom of Israel. A young shepherd and harpist who becomes king after defeating Goliath. He ruled Israel after Saul’s son–who was only king for 2 years.
Solomon
Son of David, became the fourth king of Israel and built the first temple in Jerusalem. Known to be wise and good king.
Torah
The first 5 books of the Old Testament, or “the law”
Chiasmus
Sometimes referred to as INVERTED PARALLELISM, because it presents a series of ideas in one order and then restates the same ideas in the opposite order
Parallelism
Using repetition to emphasize an idea (common literary device in Psalms)
Metaphor
A figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable (“YOU ARE A SUMMER’S DAY”)
Simile
A figure of speech that compares two otherwise dissimilar things, often introduced by the words “LIKE” or “AS”
Acrostic Poetry
A poem in which the first letter of each line spells out a word, name, or phrase when read vertically
Figurative Imagery
Figurative imagery relies on figurative language, like similes and metaphors, to engage the reader while describing things
Dualism
The division of something conceptually into two opposed or contrasted aspects, or the state of being so divided
(ex: the idea that the universe is governed by two supreme forces, good and evil)
Psalms
This book of the Old Testament reads differently from many of the others because of its emphasis on EMOTION and our PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP TO GOD
Solomon’s Temple
the First Temple in Jerusalem
Abrahamic Covenant
Much of the Old Testament is centered around promises made by God to Abraham and his posterity
Proverbs
Concise bits of WISDOM and instruction that deal with how to live a moral, true, and virtuous life. Attempts to answer, “WHAT IS TRUE WISDOM?”
- Proverbs 9:10 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.”
Monotheism
Belief in only one God
Jerusalem
Holy city
What Mesopotamian empire destroyed the Northern Kingdom of Israel in the 8th Century BCE? Why do we refer to these people as the Lost Tribes of Israel after this event?
The Assyrian Empire destroyed the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Lost Tribes = Scattering of God’s people
How did the Babylonian Captivity effect the Israelites and the content of the Old Testament?
This period lasted about 70 years, during which the Jews were away from their homeland. It’s an important event in Jewish history, marked by suffering and exile, but it also led to spiritual reflection and eventual return to their land.
How does the God of the Old Testament interact with human beings? How might this be different than the gods of Mesopotamia?
Jehovah is perfect, just, merciful, and abides by laws. He desires a personal, covenant relationship with us. VERY different from the other made up gods, who were imperfect and often selfish/prideful.
How is the story of Abraham and Isaac symbolic of Christ? Where do most Jews and Christians believe Abraham was asked to sacrifice Isaac?
Mount Moriah is traditionally identified with the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. This site holds significant religious importance for both Jews and Christians. In Jewish tradition, it is believed to be the location where Abraham prepared to sacrifice Isaac, and in Christian tradition, it is also seen as a foreshadowing of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
What is the significance of Abraham to Jews, Christians, and Muslims?
Patriarch, Father of Faith, Prophet
What is the Abrahamic Covenant?
(A.K.A. New & Everlasting Covenant) For Abraham and his seed:
- Land of Inheritance (Canaan)
- Posterity (as sand and stars)
- Nations Blessed (gathering)
- Preparing (2nd coming)
- PRIESTHOOD (*eternal!)
Why was Saul so jealous of David? How did this jealousy affect Saul’s behavior and judgment? What can we learn from Saul?
David was getting a lot of attention and praise, which made Saul jealous. This insecurity clouded Saul’s perspective and led to some grave sins.
How was David’s attitude different from Goliath’s? Why did David have the confidence to believe he could defeat Goliath?
He knew that God was more powerful than Goliath. His confidence came from his righteousness because he was good with God.
How did David become responsible for the murder of Uriah? What other sins or actions led up to this act? What can we learn from David in this story?
First Mistake: he stayed at Jerusalem when he was supposed to lead his people into battle (not where he was supposed to be!)
Second Mistake: he acts on temptation and asks after Bathsheba (dwells on lustful thoughts!)
Third Mistake: tries to bring Uriah home from battle by getting him drunk (covers up sins rather than repenting!)
- IN THE END, HE SENDS URIAH TO THE FRONT OF THE BATTLE WHERE HE IS KILLED: DAVID ENDS UP COMMITING ADULTRY AND MURDER!
Lessons:
- Be more concerned with your soul than your reputation
- Never abuse positions of leadership
- Be where you are supposed to be
- Deal with mistakes immediately
- Remember your past experiences always
What does the term “Psalms” mean? What was the function or purpose of the Psalms? How does the writing style of Psalms differ from many of the other books of the Old Testament?
“Psalms” comes from the Greek word “psalmoi,” which means “songs sung to a harp.”
Purpose is for worship, prayer, instruction, reflection/ meditation, and expression of faith.
Psalms are much more poetic and emotional than the other books (ex: “HOW LONG?”)
What are some of the literary devices we see used in Psalms? Be able to recognize some of these devices.
PARALLELISM: emphasis by repetition. One statement is strengthened or intensified by another
- Synonymous Parallelism:
2 lines express same idea differently - Antithetical Parallelism:
2 lines oppose each other - Synthetic (Step) Parallelism:
2nd line builds on the first - Chiasmus (Inverted) Parallelism:
ideas are presented, then repeated in the opposite order
ACROSTIC: each line of a specific section begins with the same letter or spells something out (ex: Psalms 119)
FIGURATIVE IMAGERY: alliteration, hyperbole, similes, metaphor, personification
DUAL MEANINGS: words, phrases or ideas that have both a temporal and spiritual meaning
What was the purpose of Proverbs?
To answer questions such as:
How do we live a good life?
How do we practice virtue in everyday living?
What is true wisdom?
Why might it be important academically to have an understanding of the Old Testament? Why might it be important spiritually?
Stories allow us to learn from good and bad examples. Through symbolism and history, we can apply correct principles to our own lives.
- Old Testament writers assumed that their readers had context -> SO LEARN THE CONTEXT!
ANCIENT GREECE
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Cycladic Civilization
The Cycladic culture developed on the Cyclades islands (just east of the Greek mainland) between about 3200 and 1050 BCE. Much of the ancient sculptures were unearthed and traded for money, so we really don’t know much about this civilization, but what we do know is that the cycladic art had a huge influence on modern artists like Picasso.
Minoan Civilization
King Minos ruled the island of Crete around 2000 - 1200 BCE (ancient Greece). Legend has it that Minos fell in love with a bull and created the Minotaur, which is a myth, but The Palace of Knossos today reveals that there is truth to the elaborate maze created for the bulls (MAZE RUNNER).
Theseus and the Minotaur
Myth is that King Aegeus’ son, Theseus, decided to be one of the human sacrifices to end the life of the Minotaur in order to free the Aegean people from the tribute.
Mycenaean Civilization
- SETTING OF THE ILIAD AND THE ODYSSEY
Came to Greek mainland as early as 2000 BCE and place of Trojan War (1000 BCE: about the time of Exodus in the bible).
The Mycenaeans were sophisticated in the forging of bronze weaponry and versatile in the arts of ceramics, metalworking, and architecture (cyclopean masonry). The fall of the Mycenaeans remains mysterious.
Epithet
An adjective or descriptive phrase expressing a quality characteristic of the person or thing mentioned (act as fillers for syllables when needed)
Epic Poetry
Long, expansive poems which usually center around a hero.
- stem from an oral tradition and were meant to be recited
(Iliad and Odyssey probably told for many years before written down) - composed in verse
(easier to memorize) - often begin in medias res
Epic Simile/Metaphor
Big Similes (as/like)
Big Metaphors (not literal)
In Medias Res
“In the middle of the action”
(Iliad and Odyssey begin in the middle of the action)
Achilles
Greatest Greek Warrior
Agamemnon
Highest King/ Military Leader in that region of the land
Hector
Leader of the Trojan forces. His father is Priam who meets with Achilles to ask for his dead son’s body
Helen
Daughter of Zeus and the most beautiful woman in the world. Some accounts portray her as the problem/cause of war, while others reveal more background to her life and how she really was the victim and a good woman.
Priam
Hector’s Father and legendary king of Troy
Penelope
Odysseus’ wife. Cunning and able like her husband, she has been faithfully waiting for her husband to return even amidst great pressure from many suitors, who are pushing her to choose a new husband.
Telemachus
Odysseus’ son. Telemachus was born after Odysseus left for the Trojan War, so the two have never met. Telemachus is around 20 years old when we enter the Odyssey, and is desparately trying to keep control of his father’s land and kingdom as the suitors try to push him out.
Odysseus
King of Ithica and the cleverest of the Greek kings that fought in the Trojan War. After the Trojan War ends, the Greeks return home, but Odysseus’ journey home is frought with challenges, and it takes him 10 years to finally return.
Homer
Credited with composing epic poetry (the Iliad and the Odyssey)
The Judgment of Paris (or The Apple of Discord)
- Eris (goddess of discord) crashes the wedding banquet of Thetis and Peleus and throws a golden apple “To the fairest”
- This myth explains why Paris abducted Helen and describes why the Greeks declared war on the Trojans
How did Cycladic sculpture influence modern art?
Cycladic sculpture’s emphasis on form, abstraction, spirituality, and its status as a symbol of the ancient and primal, have made it a significant source of inspiration for modern artists seeking to break away from traditional artistic conventions and explore new aesthetic possibilities.
What relationship did the discoveries at Knossos on Crete have to the myth of Theseus and the Minotaur?
While there is no concrete evidence to confirm the existence of a literal labyrinth or a Minotaur in the archaeological record, the labyrinthine nature of the palace at Knossos and the mythological associations with King Minos and his palace have led scholars to speculate that the myth of Theseus and the Minotaur may have been influenced by Minoan culture and the architectural features of Knossos.
During which civilization do the events in the Iliad and the Odyssey supposedly take place?
Mycenaean Civilization (During Trojan War)
- FINALLY WRITTEN DOWN 750-700 BCE (500 years after the original events occurred)
What important discoveries did Heinrich Schliemann make?
He found the physical proof for the Mycenaeans and the Trojans (DISCOVERED TROY -> Proved Trojan War)
How does the myth of the Judgment of Paris (sometimes called the Apple of Discord) explain the cause of the Trojan War?
(i.e. WHY DID THE GREEKS DECLARE WAR ON TROY?)
- Paris chooses Aphrodite as “the fairest” after being offered bribes from Athena, Hera, and Aphrodite
- Helen is married to Menelaus and Menelaus becomes king of Sparta
- Paris kidnaps Helen and takes her to Troy
- Menelaus tries to get Helen back peacefully but does not succeed
- Greeks declare war on Troy
- ACHILLES IS THE SON OF THETIS AND PELEUS (there was a prophecy that he will die, so he chooses to die young with glory. towards the end of the Trojan war, Paris shoots an arrow and hits Achilles’ heel)
Why does Homer begin the Iliad by talking about the wrath of Achilles? What role does the anger of Achilles play in the events of the Iliad? What lessons do we learn about anger, pride, and revenge from these events?
Achilles’ anger results in many heartbreaks for everyone, including himself. He literally wishes destruction for his own people just to satisfy his pride, then his best friend is killed. Homer might have begun the Iliad with this wrath because he was trying to teach us the consequences of impulsiveness and that revenge does not heal wounds.
How does Homer depict war in the Iliad? What is the role of honor?
Homer intentionally paints a very complex picture of war–including both the glorification of war and the critique of it. WAR IS NOT BLACK AN WHITE! :(
What are the roles of fate and free will in the Odyssey and the Iliad? What role do the gods play? What role do humans play?
- It does seem like the gods are in charge of fate, but even they can’t always predict the details (the gods are powerful but limited)
- Humans do have the ability to choose what they do, but it is unclear how everything will play out in order to reach their fate
Why is Odysseus often described as clever or cunning? How is this shown in the poem?
He’s always tricking people in order to avoid his fate (ex: the cyclops)
What double standards for men and women do we see in the Odyssey?
Even though Odysseus may not seem loyal to Penelope in our eyes, back in Greek culture he would have been perceived as very loyal. There was definitely a difference between the cultural expectations of women and men.
Odysseus undergoes many unique and fantastic trials on his way home. How might these trials relate to us?
They have everything to do with us!
- Perseverance/Resilience
- Circe’s Locus Eaters = Temptations
- Quest For Home & Identity
How were the stories of the Iliad and the Odyssey first told? How might this have affected the way in which they were written down (verse, epithets, etc.)?
First rehearsed orally (with the help of verses and epithets to aid in memorizing). This probably made it a pretty messy yet poetic process of being written down
ARCHAIC PERIOD
(600-480 BCE)
Sappho
(600 BCE)
First woman to leave a literary record that reflects her own personal experiences. Born on the island of Lesbos and instructed young women there.
Lyric Poetry
Meant to be accompanied by a LYRE or other instrument. Instead of dealing with monumental events and aristocrats, lyric poetry focused on the emotions and passion.
- SAPPHO WROTE LYRIC POETRY
Aesop’s Fables
Short stories
(ex: THE TORTOISE AND THE HARE, the goose that laid the golden eggs, the fox and the crow…)
Kouros
Votive (devotional) Sculpture
- always of a young MAN
(plural is kouroi)
Kore
Most likely a portrayal of a goddess, but some scholars say that a Kore is the WOMAN equivalent of a Kouros
- always of a young woman
(plural is korai)
Archaic Smile
Almost all archaic sculptures have this particular half smile
Pre-Socratic Philosophers
Those that came before the great philosopher Socrates. Introduced the use of LOGIC AND REASON to answer questions about the world.
(Pythagoras, Thales, Democritus, Heraclitus)
Why are the poems of Sappho so significant?
Her poems are emotional, passionate, and wide-ranging from sentimental themes to jealousy. THEY FOCUSED ON FEELINGS AND WOMEN instead of just men and war.
How was lyric poetry meant to be heard? How does this relate to the name (lyric poetry)? How did these poems differ from epic poems like the Iliad and the Odyssey?
Meant to be sung accompanied by a lyre (lyre = lyric). Much more focused on emotions, passion, love, hopes, dreams.
What were the purpose of Aesop’s Fables? What are common characteristics of an Aesop’s Fable? Who was the audience for these fables?
Usually included some kind of moral or teaching point. Meant to cater to people of all classes. Probably passed down orally and often included animals.
What was the function of a kouros or a kore? What do we mean by an archaic smile?
We don’t know for sure, but a kouros and kore could have been a devotional or memoire of a person who had died. Archaic smiles could indicate eternal or general peace :)
How did the thinking of the presocratic philosophers differ from the norm at the time? How did they lay the groundwork for later philosophers, scientists, and mathematicians?
Pre-Socratic Philosophers introduced LOGIC AND REASON (leading to science and mathematics).
CLASSICAL GREECE
(479-323 BCE)
Pericles
A prominent statesman, orator, and general in ancient Athens during its Golden Age
Persian Wars
Series of wars fought by Greek states and Persia over a period of almost half a century
Sophocles
Wrote about 120 plays, only 7 survive. One of the top 3 we speak of today!
AUTHOR OF OEDIPUS
Polykleitos
Sculptor that created the “Canon of Proportions” which was a mathematical formula used to create harmony of proportions (used on human body of Doryphorus)
Socrates
No personal writings
Socratic Irony: Socrates would commend his subjects for being wise (while he would act clueless) then he would ask them questions until he totally picked apart the brain of these politicians
He called himself the “gadfly” of Athens
- He was put to death in 399 BCE for “denying the gods and corrupting the youth”
Plato
Student & follower of Socrates. Writings are mostly “dialectic”. Founded the Academy->(academic!) in Athens
Aristotle
He studied the physical world around us and was INFLUENTIAL IN ALMOST EVERY MAJOR DISCIPLINE OF LEARNING
He believed that virtue should be practiced and cultivated and saw most virtues as existing in BETWEEN TWO EXTREMES.
(———->*<———-)
Moral goodness is the product of habit
Believed in an “Unmoved Mover” (Prime Mover): There must be an immortal, unchanging being, responsible for governing the universe
Really interested in answering the question: “What is it that makes something that thing?”
Oedipus
He was made king of Thebes after solving the riddle of the sphinx
Tiresias
A blind guy who changes gender in Oedipus and gives prophecies
Acropolis
“High City”
Major building project rebuilt by Pericles. Huge temple complex
Meant to celebrate Athen’s victory over the Persians
Parthenon
Temple dedicated to the goddess Athena. Has had a SUPER rough history as many different groups have used the building (some more carelessly than others)
Erechtheion
Ionic, multipurpose building that housed wooden sculptures of Athena. Also commemorated Poseidon.
PORCH OF MAIDENS: Caryatids (columns shaped like women)
Classical Ideal
Finding or portraying the “ideal” when it comes to architecture, sculpture, philosophy (often using the “perfect” mathematical proportions of a building or a person)
Doric
- Oldest order
- Described as masculine by the Greeks (more squatty)
- Less ornamentation
- No footing at base of column
- Triglyphs and metopes on frieze
Ionic
- Second oldest order
- Described as feminine by the Greeks (more slender)
- Continuous frieze (not interrupted by triglyphs and metopes)
- Footing at base of column
Corinthian
- Newest order
- Dentil
- Bases just like ionic
- Thinner columns
- Continuous frieze
- Added decorations
- MOST USED ORDER IN CURRENT GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS
Pediment
(typically doric) Triangular piece above columns that often displayed free-standing sculptures
(or “sculpture in the round”)
Frieze
(typically ionic) Slim rectangular piece above the columns that often displayed “relief sculpture” which was still attached to the building
Contrapposto
Weight on one leg and the other relaxed (natural stance in sculpture)
Metope
A square space between triglyphs in a Doric frieze
Triglyph
A tablet in a Doric frieze with three vertical grooves. Triglyphs alternate with metopes
Cella
Rooms that housed the sculptures of gods and goddesses, only used by priests because it was believed that the gods actually inhabited them
Allegory of the Cave
Plato’s story of ignorant prisoners and one man who escapes through seeking knowledge of absolute truth. His friends don’t end up recognizing him when he tries to tell them that there’s more (me talking to the world)
Socratic Method
Asking a series of questions until a contradiction is exposed
Dialectic
Investigating truth through dialogue of opposing views
- Plato’s way of trying to help readers understand deeper truths through the Socratic method
Golden Mean
Also known as the Golden Ratio or Golden Section, is a mathematical proportion often associated with aesthetic beauty and balance. It is represented by the irrational number φ (phi)
Dramatic Irony
A literary device where the audience or reader knows something that the characters in the story do not. This creates a sense of tension, suspense, or humor, as the audience anticipates the consequences of the characters’ actions based on their privileged knowledge
The Academy
(Academy -> Academics)
A famous institution in Greece, established by Plato in the 4th century BCE. It was a center for philosophical and scientific inquiry, where scholars gathered to discuss ideas and pursue knowledge
The Lyceum
An ancient Greek school of philosophy founded by Aristotle in Athens around 335 BCE. It was named after the grove (or gymnasium) in which it was located, known as the Lyceum
- Rival to The Academy
Peloponnesian Wars
Spartans accuse the Athenians after Athens break agreement. Athens engages in a series of wars with Sparta and her allies. After several waves of battles, the Spartans finally defeat the Athenians
Humanism
The focus on human potential, capabilities, self-awareness, and the glorification of the human body
Sophists
A group of traveling intellectuals and teachers who sought to persuade using rhetoric rather than seeking absolute truth
Discobolus (Discus Thrower)
Balance of restraint and motion, proportion, musculature, calm
Doryphoros (Spear Bearer)
Guy standing with weight on one leg (contrapposto) and his opposite arm up. BALANCE. Serene, timeless expression
- Sculpted by Polykleitos
Apoxyomenos (The Scraper)
REACHES FORWARD INTO SPACE (to scrape off dirt and sweat). New canon of proportions–smaller head and longer limbs. Lysippos was court sculpture for Alexander the Great.
What affect did the war with Persia have on Athenian thought and attitudes?
Fostered a strong sense of Greek identity, defense of democracy against the Persian Empire, led to many cultural achievements, and they became a naval power.
What is meant by the Classical Ideal? How do we see this portrayed in architecture, art, and philosophy of the period?
Desire for restraint (minimal movement and more balance), idealism, celebrating the human body
- Increased interest in mathematics, astronomy, philosophy, government, medicine, ethics, and art
- City-states often showed off this classical idealism in architecture
How was the human body viewed in classical Greece? How is this consistent with government and thought in classical Athens?
The human body was often idealized and celebrated as a symbol of beauty, strength, and harmony. This perspective is consistent with the philosophical and political ideals of Classical Athens, where the human form was revered as an expression of divine proportions and where DEMOCRACY valued the individual citizen’s contribution to the collective whole.
What is the symbolism of sight and blindness in Oedipus Rex?
Physical sight =/= Intellectual sight
(Oedipus vs. Tiresias)
What are the roles of fate and free will in Oedipus?
Fate was considered to be predetermined by Sophocles (the author of Oedipus). Throughout this play, prophecies are made about Oedipus and also his real father. Both of them end using their agency to try and escape their fates, but without success.
How does Oedipus Rex fit into Aristotle’s concept of a perfect tragedy?
PITY AND FEAR (emotions)
REVERSAL (180 change)
RECOGNITION (ignorance -> knowledge)
Aristotle’s concept of a perfect tragedy (that of a “better” poet) must allow us to be able to relate to the character and see ourselves making the same mistakes / having the same misfortune.
- “The change of fortune should be not from bad to good, but reversely, from good to bad.”
Oedipus exemplifies all of these
What was the context for Greek theater in the classical period? Why, where, and how were plays performed?
Greek theater was very intertwined with religion, usually performed outdoors during religious festivals and it was often a competition. Both men and women characters, but actors were all men! Masks were usually worn, and the plays often included singing
Greek plays were usually held as part of a competition during the festival of which god?
Dionysus
What were the two main types of Greek plays? How did they differ?
Tragedy:
- Mutilation (like blinding) and violent deaths were common but rarely portrayed on stage
- Often had characters that came from known Greek myths
- Setting of play usually in the past and outside of Athens
- Considered the most elevated type of drama
Comedy:
- Made up plots from scratch - not necessarily based on anything
- Usually poked fun at current events and made fun of or mocked real people
- Often contained political satire
The chorus
A major component of Greek plays was the commentary by this group of people, often accompanied by instruments and choreography
What were the Elgin Marbles (Parthenon Marbles)? What larger contemporary issue do these pieces represent?
These sculptures were taken from the Acropolis by the British and have come to represent the contemporary issue of whether or not art should be repatriated
How did Plato envision an ideal society/government? How did he view democracy?
Philosopher-Kings (rulers who are guided by wisdom, reason, and virtue because they would have a deep understanding of “The Forms”), followed by the Guardian Class of individuals who would be educated communally (not in the home), followed by a strict hierarchy and division of labor (specialization).
He critiqued democracy and claimed that art makes people governed by emotion rather than logic.
What were Plato’s Ideal Forms?
Everything we see or perceive is just an imperfect, transitory imitation of a perfect, unchanging Form.
We were acquainted with the true forms in an earlier existence. Now is just our time to obtain knowledge of what we once knew!
He believed that “The Good” is the supreme/highest form (a.k.a. GOD)
- True wisdom can only be achieved through contemplation of the Forms
How does the Allegory of the Cave help explain Plato’s ideal Forms?
Associated with Plato’s theory of knowledge.
- Sunlight: truth
- Chains: ignorance, wicked traditions, human imperfections, preoccupation with things of the world
- Shadows: our flawed perception of true knowledge
- Prisoner Who Breaks Free: philosopher/someone who sought out and found true knowledge
How did Plato view literature and theater? How did his views on the arts differ from those of Aristotle?
Plato’s view: Mistrust of art, believed it created distance from “The Forms” (TWICE REMOVED: an imitation of an imitation (ex: bed)) Censorship of poets: believed that art led to a DECREASE OF MORALS AND RESTRAINT
Aristotle’s view: Value of art, Learning From Imitation, CATHARSIS
What method did Socrates implement to discover truth? Why was this often unpopular?
Socratic Method: Asking a series of questions until a contradiction is exposed (in order to discover ABSOLUTE TRUTH). This was often unpopular because many thought that he was “denying the gods and corrupting the youth”. He wanted to make Athens better by pushing them to be better and making them think, and they didn’t like that.
How did Socrates differ from the sophists? What were some of the major tenets of Socrates’ philosophy?
Sophists were most concerned with persuasion (using rhetoric): “How can I convince someone else to agree with my perceptions of truth?”
* Modern Relativism: belief that truth is different for each person
SOCRATES, PLATO, AND ARISTOTLE SAW THIS AS A REAL THREAT TO SOCIETY!
1. Socrates believed that there are ABSOLUTE TRUTHS and that it should be our HIGHEST PRIORITY to discover what these truths are.
2. Socrates also believed that NO ONE DOES WRONG WILLINGLY. (Knowledge=Virtue, Ignorance=Vice)
3. Things become “good” or “bad” according to the wisdom with which we use them.
How did Aristotle’s approach to gaining knowledge differ from that of Plato?
Aristotle believed that knowledge comes by studying the things that exist in the world, rather than a contemplation of Plato’s Forms.
How did Aristotle view happiness? What does this have to do with teleology?
How did art of the Late Classical period differ from earlier pieces?
Smaller head, longer limbs
More emotion
More relaxed
S-Curve
More use of 3D space
Most sculptures are roman copies
Where do most of our examples of Classical Greek sculpture come from? Why? (What material did the Greeks often use for sculpture?)
Romans! The original Greek sculptures were made out of bronze, but many of the bronze statues were turned into weapons, so all that we have left are marble Roman copies of the original bronze ones.
HELLENISTIC PERIOD
(323-31 BCE)
Alexander the Great
Athens was ruled by Sparta, Thebes, and then conquered by Philip–who was assassinated. Alexander the Great (his son) becomes emperor and rules from 336-323 BCE, conquering at least 70 cities! (naming many of them Alexandria lol). Died at age 33 and did not prepare his people to maintain the land, so much of it was lost.
Laocoon
Trojan priest
Towards end of trojan war, Laocoon comes running down the hill to warn the trojans to not take the trojan horse into the city, but snakes are sent to attack him and his sons
- FAMOUS SCULPTURE MADE OF HIM
Nike of Samothrace (Winged Victory)
Probably commemorated a naval victory
Very much in motion (characteristic of Hellenistic Art)
Clothing is wet and reveals her body
Originally placed overlooking a harbor
18 feet tall!!
The Boxer
Seated boxer at rest
Looks really tired, puzzled, and many scratches and blemishes on his face. Broken nose too!
The Dying Gaul
This sculpture portrays the leader of a Barbarian tribe who has just been defeated by the Greeks and is approaching death
Unique in that there is a lot of respect created even though the Gauls were enemies
What is meant by the term “Hellenism” or “Hellenistic”? Why do we use this term to refer to this period?
“The Greek Period”
Alexander’s kingdom splits into fragments, but Greek culture still influences many of these areas. “Hellenistic” describes the continued influence and spread of Greek culture.
What are some of the common characteristics of Hellenistic art? How does Hellenistic art often differ from art of the Classical Period?
More freedom of emotion, more motion, realism, expression, and LESS RESTRAINT
