Plants in Art I

Question 1

What was mentioned in lecture as being contributing factors for the beginning of the renaissance?

Answer 1

Any of:

• Dominance of church begins to fade
• Scholars inspired by ancient knowledge
• Galileo changed our position in the universe

Question 2

During the renaissance, who were generally the patrons of painters and artists?

Answer 2

Rich clergymen and nobility, as well as wealthy merchants.

Question 3

What is Wilton Diptych’s work notable for containing?

Answer 3

The only appearance of mushrooms in medieval art!

Question 4

In most medieval artwork, how are plants depicted?

Answer 4

Laughably, as if the artists had never been outside.

Question 5

What is notable about the Portinari Altarpiece as compared to other works of the early renaissance?

Answer 5

Much more of a focus on realistic plants. Flowers are used as symbols in the painting.

Question 6

In the Portinari Altarpiece, what are some examples of plants used as symbols?

Answer 6

Any of:

• Lily = purity
• Carnation = love
• Columbine = fidelity
• Violet = sweet
• Sheaf of grass = brevity of life
• Iris = mother’s sorrow

Question 7

What is notable about David Hockney’s “portrait of an artist” (pool and two figures)?

Answer 7

It sold for more money than any other piece from a living artist ($90 mil). Like the Portinari Altarpiece, it incorporates several different points of view.

Question 8

What is notable about the Albrecht Durer’s painting “A Great Piece of Turf” (1503)?

Answer 8

It shows plants in art in an almost photorealistic way, something that had not been done before.

Question 9

How does David Hockney “paint” with a camera?

Answer 9

By composing collages of many many pictures in order to amalgamate them all into a single image. All pictures are close-ups intended to draw the viewer in.