Themes Flashcards
1
Q
Narrative
A
- What techniques to artists use to convey the message/story of a narrative painting?
- Why do artists choose certain scenes to include in their narrative?
- What is the story that the narrative is attempting to convey?
- Is the message of a narrative open to interpretation? Why or why not?
2
Q
Power & Authority
A
- How does the artist convey power and authority in the artwork?
- Does the artwork speak towards a specific audience?
- Are any elements idealized in favor of the commissioner?
- Is the artwork provide social or political commentary on authority and power?
3
Q
Nature
A
- How do artists use nature to communicate ideas in their works?
- How do the viewers react and feel towards different scenes of nature?
- How did different environments influence artists’ inspirations and painting styles?
- What is the purpose of landscape painting and the natural settings of certain works?
4
Q
Death/Afterlife
A
- Is death depicted negatively, positively, or neutrally in the artwork?
- How has the depiction of death changed over time and throughout different cultures?
- How do different groups imagine the afterlife, and how does this reflect into art?
- What images and figures are used to symbolize death and/or the afterlife, and do the images/figures have specific meaning?
5
Q
Text in Art
A
- Why did the author decide to add in that specific text ?
- What is the significance of this text?
- How does the text relate to the art piece itself
- What audience is the text written to or whom is it directed too ?
6
Q
Violence in Art
A
- What caused the artist to make the piece?
- What is taking place in the work and what is the theme of the violence?
- How does the time period in which the artist created it relate to the way the violence is depicted?
- Who is the intended audience of the work and why?
7
Q
Women
A
- How does the use of female figures in this piece reflect the social position of women at the time period in which the piece was created?
- What’s the significance of the women/woman in this work?
- How does this work reflect beauty standards for women at this time?
- How do the women in this work compare or contrast to the men?
8
Q
Contemporary Events
A
- What techniques did the artist use convey his/her stance on contemporary events.
- What effect is this work suppose to have on audiences
- Who was the intended audience for this work?
- Did the artist’s personal biases influence his/her portrayal of an historic event?
9
Q
Technological Developments
A
- What is the Technological Development?
- How does this technology differ from comparable ones that precede it?
- Why was this development mad(i.e. does it make the process easier, did it aid architecture?)
- Did this technology have a large effect on the artistic creation following its invention?
10
Q
Materials
A
- Was the material chosen for a specific reason?
- Does the material contain meaning within itself (symbolism)?
- How and for what effect has the material been manipulated by the artist?
- Does the material contribute significantly to the form of the work?
11
Q
Devotional Objects/Images
A
- What do the symbols/ objects reflect about the culture?
- How does the material and workmanship demonstrate the importance of religion?
- What emotions do the images elicit?
- How has the representation of the image changed over time?
12
Q
Sacred Spaces
A
- How does the form of sacred spaces follow the function of them?
- What people were allowed in these spaces?
- How were these spaces used?
- What materials were used to construct these spaces?
13
Q
Light
A
- Does the light in the piece help depict form?
- Is there any symbolism in how the light is placed and what tone is created by this placing?
- Why did the artist choose to light his subject this way?
- Is the light natural or behaving unnaturally?
14
Q
Portraitures and Self Portraits
A
- How do artists find different ways to portray themselves or others?
- What does the portrait say about the figures or artists ideals and what helps accentuate the purpose and significance of the piece?
- What information can portraits give us about the culture and politics of the time?
- What symbols and techniques do artists use to elaborate on who is being portrayed?
15
Q
Patronage
A
- For what reasons do people commission artwork?
- How do the patrons wishes affect the content and form of the work?
