The Influences of Greek Architecture - Assignment Example

ART Discuss the influences of Greek architecture and sculpture on the Roman arts. The different forms of art in Greece and Rome are very similar. The question of defining the differences in architecture, sculpture and visual art forms between Greece and Rome can be considered rhetorical but it can be considered that there are more similarities due to the fact that they belong to the same European religion and thus the two cultures are influencing each other. There is one main point that can be considered as the main difference between the two countries, which is the form of government. Greece is democratic and the culture specifically during the area of the rise of art is based on freedom held by the people during the Athenian period. On the other hand, Rome is based on aristocratic and hierarchical form of government and society. Elner, J. and Meyer, M. (2014). Art and Rhetoric in Roman Culture. Cambridge University Press. 2. Explain the three different techniques of hand-built pottery, as well as, wheel-thrown pottery. Explain and define: slip, glaze, leather hard, green ware, bisque, and kiln. The two types of pottery are hand-built and wheel-thrown pottery. There are 3 techniques in making hand-built potter namely pinch pot, coil pot, and slab pot techniques. Pinch pot technique is undertaken by kneading the clay and then shaping it into different potteries such as bowl, dish, cup, etc. The coil pot technique is achieved by making long, round clips of clay and then these are coiled and stacked to achieve the desired shape. The third technique is the slap pot which is used to make clay boxes and other geometric forms and shapes. Advanced or complicated shapes can be achieved through the combination of the techniques. The other type of pottery is the wheel-thrown pottery which uses a potter’s wheel to be able to form shapes. The use of the said tool is a needed skill thus it is the primary requirement in using this method. Another important skill is to know the amount of water to use in making the pottery. This water suspension is referred to as the slip. The pottery glaze seals and waterproofs the pottery and undertaken after the first firing process that hardens the clay. Another term important in pottery is leather-hard which means a stage wherein the pottery is considerably hard but still workable. This stage is included in the greenware stage of pottery process which is prior to being put in the kiln or the baking apparatus. Pottery at this stage is also called bisque. Ebay (2014). What are the Different Techniques Used to Create Pottery. Available from: http://www.ebay.co.uk/gds/What-Are-the-Different-Techniques-Used-to-Create-Pottery-/10000000177634126/g.html 3. Compare and contrast the functions and themes of art in the Mesopotamian and Egyptian civilizations. Analyze the reasons for the differences and similarities between them. The Egyptian and Mesopotamian civilizations are included in the earliest human civilizations with very distinct culture and art forms. The Mesopotamian civilization originated near the Tigris-Euphrates River while the Egyptian civilization originated near the Nile River. They both have a society based on religious beliefs. This can clearly be seen in their art wherein the deities and gods are depicted and given importance. In the ancient art of Egypt, the gods are usually depicted as the largest part of any painting and is drawn based on power and not perspective. The importance of religion in art in the Mesopotamian civilization can be seen in the role of the priest and religious leaders in the making of art. The main difference between the two civilizations is that the Egyptians have a more strict social and political system wherein the position of every person in the society is the main priority. This kind of strict caste can even be observed in the different art forms where the leaders and the important people in society are depicted larger than other people and next in size to the gods. This kind of system also hindered the continuous growth of the Egyptian society to the present era. The Mesopotamian civilization although not present in the present era gave way to numerous countries with their distinctive culture and art forms. Guisepi, R. (2015) Egypt and Mesopotamia Compared. Available from: http://history-world.org/egypt_and_mesopotamia_compared.htm 4. Explain several reasons that stained glass is considered the most glorious aspect of the Gothic cathedrals. Explain the process of how the glass would be made and how tracery would be used to create images. The stained glass is considered as the most important part of Gothic cathedrals due to the fact that it initiated the growth of Gothic architecture which during that time is mainly propelled by the need to develop structures that can showcase the stained glass technology such as pointed arches, rib vaults and flying buttresses. The development of architectural structures during that time was from the trend in intricacies to the more defined and symmetrical Gothic style. The stained glass was known to shown glorious images of culture, history and religion which can be understood even by people who cannot read. The pieces of glass fitted to each lead frame is the most glorious and visible representation of the Gothic art. Study Website (2015). Gothic Sculpture and Stained Glass Windows: Characteristics & Style. Available from: http://study.com/academy/lesson/gothic-sculpture-and-stained-glass-windows-characteristics-style.html 5. Considering the art of the Middle Ages, give examples of art forms that had more of a secular purpose as opposed to sacred, and select one example to discuss in detail. During the Middle Ages, people are educated and can read for that matter visual art is used for teaching. Secular art forms are less common since most artworks are religious in nature. The main objective for painting sculpture is to teach the people specifically about religion. Art forms that can be classified as secular are the performances during medieval festivals. The costumes and masks are artworks on their own in addition to the performances these entertainers and artists present. Examples of Middle Ages art are found in frescos in churches and city hall, which are common in cities across the European region. Thompson, S. (2015). Describe the Importance of Religion in Society During the Middle Ages. Available from: http://classroom.synonym.com/describe-importance-religion-society-during-middle-ages-23725.html 6. Compare and contrast Romanesque and Gothic styles, citing specific structures to illustrate your points. There are different points that can be used to compare the Romanesque and the Gothic art. These differences can very well be seen in architecture. For example the St. Sernin in Toulouse, France is a Romanesque structure, while the Chartres Cathedral in France is built using the Gothic style of architecture. Upon analysis, there are different points in construction such as the radiating chapels and apse have separate compartments for the Romanesque which these are unified and unbroken in the Gothic architecture. Gothic cathedrals are solely groin-vaulted while Romanesque cathedrals can be barrel-vaulted or groin-vaulted. The most observable difference is the arch type which are rounded for the Romanesque and pointed for the Gothic cathedrals. Romanesque cathedrals also have small windows, of modest height with elongated and abstract solid and minimal decorations. The Gothic cathedrals have large windows with stained-glass, soaring structures and ornate sculptures and decorations of more realistic proportions and features. Palomar Edu Site (2015). Romanesque vs. Gothic Architecture. Available from: http://www2.palomar.edu/users/mhudelson/StudyGuides/RmnsqvsGothic_WA.html 7. Identify the artists, the media/techniques, and the subjects of these works. Then discuss at least three ways in which these works can be considered as transitions or bridges between typical medieval styles of painting and early Renaissance styles. The first image is entitled The Entry into Jerusalem by Duccio di Buoninsegna made in 1308-11. It is painted as a Maesta or altar piece using tempera on wood measuring 100 x 57 cm. The painting showed advance techniques in terms of the realistic presentation of the landscape which is one of the reasons that this is one of the artworks that can be considered to have paved the way for the Renaissance art. Mike, C. (2015). Holy Week with Duccio: The Entry into Jerusalem. Internet Monk. Available from: http://www.internetmonk.com/archive/duccio-entry Web Gallery of Art (2015) Duccio di Buoninsegna. Available from: http://www.wga.hu/html_m/d/duccio/maesta/verso_1/verso01.html This artwork is the Lamentation by Giotto in 1305-1306. This 7’7” x 7’9” fresco represents the mourning of the body of Christ where figures in the foreground hold the body to prevent it from touching the ground. The figures in the foreground have halos representing different religious characters related to Jesus Christ while in the background the people observing represent ordinary people. A group of angels are flying in the upper part of the painting framed the lines of the landscape and mountain ridge that pull the attention to the body. The techniques used in this painting also propelled the period towards Renaissance art. Art Museum (2015). Lamentation by Giotto. Available from: http://www.artmuseums.com/giotto.htm#.VTWhPdJVikp 8. Consider da Vinci’s Last Supper and Tintoretto’s The Last Supper. These paintings depict the same biblical event in very different ways. Compare the two styles and the interpretations of this event by each artist. Identify and comment upon the formal elements and principles of design as they relate to the styles of these works. The Last Supper had many interpretations but that of Leonardo da Vinci and Tintoretto are considered the most known. The Last Supper painted by da Vinci is described to be simple but full of emotional impact since it was able to capture the tension in the scenario regarding the betrayal of one of the apostles. It is also made a century earlier than that of Tintoretto which made the Last Supper painting during the high time of the Renaissance. For that matter his techniques in terms of capturing the light and focusing it to the image of Jesus Christ had been very successful. Although it is not right to compare the works of two artists it can be viewed in the perspective that da Vinci is one of the few masters who can express such an emotion successfully in his era while Tintoretto flourished in the time when there is a comparatively more advanced techniques in visual arts and in the era wherein artistic expression is encouraged. Britannica (2015) Leonardo da Vinci: The Last Supper. Available from: http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/336408/Leonardo-da-Vinci/59781/The-Last-Supper#ref360259 Britannica (2015) Western painting: The High Renaissance in Venice. Available from: http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/438648/Western-painting/69552/The-High-Renaissance-in-Venice#ref582729 Read More