Art History Exam 2

contrapposto

slightly twisted pose implying movement, origination in ancient Greek sculpture

congruity

harmony of the various parts of the building

Neoplatonism

rooted in the philosophy of the Greek philosophy Plato; asserts that the primeval source of being is the One and Infinite, as opposed to the many and finite. Seeks the One, or God, in the finite world of the human experience.

atmospheric perspective

objects appear to recede into view and colors become less vibrant

vanishing point

point where all orthogonal lines converge

chiaroscuro (light/dark)

naturalistic modeling using effects of light (interplay of light/dark)

terribilita

quality of heroic and awe-inspiring power characteristic of Michelangelo’s art

Hinduism

polytheistic religion, originating in India; ritual sacrifice by Brahmin priests. Purpose: please the gods, achieve release from endless cycle of suffering (life, death, rebirth). Main gods: Vishnu, Shiva, Devi.

Daoism

arose around 600 BCE. This philosophy stresses intuitive awareness, nurtured by harmonious contact with nature, and rejects everything artificial. Encourage retreat from society for personal cultivation.

Buddhism

nontheistic (no gods) spiritual philosophy founded by Prince Siddhartha Gautama (the Enlightened One) in 563 BCE. 4 Noble Truths which would lead to Nirvana (the end of suffering and cycle of birth, death, and rebirth)

Four Noble Truths

1) All life is suffering, 2) The cause of suffering is desire, 3) One can overcome and extinguish desire. 4) The way to conquer desire and overcome suffering is to follow the Buddha’s eightfold path of self-discipline and self-denial.

stupa

mound-like or hemispherical structure containing relics and used in place of meditation

Literati

intellectual government workers who gained their positions and status through education and performance

Literati painting

style that reflected the taste of education classes

seal script

name imprints typically

regular script

common during Tang Dynasty

cursive script

brush doesn’t leave paper