art history test 1 context

iberians

refers to indigneous people who lived in the eastern and southern coasts of the Iberian peninsula (absorbed cultural influences from phoenicians and greeks)

Mediterrean

very important site of cultural exchange

in 4th century AD, Romans built

impressive public structures (bridges, theaters, temples, aqueducts) as a way to display their wealth and power

People in Hispania Romana idolized 

the Roman’s lifestyle and adapted its art & customs 

Definition for art periods

• What does the term mean

• What time-frame is it referring to

• Which geography is it referring to

• What is a typical example for this definition 

Iberian art definition

1. Art created by an indigenous people that lived on the east and southern Mediterranean coast of the Hispanic peninsula. They were influenced by Greek and Phoenician culture 

2. 6th c. BC — until Spanish conquest of Spain: being 2nd century BC 

3. The east and southern Mediterranean coast of the Hispanic peninsula 

4. Lady of Elche 

iberian art time period

1. 6th c. BC — until Spanish conquest of Spain: being 2nd century BC 

iberian art geography

east and southern coast of mediterrean peninsula

iberian art example

Lady of Elche

Roman Art still to this day has influenced civilization 

Capitol Building & Rotunda (at UVA) have roman-like architecture 

Antique roman cities look like

a grid, with crossing points at religious centers 

hellenistic art

greek art

romans copied

greek art and the contrapposto

romans developed

idealism and verism in portraiture

public magnificence

impressive public architecture displaying roman wealth, power, and prestige

how was roman architecture used as propaganda

monuments celebrated roman achievements and reinforced political authority

greeks emphasized…while romans were known for

idealism, realism

1. The author, Javier Arce, writes regarding monumental architecture (e.g. theatres, bridges, triumphal arches, temples…): “The idea of public magnificence was behind the major works (…).” What does he mean by stating this?

When Javier Arce refers to "public magnificence," he means that the Romans constructed impressive public buildings to demonstrate their wealth, power, and influence. Structures such as theatres, bridges, temples, and triumphal arches served practical purposes but also acted as a form of propaganda. These monuments promoted the greatness of the Roman Empire and reminded citizens of Rome's power and achievements. They also allowed emperors and wealthy individuals to gain recognition and strengthen their authority. Overall, monumental architecture was used to improve public life while spreading Roman ideals and reinforcing Roman dominance throughout Hispania.

Regarding Roman Art in Hispania, Arce writes: “The desire to emulate –aemulatio- lifestyles in the new colonies led to imitatio [expl.: that is imitation] and the transformation of local art into visual art ‘a la Romana’.” What does this mean?

Javier Arce means that as Roman culture spread throughout Hispania, local populations wanted to imitate the lifestyles of Roman citizens. The desire to emulate Roman society (aemulatio) led people to copy Roman art, architecture, and traditions (imitatio). As a result, indigenous artistic styles gradually transformed into art that looked more Roman. This process helped spread Roman culture throughout the Iberian Peninsula, although some local artistic traditions continued to exist.

visigoth =

western goth tribe

visigoth capital

toledo

visigoth art was

a lot simpler, cartoon/comic-ish

visigoth art definition

1. Definition: Early medieval art created by the Visigoths, a Germanic people who ruled parts of the Iberian Peninsula after the decline of the Western Roman Empire. They adopted Roman cultural influences and developed Christian religious art, including stone churches, carved reliefs, and elaborate goldwork and jewelry.

2. Time frame: 409–711 AD (5th–early 8th centuries).

3. Geography: Iberian Peninsula (modern-day Spain and Portugal), especially Toledo, which became the capital of the Visigothic Kingdom.

4. Example: Votive Crown of Recceswinth (653–672 AD), made of gold and precious stones, from the Treasure of Guarrazar, now in the National Archaeological Museum in Madrid.

visigoth art

Early medieval art created by the Visigoths, a Germanic people who ruled parts of the Iberian Peninsula after the decline of the Western Roman Empire. They adopted Roman cultural influences and developed Christian religious art, including stone churches, carved reliefs, and elaborate goldwork and jewelry.

visigoth art timeframe

5th–early 8th centuries

visigoth art geography

Iberian Peninsula, especially Toledo, which became the capital of the Visigothic Kingdom.

visigoth art example

Votive Crown of Recceswinth (653–672 AD), made of gold and precious stones, from the Treasure of Guarrazar, now in the National Archaeological Museum in Madrid.

Hispano-Muslim (Al Andalus) Art definition

Definition: Art and architecture created under Muslim rule in Spain. Characterized by arches, elaborate interior decoration, geometric patterns, courtyards, and repeated architectural elements.

Time frame: 711–1492 AD (8th–15th centuries AD)

Geography: Al-Andalus (Muslim-controlled areas of the Iberian Peninsula), especially Córdoba, Seville, and Granada.

Example: Mezquita of Córdoba

al andalus art

Art and architecture created under Muslim rule in Spain. Characterized by arches, elaborate interior decoration, geometric patterns, courtyards, and repeated architectural elements.

al andalus time frame

8th–15th centuries AD

al andalus geography

Al-Andalus (Muslim-controlled areas of the Iberian Peninsula), especially Córdoba, Seville, and Granada

al andalus art example

Mezquita of Córdoba

Córdoba

Arab islamic state ruled by Umayyad dynasty 

caliphate

Muslim form of government 

Caliph

head of the Caliphate (descendant of Mohammed/early followers, endowed with political & religious powers)

Mezquita of Cordoba 

constructed from 784-987, converted into christian cathedral in 1286, became La Giralda, cathedral of seville

Early Islamic Architecture 

• Islamic buildings do not look the way they function 

• Exterior: plain (except for entrances), contrasts with exuberant decoration on the inside 

• Interior: very decorated, defined by walls, arcades, vaults 

• Floral, ornamental decoration (no images)

• Infinite repetition of bays, arches, columns without a specific center or focus 

La Alhambra 

“The red fortress”

madrid was originally founded by

islamic rulers

Mozarabs

Iberian christians who lived under Arab Islamic Rule in Al-Andalus

Mozarabic Architecture

• Plain exteriors 

• Use of columns with Corinthian capitals 

• ⁃ Use of horse-shoe arch, sometimes with alfiz 

mudéjar

name given to Moors or Muslims of Al-Andalus who remained in Iberia after the Christian Reconquista, but did not convert to Christianity 

romanesque art definition

1. Definition: A medieval Christian art and architectural style influenced by ancient Roman architecture. Characterized by semicircular arches, thick stone walls, barrel vaults, pillars, small windows, and religious sculptures and paintings.

2. Time frame: Late 10th/11th century – 12th century AD.

3. Geography: Western Europe, especially France and northern Spain, where it spread along the Way of Saint James (Camino de Santiago). 

• 4. Example: Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, Spain (construction began around 1075–1078).

romanesque art

A medieval Christian art and architectural style influenced by ancient Roman architecture. Characterized by semicircular arches, thick stone walls, barrel vaults, pillars, small windows, and religious sculptures and paintings.

romanesque art timeframe

Late 10th/11th century – 12th century AD

romanesque art geography

Western Europe, especially France and northern Spain, where it spread along the Way of Saint James (Camino de Santiago). 

romanesque art example

Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, Spain (construction began around 1075–1078).

romanesque architecture

round-headed arches, used in main entrances of church & windows 

Development of barrel vaults (for ceilings)

Columns, pillars, piers, buttresses 

Apses 

mature romanesque

Influx of Pilgrims, romanesque built big buildings (churches) to welcome them 

• ‘The French Road’ to Santiago de Compostela = Camino De Santiago

  • pilgrims passing gave more money to the churches 

• Had strong ties with ABBEY OF CLUNY (909), Benedictine Monastery 

during romanesque era

Europe was bound together for the first time in centuries through Christianity

gothic architecture

• Large clestorial windows 

• Pointed arch 

• Ribbed/rib-vault 

• Clustered columns

• Ambulatory with radiating chapels in choir 

• ⁃ Stained glass windows 

Gothic style is succeeded by

Renaissance style 

gothic art definition

1. Definition: A medieval Christian art and architectural style that developed after Romanesque art. Characterized by pointed arches, ribbed vaults, clustered columns, flying buttresses, large stained-glass windows, and tall, light-filled churches and cathedrals.

2. Time frame: Mid-12th century – late 15th century AD (sometimes into the early 16th century).

3. Geography: Originated in Île-de-France (region around Paris, France) and spread throughout Europe, including Spain.

4. Example: León Cathedral (Santa María de Regla de León), Spain, 1205–1302 AD.

gothic art

A medieval Christian art and architectural style that developed after Romanesque art. Characterized by pointed arches, ribbed vaults, clustered columns, flying buttresses, large stained-glass windows, and tall, light-filled churches and cathedrals.

gothic art timeframe

Mid-12th century – late 15th century AD

gothic art geography

Originated in Île-de-France (region around Paris, France) and spread throughout Europe, including Spain.

gothic art example

León Cathedral (Santa María de Regla de León), Spain, 1205–1302 AD.