Study guide

What is the content of the Venus of Willendorf?

The Venus of Willendorf is a prehistoric statuette characterized by exaggerated female features, likely symbolizing fertility and femininity.

What does the term “prehistory” mean?

Prehistory refers to the period of human history before the invention of written records.

What are three periods that occur during the Stone Age?

The three periods of the Stone Age are the Paleolithic, Mesolithic, and Neolithic.

What happened around 11,000 BCE?

Around 11,000 BCE, the last Ice Age was ending, leading to significant climatic changes and the beginnings of agriculture in various regions.

Why are lions used as guardian figures?Why are lions used as guardian figures?

They are used because they look like their eyes are open when they’re asleep.

Why are the eyes so large on the statues from the Abu Temple from Tell Asmar?

The large eyes on the statues are believed to represent a state of eternal watchfulness, and because they are in the presence of divinity.

What is the content of the carved vase from Uruk?

The carved vase from Uruk features a narrative of agricultural and ritual activities, showcasing the importance of fertility and the bounty of the land.

The Victory Stele of Naram Sim shows the divine relationship rulers have with the gods

Explain 3 components that reinforce this

• Amulet

• 2 stars

• Born cap of divinity

• Hierarchical scale

• Right arm exposed

Egyptian religion/ beliefs were centered around what three phenomenon?

• Rising osun

• Moon

• Flooding of the Nile

What is the major change that happens during the Amarna period and how was that reflected in the art?

The major change during the Amarna period was the shift to monotheism centered around the worship of Aten. This was reflected in the art through more naturalistic depictions, less emphasis on traditional gods, and a focus on domestic scenes and the royal family.

Describe different coloring between religious and non religious work? What work of art is not religious?

Religious artwork can only use 6 colors while non religious pieces have no restrictions. A non religious piece of art is Nebamun hunting birds.

What was the stylistic convention used in relief sculpture and painting to show the human figure by ancient Egyptians?

• Proflile legs,head

• Front facing eyes, chest, torso

Why are some artworks created naturalistic while others idealized? Give 2 examples

The hierarchical scale indicates that the higher clothe class the note idealized and the lower the class the more naturalistic you would be depicted. As examples seated statue of kahfree is of the pharaoh and very idealized as opposed to the seated scribe which is more naturalistic.

What were the 3 Aegean civilizations?

The three Aegean civilizations are the Minoan civilization, the Mycenaean civilization, and the Cycladic civilization.

What is the content of the boxing children?

Coming of age ritual

What are the characteristics of the Aegean artwork?

• More dynamic

• Freedom of movement

• Strong diagonal

• Curvilinear

Explain the constitution method of the Mycenaeans using 3 vocab terms

• Post and lental

• Corbel construction

• Reliving triangle

The representation of more important figures as larger and centrally located is called?

Hierarchical scale

Describe a trithilion and the construction method behind it?

Post and lental

What was the earliest form of writing?

Curveiform

What type of construction is used in Stonehenge?

Post and lental

What is the difference between buen fresco and fresco secco ?

Buen fresco is wet on wet, fresco secco is wet on dry

Medium

Limestone

What is the medium?

serpentine

What is the medium of the Palette of Narmer?

Slate

Medium

Gypsum and plaster

Date

1792-1750

Date

15000-1300

Date

1500

Date

1650-1500

Date

3500-3000