Art History Flashcards

Flashcards about art history, ranging from early civilizations to contemporary art, covering various periods, styles, and key artists.

What is the Stone Age?

The period when early humans used stones for tools and survival.

What is the Hall of Bulls?

Cave paintings depicting animals with realistic details, found in Lascaux, France.

What materials and techniques were used in Paleolithic cave paintings?

Natural pigments and early spray-painting techniques (blown through reeds).

What is the Venus of Willendorf?

A small sculpture symbolizing fertility and life from the Paleolithic period.

What characterizes Neolithic Art (New Stone Age)?

Marked by permanent settlements and monumental architecture.

What is Stonehenge?

A structure in Southern England, possibly a calendar or a ritual site.

What characterized the Old Kingdom in Egyptian Art?

Religion was tied to the afterlife; pyramids and tombs were built for pharaohs.

What is the Great Pyramid of Giza?

A massive limestone structure for pharaohs' eternal rest.

What characterized the Middle Kingdom in Egyptian Art?

Political instability led to a decline in artistic progress.

What characterized the New Kingdom in Egyptian Art?

Combined old artistic styles with new influences.

What is the Bust of Queen Nefertiti?

A famous limestone sculpture showcasing naturalism and elegance.

Who is Howard Carter?

Discovered King Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922.

What is the significance of permanence and symbolism in Egyptian Art?

Used durable materials to preserve sculptures and paintings for the ka (soul) of the deceased.

What was the Amarna Revolution?

Led by King Akhenaton and Queen Nefertiti, promoting a more natural art style.

What were the key contributions of Ancient Greece?

Political ideals, poetry, drama, and philosophy.

What characterized the Geometric Period in Greek Art?

Use of geometric shapes and patterns.

What characterized the Archaic Period in Greek Art?

Focus on human figures, influenced by trade.

What characterized the Classical Period in Greek Art?

Peak of Greek sculpture and architecture.

What characterized the Hellenistic Period in Greek Art?

Emotional and realistic depictions.

What is Lacoons and His Sons?

Sculpture of a Trojan priest and his sons attacked by serpents, symbolizing divine punishment.

What are the key features of the Romans?

Master builders; preferred games over theater.

What is the Colosseum?

Amphitheater for entertainment, showcasing Roman engineering skills.

What characterized the Romanesque Period?

Inspired by the old Roman Empire, dominated by Christian themes.

What characterized the Gothic Period?

Inspired by the Goths, often described as 'barbaric'.

What were the key characteristics of Renaissance Art?

Focused on the individual and humanism, emphasizing naturalism and proportionality of the human body.

What is Mannerism (Late Renaissance)?

Reaction to Renaissance naturalism, with distorted figures and unusual colors.

What characterized Baroque Art?

Used dramatic lighting, colorful palettes, and ornamentation.

Where did Baroque Art originate?

Originated in Rome as a response to Protestantism.

What characterized Rococo Art?

Lighter, decorative, and elegant; focused on playful and romantic themes.

What characterized Neoclassicism?

Revived Greek and Roman influences in art and architecture, focused on reason, nature, and morality.