Introduction to Art and Sculpture Principles

These flashcards cover key definitions and concepts related to art and sculpture principles discussed in the lecture notes.

What is the definition of art?

The visual expression of an idea or experience.

To put art in context answers the questions of Who, What, When, Where, and Why.

Context.

What is the most basic element of art?

Line.

What sparked the Renaissance?

The search for lost classical knowledge and renewed interest in Greek and Roman ideas (Humanism).

What was thrown into the flames of the Bonfire of the Vanities?

Makeup, art, and books.

Michaelangelos David not only depicts the Biblical figure, but also represents the people of Florence

Florence’s independence and Opposition to the Medici

Michaelangelo hated painting the Sistine Chapel because…

He saw himself as a sculptor and felt forced by the Pope.

What is a set of rules and measurements for sculpting?

Canon of Proportion.

What is a relief sculpture?

A sculpture carved into a flat surface.

Why was the sculpture of Marcus

Aurelius spared by the early Christians and not melted down because they thought it was Jesus.

False; They thought it was Constantine

The only reason the sculpture survived was that early Christians thought it was Jesus. True or False?

False.

What is meant when one is “stoic” Check all that apply.

Does not let emotion affect judgement; Acts rational when making decisions

The fact that Greek artists sculpted people in perfect proportions attests to the philosophy of____

Idealism

Early Greek sculptures that were unidentified males are called Kore Sculptures

Kouros.

The appearance of this sculpture is described as static. True or False?

True.

What is the balance of this image

Asymmetrical.

What did Constantine’s Edict of Milan change about Christianity?

It no longer viewed any religion as a crime.

Why are Constantine’s eyes depicted as large and stylized?

Looking to the Heaven and future of Rome

The City of Rome fell to the Visigoths in 410 A.D., marking the beginnings of the middle-ages.

Why?

Much information and building knowledge was lost or destroyed

What were the functions of the Colosseum?

Gladiator battles, execution of criminals, and animal sacrifices.

Who built the Colosseum?

The Romans.

In the sculpture of Marcus Aurelius, what does the rider and horse represent?

Rider is relaxed and horse is powerful

During the Era of Recognition, early Christians focused on ______ and _____

Building churches/cathedrals and preserving/translating scriptures.

In regards to the appearance of the image, which answer best describes the image?

Non-objective. You can’t tell what it is at all

Examples of media include what?

Paint on canvas, marble sculpture, collage, ceramic.

What is the principle of weight shift in sculpture called?

Contrapposto.

What is the likely intention of the Venus of Willendorf?

Fertility figure.

What are examples of rhythm within an image?

Orange streaks in clouds and repeating waves.

What building information was notably lost during the chaos of the Middle Ages?

The recipe for concrete.

What are holy objects important to early Christians called?

Relics.

How did Romans achieve lifelike portrait busts?

Using molds and death masks.

What is fresco painting?

Painting on wet plaster.

What is the difference between relief sculpture and sculpture in the round?

Relief is attached to a background, while sculpture in the round is fully 3D.

What is the difference between additive and subtractive sculpture?

Additive means adding material; subtractive means carving away material.

What is Humanism in art?

Focus on human potential and classical revival.

What is the difference between Realistic, Abstract, and Non-objective art?

Realistic looks real, abstract is distorted but recognizable, and non-objective has no reference to reality.

What is a medium in art?

The material used to create art.

What are the basic elements of art?

Line, color, shape, texture, value, space, balance, rhythm, etc.

The fact that Greek artists sculpted people in perfect proportions attests to the philosophy of (TYPE ANSWER)

Idealism

The following sculpture is from the Hellenistic period. Characteristics of Hellenistic Art are? (TYPE)

Emotional and Dramatic

What happened to most of the Roman bronze sculptures during the Middle Ages? (TYPE)

They were melted down

This item below is known as______? (TYPE)

Illuminated Manuscript

Since the image contains mainly blue and orange, the color scheme is… (TYPE)

Complementary