Comprehensive Art History: Prehistoric to Renaissance Periods

What does prehistoric art refer to?

All artworks produced by ancient men before the existence of culture and writing.

What is cave painting?

Parietal art involving the application of color pigments on rock surfaces.

What is the Paleolithic Period also known as?

The Old Stone Age, characterized by primitive cave artworks created with stone tools.

What is the Neolithic Period also known as?

The New Stone Age, when humans began to develop culture and change their lifestyles.

What defines Classical art?

Art from Greece and Rome, emphasizing ideals from classical antiquity.

What is Classicism in the arts?

A movement favoring the classical period as a standard for taste and imitation.

Name a famous work from the Classical period.

The Parthenon temple.

What distinguishes Roman art?

Practicality and utility in art and architecture, including structures like aqueducts and public baths.

How did Greek art differ from Roman art?

Greek art was idealistic and imaginative, while Roman art was practical and focused on utility.

What is Greco-Roman culture?

A blend of Greek, Hellenistic, and Roman cultural elements, often referred to as classical civilization.

What characterizes Medieval art?

Art commissioned by the Christian Church or secular leaders, often created by monks.

What is Gothic architecture?

A style that began in the 12th century in France, characterized by light, graceful structures.

What are the key features of Byzantine architecture?

Massive domes, square bases, rounded arches, and extensive use of glass mosaics.

What types of art were prominent in the Medieval period?

Illuminated manuscripts, metalworks, heraldry, ceramics, mosaics, and sculptures.

What does the term Renaissance mean?

Rebirth, marking the period from the 14th to the 17th century that linked the Middle Ages to modern history.

What is the significance of the Early Renaissance?

It began in Tuscany and revived ancient forms and content, borrowing from Roman history and mythology.

What defines the High Renaissance?

The peak of Renaissance art where classical ideals and techniques of realism were fully implemented.

What is Mannerism?

An art style that emerged in the Late Renaissance characterized by unnatural displays of emotion and exaggerated forms.

Name a notable artist from the Renaissance period.

Donatello.

What is the 'Merode Altarpiece'?

A famous painting by Robert Campin from the Medieval period.

What is the significance of the Colosseum in Rome?

An iconic example of Roman engineering and architecture.

What architectural style is Notre Dame de Paris an example of?

Gothic architecture.

What is the 'Winged Victory of Samothrace'?

A famous Hellenistic sculpture representing victory.

What does the term 'Romanesque' refer to?

A style of medieval architecture characterized by semi-circular arches and robust structure.

What is the 'Artemision Bronze'?

A significant ancient Greek bronze statue, exemplifying classical art.

What is the 'Saturn Devouring His Son'?

A painting by Francisco Goya that reflects the darker themes of human experience.