Unit 3 Monumental Architecture

Taj Mahal

Agra, India; 1632-53; Mughal Empire; mausoleum for Mumtaz Mahal; represents religious/cultural syncretism through its Islamic, Hindu, and indigenous influences

Sistine Chapel

Vatican City (within Rome, Italy); 1508-12; Holy Roman Empire; frescoes represented new era of European history because they inspired many aspiring artists to incorporate elements of Michelangelo's art into their own work (ex. poses of featured prophets and sibyls)

Ryōanji

Kyoto, Japan; 16-17th centuries; Tokugawa Shogunate; famous for its meditative rock garden; illustrates religious syncretism through its Shinto and Zen Buddhist influences

Versailles (Palace)

France; 1664-1710; legitimized Louis XIV's rule because it shifted the gov't stronghold away from the nobles who resided in Paris, portrayed military might through paintings, and linked the king to great innovators of the past through classical architecture; illustrates absolutism because nobles were forced to reside in both Paris & Versailles (check placed on them but not on king) and art compared Louis XIV to Apollo (Sun King ~ Sun God)

Suleymaniye Mosque

Istanbul, Turkey; 16th century; Ottoman Empire; looks like Hagia Sophia because Ottomans converted the church into a mosque but built this new mosque to create a completely Islamic place of worship and to undermine Holy Roman emperor; illustrates power of Suleiman the Magnificent and his empire because he paraded through the city surrounded by Janissaries to reach the mosque and inspired awe of the building itself and the ceremonies that took place within

Forbidden City

Beijing, China (micro-city); 1368-1911; Ming/Qing Dynasties; legitimized emperors' rule because social hierarchy/patriarchy determined who could enter the city (ex. outer court reserved for men and inner court reserved for emperor); additionally, religion played a role (Buddhist/Daoist temples built during Ming and Shamanic structures added during Qing)

Qing Imperial Portrait

China; 1644-1911; Qing Dynasty; legitimized emperors' rule because ceremonies were very important and paintings emphasized filial piety; additionally, belief systems played a role (accomplishments as Confucian scholars were promoted so that public would support them)

Jahangir Preferring a Sufi Shaikh to Kings

India; 1615-18; Mughal Empire; portrait legitimizes and glorifies emperor because he is the largest figure depicted, he has a large halo that shows his honorability, he prefers visiting with holy men than with kings, and he is superior to other kings due to his spiritual inclination