Art History Test#1

Venus of Willendorf

Who: Unknown

What: Small limestone figure of a female

When: 25,000 BCE

Where: Willendorf Austria

Why: Connected to fertility, motherhood, or female identity. Her exaggerated body and lack of a face or feet may show that the artist wanted to focus on fertility and the female body rather than a specific individual. This moved around because the people that made his were notmatic

Hall of Bulls

Who: Paleolithic Humans

What: Cave paintings showing bulls, horses and other animals

When: 17,000

Where: Lascaux, France

Why: Tells us about hunting, rituals, and paleolithic people. One of the earliest examples of cave painting. Discovered completely intact in the 1940s in France. The original Lascaux cave is closed to the public to protect the paintings. Now there is a closed entrance/door system that helps control the cave's environment.

Victory Stele of Naram-Sin

Who: Unknown but made for Naram-Sin

What: Limestone showing Naram-Sin and his army defeating enemies

When: 2000 BCE

Where: Akkadian Empire

Why: The Victory Stele of Naram-Sin shows Naram-Sin defeating his enemies in battle. It celebrates his military victory and success as a ruler. Naram-Sin is shown much larger than the other people to show that he is the most important. He wears a horned helmet, making him appear almost god-like. The artwork shows Naram-Sin as a powerful and victorious leader.

Palette of King Narmer

Who: Egyptian Artist

What: Carved stone palette showing Narmer's victory and bringing together of Upper and Lower Egypt

When: 3000 BCE

Where: Egypt

Why: Shows Narmer as a powerful king and celebrates the joining of lower and upper of Egypt. He is bigger than everyone to show how he is the most powerful and most important. It is a makeup palette. Used to put makeup on for cermonal accasions. Not used everyday because it is so big. One of the oldest Egyptian pieces found which helps show the consistency of Egyptian Art.

Great Pyramids of Giza

Who: Built under the pharaohs Khufu, Khafre (biggest), and Menkaure

What: Three large pyramids/tombs built for Egyptian pharaohs

When: 2500 BCE

Where: Giza, Egypt

Why: They were built as royal tombs to protect the pharaohs and support their journey into the afterlife. Khufu is Khafre’s father and he has his pyramid built at a higher step so it looks bigger. This is meant to be like a flex on his dad.

House Altar of Akhenaten and Nefertiti

Who: Egyptian artist

What: A small limestone relief showing the royal family worshiping the sun god Aten and also shows couple playign with their kids

When: 1300 BCE

Where: Ancient Egypt

Why: Shows the royal family's worship of Aten and the religious changes introduced by Akhenaten and also new type of art with showing couple playing with kids. Amarna period where art became more casual and not “realistic”

Model Bust of Queen Nefertiti

Who: Thutmose

What: Painted limestone bust of Queen Nefertiti

When: 1300 BCE

Where: Ancient Egypt

Why: New idea of beauty looking way more naturalistic and like the sculpture is like lifelike. This piece was looted so it moved to Germany.

Exekias

Who: Exekias

What: A painted ceramic storage vessel showing Ajax and Achilles playing a board game

When: 500 BCE

Where: Ancient Greece

Why: Ajax is looking much more sus and ready to attack (gripping spears tight)

New York Kouros

Who: Greek Artist

What: Marble statue of a young nude male

When: 600 BCE

Where: Ancient Greece

Why: Used as to put at a grave to honor and remember the dead (looks like the ideal man)

Doryphoros (spear bearer)

Who: Polykleitos

What: Statue of an idealized young male athlete/warrior

When: 500 BCE

Where: Ancient Greece

Why: Naturalism became part of what Greek artists considered ideal beauty. Polykleitos wrote a book called the Canon explained his ideas about ideal human proportions how different parts of the body should be measured and balanced to create the perfect human figure. There are many copies because the piece is so perfect.

Who: Ictinus and Callicrates

What: The Parthenon

When: 500 BCE

Where: Athens, Greece

Why: The Parthenon was built as a temple to honor Athena, the patron goddess of Athens. It showed how important Athena was to the people of Athens. The large and beautiful building also showed the wealth and power of Athens. It was built after the Greeks defeated the Persians, so it also represented Athens’ strength and success. The Parthenon showed both the religious and political importance of Athens. Built during the Golden age where they were very sucessful.

Pergamon Altar

Who: Greek Artist

What: A huge U-shaped alter cover in dramatic sculptures

When: 200 BCE

Where: Pergamon, Turkey

Why: The Pergamon Altar was built as a religious altar to honor the Greek gods. Its sculptures show the mythological battle between the Olympian gods and the Giants. The gods are shown defeating the Giants, representing order defeating chaos. The dramatic and emotional sculptures show the Hellenistic interest in movement and strong emotion. The victory of the gods also symbolized Pergamon’s own military victories over its enemies.

Nike (Winged Victory) of Samothrace

Who: Greek Artist

What:

When: 200 BCE

Where: Samothrace, Greece

Why: 30 tons Marble statue of Nike, the Greek goddess of victory. Nike of Samothrace was created to celebrate a military victory. Nike is the Greek goddess of victory, so she represents winning and success. She is shown standing on the front of a ship, connecting the statue to a naval victory. Her wings are spread and her clothing looks like it is blowing in the wind, making her look like she has just landed. The dramatic movement and emotion are examples of the Hellenistic style.

Augustus of Primaporta

Who: Roman Artist

What: Marble statue of Augustus as a powerful military leader (raising right hand as if addressing troops)

Where: Ancient Rome, Italy

When: 20 BCE

Why: First emperor of Rome after the republic. Over life size full body sculpture. It is Contrapposto, where he standing with their weight mostly on one leg, while the other leg is relaxed making him it feel relaxed and balanced. Shows the political ideology of the Augustan era by presenting Augustus as a powerful, victorious, ideal ruler who brought peace and stability to Rome.

The Colosseum

Who: Roman Architects

What: A huge amphitheater used for public entertainment, including gladiator fights, animal hunts, and other spectacles
When: 50 BCE

Where: Rome, Italy

Why: The Colosseum was built to provide entertainment for the people of Rome. It was used for gladiator fights, animal hunts, and other large public spectacles. These events were often free, allowing many people to attend. The Colosseum also showed the wealth, engineering, and power of the Roman Empire. It helped emperors gain popularity by giving the people exciting public entertainment

The Pantheon

Who: Marcus Agrippa

What: A Roman temple with a huge dome and a circular interior

When: 100 BCE

Where: Rome, Italy

Why: The Pantheon was built as a temple to honor the Roman gods. It was used for religious worship and ceremonies. Its huge dome and oculus showed the advanced engineering skills of the Romans. The oculus lets sunlight into the building, creating a connection between the temple and the heavens. The impressive building also showed the power and greatness of the Roman Empire.

Tlatilco Figurine with Two Faces

Who: Unknown

What: Small clay figure of a human with two faces. It has a single body but two faces

When: 1000 BCE

Where: Tlatilco, Mexico

Why: The figurine is important because it shows that Tlatilco artists were making objects that may have had religious or symbolic meanings, rather than simply trying to make realistic portraits

Olmec Colossal HeadsOlmec Colossal Heads

Who: Olmec artist

What: Huge stone heads carved from basalt, showing human faces with helmets

When: 500 BCE

Where: Olmec civilization, Gulf Coast of Mexico

enemies

Why: The really big heads are meant to frighten enemies that come through and to demand respect. Meant to represent important Olmec rulers or leaders. Their enormous size also shows the power and importance of the people they represent.

Who: Teotihuacan civilization

What: Teotihuacan

When: 100 BCE

Where: Central Mexico

Why: Teotihuacan was a major religious and political center in ancient Mexico and is where gods lived. The Avenue of the Dead ran through the city and connected important buildings and religious areas. Huge pyramids, temples, and plazas were built along the avenue for religious and public activities. The Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon showed the power and importance of the city. Overall, the planned city and enormous buildings showed the organization, religion, and power of the Teotihuacan civilization.

Shang Dynasty Ewer

Who: Chinese Artist

What: A vessel used to pour liquids, probably for ritual purposes

When: 1000 BCE

Where: Ancient China

Why: Ceremonial pitcher used for ancestor worship. Warm wine went iside. It was used in rituals to honor ancestors and communicate with the spirit world. It is made out of bronze which symbols wealth and power. The decoration on it is like a magical world of monstrous animals where people are being consumed.

Who: Unknown

What: Tomb of the Marquis Yi

When: 500 BCE

Where: Zeng State, China

Why: The tomb was built to honor Marquis Yi and prepare him for the afterlife. The tomb contained many valuable objects, including bronze bells, weapons, and musical instruments. These objects were meant to provide Marquis Yi with what he needed in the afterlife. The large number of objects also showed his wealth, power, and high social status.

Who: Chinese Artist

What: Mogao Caves

When: 500 BCE

Where: Dunhuang, China

Why: The Mogao Caves were created as a place for Buddhist worship and meditation. The caves contain paintings and sculptures of Buddha, bodhisattvas, and Buddhist stories. These artworks helped people learn about and understand Buddhist beliefs. The caves were located along the Silk Road, so travelers and merchants helped spread Buddhism and other cultures through the area. Overall, the Mogao Caves show the importance and spread of Buddhism in China.

Great Buddha Hall

Who: Emperor of Japan

What: A huge Buddhist temple hall that houses the Great Buddha (Daibutsu)

When: 700 CE

Where: Nara, Japan

Why: Built to house and honor the Great Buddha and promote Buddhism and peace in Japan. Central of Buddhism in Japan. Where it is becoming the state religion of Japan at the time. Buddha is is made out of bronze and copper. When it was built it took all of the available copper in Japan. During the war the temple was burnt down and it was rebuilt.

Nintoku mausoleum

Who: Unknown

What: A huge keyhole-shaped burial mound (kofun) surrounded by trenches

When: 500 CE

Where: Osaka, Japan

Why: It was built as a tomb for Emperor Nintoku and court. The key shape represents the highest class of who is buried in it showing his importance. Circled by moats which makes this place closed to visitors so not anyone can just access it. It is surrounded by all sides from an urban environment.

Who: Roman Artist

What: Portrait of the Four Tetrarchs

When: 300 CE

Where: Roman Empire

Why: The sculpture shows four Roman rulers who shared control of the Roman Empire. Rome was too big to be run by 1 ruler, so they had 4. The four rulers are shown embracing each other to show that they are united and work together. They are dressed as soldiers, showing that they are strong leaders who protect the empire. Their similar appearance shows that the rulers are equal and part of the same system. Overall, the sculpture was meant to show the unity and stability of the Roman Empire.

Who: Byzantine Emperor Justinian I

What: Hagia Sophia

When: 500 CE

Where: Constantinople

Why: A huge Christian church with a massive dome. The enormous dome made the building feel heavenly and connected to God. Showed the power and wealth of Emperor Justinian. The beautiful mosaics and decorations helped create a religious atmosphere. It was meant to promote Christianity in Byzantine

San Vitale Church

Who: Unknown

What: Christian church with a large dome and famous pictures made out of tiny pieces of colored glass and stone inside San Vitale showing Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora

When: 500 CE

Where: Ravenna, Italy, Byzantine Empire

Why: To promote Christianity and show the power of the Byzantine Empire and Justinian

Who: Prophet Abraham and his son Ishmael

What: Kabba

When: Unknown

Where: Mecca, Saudi Arabia

Why: A large cube-shaped sacred building and the holiest site in Islam. Muslims face toward the Kaaba when they pray, making it an important center of Islamic worship. Muslims also travel to the Kaaba during the Hajj pilgrimage. During Hajj, pilgrims walk around the Kaaba seven times as part of their religious rituals.

Who: Caliph Abd al-Malik

What: Dome of the Rock

When: 700 CE

Where: Jerusalem

Why: The Dome of the Rock was built as an important Islamic shrine in Jerusalem. It was built over the sacred rock that is traditionally associated with Muhammad’s Night Journey and Ascension to Heaven. The building honors this important event in Islamic tradition. Its large golden dome and beautiful decorations also show the importance and power of Islam.

Great Mosque (Masjid-e Jameh)

Who: Unknown

What: A large mosque used for Muslim prayer and worship. It has a large courtyard and domes

When: 700 CE

Where: Isfahan, Iran

Why: To provide a major place for Muslim worship and show the importance and beauty of Islamic architecture

Who: Irish Monks

What: Book of Kells

When: 800 CE

Where: Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland

Why: The Book of Kells was created by Christian monks to spread and celebrate Christianity. It contains the four Gospels of the New Testament. The monks decorated the pages with colorful patterns, animals, people, and large letters. The detailed decorations made the Bible more beautiful and showed how important the Christian stories were. The most known page is Chi Rho Page.

Who: Gislebertus

What: Last Judgment, Tympanum

Where: Autun, France

When: 1000 CE

Why: A stone tympanum (the semicircular space above a doorway) showing the Last Judgment. The Last Judgment shows Jesus judging people after they die. People who are saved are shown going to Heaven, while others are sent to Hell. The scene shows angels and demons separating and judging the souls. The artwork was placed above the church doorway so people would see it when entering the church. There is a heaven side where they look up and praise the lord then a hell side where they are shriveled up and is meant to scare people to make them more faithful.

Who: Abbot Sugar

What: Church of St. Denis

Where: St. Denis, France

When: 1000 CE

Why: An important Gothic church that is meant to feel like heaven on earth inside. It used features like pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and large stained-glass windows. These features allowed more light to enter the church and created a bright, heavenly feeling. Birth place of Gothic architecture and was also the birth place of the royal family in Paris