Art history midterm

What was the Italian Renaissance movement?

"rebirth", mostly Christian works because the church was a huge influence (one of the biggest patrons for artists; used art to spread propaganda because not everyone could read), humanism

What is humanism? (Italian Renaissance)

Emphasized human potential, individual achievement, learning, and the human experience.

What were some of the common visual themes in the Italian Renaissance?

Angels in red clothing, Doves used as a symbol of Jesus or a spirit, Lilys used as a symbol of virgin Mary

What is linear perspective?

Creating depth through converging lines that meet at a vanishing point in the distance.

During the Italian Renaissance, artists studied

human anatomy, proportions, light, and the physical world to create convincing figures and spaces

What were 2 Italian Renaissance artists, and one of their paintings?

Andrea Mantegna, Lamentation over the Dead Christ and Raphael, The Ansidei Madonna

Describe the importance of Lamentation over the Dead Christ by Andrea Mantegna, and why it was significant to the Renaissance.

Christ's body appears dramatically shortened because it is viewed from near the feet, the unusual viewpoint brings the viewer close to Christ's body. This was done on purpose. Renaissance artists used technical experimentation and realistic representation to intensify religious experiences.

Describe the importance of The Ansidei Madonna by Raphael, and why it was significant to the Renaissance.

The Virgin Mary and baby Jesus enthroned, with saints beside them. The vanishing point at the center of the throne to draw our eyes there. The work was created for a religious setting, demonstrating the importance of commissioned devotional art.

Linear perspective is a way of creating

space. our vision is not in linear perspective (things bend)

What was the Rococo movement?

Movement after Baroque, looks back at it, more of a Utopia; a push back against the Baroque period. More colorful, pastels and fun. Reaction against somber, moral, or religious restrictive art. Emphasis on clothing and fashion.

What were 2 famous artists of the Rococo movement and one of their paintings?

Jean-Honoré Fragonard, The Swing, François Boucher, Madame de Pompadour

Describe the importance of The Swing by Jean Fragonard, and why it was significant to the Rococo.

The light colors create an atmosphere of pleasure, while the suggestive subject matter reflects the intimacy and playfulness. It is flirty. The women is also wearing a very frilly and beautiful dress along with a hat. She is kicking her shoe off. The angel statue in front of her has its finger to his lip, secret.

Describe the importance of Madame de Pompadour by Francois Boucher, and why it was significant to the Rococo.

Delicate colors, fashionable clothing, lots of frills. Pompadour was an important patron of the arts. The portrait constructs a public image of social status and sophistication.

What was the Baroque movement?

darker colors and darker themes

Who was a famous Baroque artist?

William Hogarth

What was William Hogarth known for?

"Line of beauty" is what he called curves, rebels against linear perspective. Showed life's horrors, politically rebellious, "dark comedy".

What is composition in relation to a painting?

Grid of where things are placed in the painting. The frame of the painting in certain works helped emphasize the composition. Example: The Graham Children

What are 2 William Hogarth paintings?

Marriage a-la mode and Gin lane and beer street

Describe Marriage a-la mode and its importance to the baroque period.

"marriage of convenience", a series of paintings showing the consequences of a marriage arranged for money and social status. The series follows a couple whose arranged marriage leads to infidelity, violence, and ultimately death. There are also subtle things in the painting like the red mark, a sign associated with mercury treatment which was used to treat STDs. Hypocrisy of upper class, they are not morally superior, contrasts luxurious interiors and destructive behavior creates irony.

Describe Gin Lane + Beer Street and its importance to the baroque period.

 

Gin Lane: depicts poverty, disorder, neglect, and social breakdown. Gin consumption is associated with suffering and destructive behavior. You can see a mother dropping her baby.

Beer Street: Depicts a more prosperous and industrious community. Beer is associated with social stability, the contrast supports Hogarth's campaign against gin consumption. In this painting, the pawnbroker's shop is out of business, because people are not so desperate for money anymore.

What was the romanticism movement?

Romantic artists often emphasized emotion, dreams, and the power of nature. An early version of the Hippie movement, exploration. The Industrial Revolution influenced Romantic thought. Dramatic tone, strong contrasts between light and dark. Light.

Who was a romanticism artist and one of his paintings?

William Turner, Snow Storm: Steam-Boat off a Harbour's Mouth

William Turner was known as

the painter of light

Describe Snow Storm: Steam-Boat off a Harbour's Mouth, and it’s importance to the Romanticism movement.

Boat struggling in turbulent sea conditions. The contrast between light and dark contributes to the threatening atmosphere. The boats and waves create a sense of motion and uncertainty. The scene can evoke fear, often personal because people knew of people in the Navy or were in the Navy themselves. The painting demonstrates Romanticism's interest in nature's power and the vulnerability of people within it.

What is tone?

lights and darks

What is the name of the Industrial revolution Turner painting?

The Fighting Temeraire