MODULE 8: Early European Art Periods

Midterm Topic

The Classical World

Greek and Roman Civilizations aimed to embody the highest possible standard of quality in all aspects of their societies.

Both civilizations intended to promote objective and widely accepted standards for beauty.

Ancient Greece

It is known for the art, architecture and philosophy, they saw advances in art, poetry, and technology.

They were also passionate about natural phenomenon and that nature should be in perfect order.

Polis

This has became the defining feature of Greek political life for hundreds of years.

Ancient Greece

Known to excel in various fields and aspects of society such as political ideals, drama, philosophy, etc.

Man was the center of society

Concept of ancient Greece, this is how they trained their minds could be the very foundation of how they lived their lives.

Geometric Period

(4 Periods of Greek Art)

• It was when geometric shapes and patterns have taken the spotlight in most of the artworks

Archaic Period

(4 Periods of Greek Art)

• Placed importance on human figures.

• Was the result of Greece’s trading activities with other civilizations.

Classical Period

(4 Periods of Greek Art)

• Was the peak of Greek sculpture and architecture.

• Focused on rebuilding of temples and creating artworks

Hellenistic Period

(4 Periods of Greek Art)

• The time of Alexander the Great

• Art was primarily focused on showcasing emotions and depicting reality

Parthenon

This structure was a commanding example of Greek temple architecture, with its rectangular stone platform, front and back porches and rows of columns.

Ancient Roman (The Roman Empire)

This civilization grew from a small town on central Italy’s Tiber River into an empire that at its peak encompassed most of continental Europe, Britain, much of western Asia, northern Africa and the Mediterranean islands.

Romance Languages

These languages (Italian, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Romanian) were derived from Latin. A legacy of the Roman Empire.

Republican Rome

This period of the Rome supposed to have happened in 509 BCE, when the last Etruscan king Tarquinius Superbus, was overthrown.

Republican Rome

Art in this Roman Period was produced in the service of the state, depicting public sacrifices or celebrating victorious military campaigns.

Imperial Rome

The rise to power of Augustus ended the Roman Republic and started the formation of the imperial rule.

Imperial Art

• Art in Imperial Rome often hearkened back to the Classical art of the past

• “Classicizing” when used in reference to Roman art refers broadly to the influences of Greek Art.

Classicizing

These elements include smooth lines, elegant drapery, idealized nude bodies, highly naturalistic forms and balanced proportions that the Greeks had perfected over centuries of practice.

Colosseum

• This Roman structure was planned and constructed during the reign of Emperor Vespasian

• The main use was for entertainment purposes and the structure was a concrete manifestation of Roman builder’s craftmanship which focused on logical organization of the entire edifice.

Ancient Greece

This civilization had a huge impact in the formation of Roman culture such as the plays and drama.

Roman Aqueducts

• First developed in 312 BC.

• This roman feat of engineering enabled the rise of cities by transporting water to urban areas, improving public health and sanitation.

Roman Cement/Concrete

This material was part of the reason roman buildings such as the Colosseum and Roman Forum are still standing strong to this day.

Roman Arches

These are used to build strong bridges and buildings, evenly distributing the weight throughout the structure.

Roman Roads

• The most advanced road in the ancient world, enabled the Roman Empire.

• It was over 1.7 million square miles at the pinnacle of its power - to stay connected