Western and Classical Art Traditions

Vocabulary flashcards covering the characteristics, major works, and architectural styles of Ancient Egyptian and Greek art traditions as discussed in the lecture.

Functions of Art

Art can function as an artifact, as a political or social weapon, as entertainment, and as Therapy.

Ancient Art

Artworks created by early civilizations from the beginning of human history up to around the fall of major ancient empires, roughly before $500\,\text{AD}$.

Classical (Specific Period)

A term applied to art and music from a specific history period ($1750$-$1820$) characterized by aesthetics created by ancient Greeks and Romans.

Classical (Visual Arts)

Works of art that appear traditional due to control in handling themes and a strong observation of order and proportion.

Egyptian Art and Architecture Timeline

The period of buildings, sculptures, and paintings of ancient Egypt from about $5000\,\text{B.C}$ up to its subjugation by Rome in $30\,\text{B.C}$.

Egyptian Pyramids

The world’s largest and oldest tombs or burial places made of mud-brick cased in limestone and granite.

Egyptian Paintings

Linear artworks showing mythological representations and social activities (hunting, fishing, farming), first found on pharaoh’s tomb walls more than $5000$ years ago.

Egyptian Sculpture

Statues or figures representing kings (Pharoahs), armies, servants, and animals, often carved from a solid block of diorite.

Amulets and Jewelry

Items worn by both living and dead Egyptians believed to have the ability to protect the wearer.

Hieroglyphs

A system of writing that uses pictures instead of words; often the basis for the shapes of lucky Egyptian amulets.

Egyptian Pectoral

A type of large necklace worn on the chest symbolizing power and protection, such as the one found in the tomb of 18th Dynasty Pharaoh, Tutankhamun.

Egyptian Pottery

One of the earliest art forms made from reddish brown clay from the Nile river, often featuring geometrical designs of boats and ostriches.

Greek Art Timeline

Visual arts created in ancient Greece from about $900\,\text{BCE}$ to $31\,\text{BCE}$, emphasizing beauty, balance, and realism.

Greek Architecture

Style of buildings including temples and theaters known for symmetry, proportion, balance, and the use of columns.

Parthenon

An iconic marble temple on the Acropolis of Athens dedicated to the goddess Athena, built between $447$ and $432\,\text{BCE}$.

Temple of Poseidon

An ancient Greek temple located at Cape Sounion built to honor the god of the sea, earthquakes, and horses.

Doric Columns

The simplest and sturdiest of the classical Greek architectural orders, characterized by fluted shafts, plain capitals, and no base.

Ionic Columns

Slender, fluted columns featuring a base and distinctive scroll-like capitals called volutes.

Propylaea

The grand entrance to the Acropolis commissioned by Pericles, meaning 'that which is before the gates'.

Corinthian Columns

The most ornate classical Greek order, featuring slender fluted shafts and elaborate capitals adorned with acanthus leaves and scrolls.

Temple of Olympian Zeus

A temple intended to honor the king of the Olympian gods, begun in the 6th century BCE and completed by Roman Emperor Hadrian in $131$-$132\,\text{CE}$.