Art History Midterm Study Guide: Prehistory through Classical Greece

Comprehensive review flashcards covering exam logistics and core art history topics from Chapters 1 through 5: Prehistory, Mesopotamia, Egypt, the Aegean, and Archaic to Classical Greece.

How is prehistory defined in art history?

Human existence before written records.

The emergence of prehistoric image-making is linked to the arrival of which human species?

Homo sapiens.

What material is the Woman of Brassempouy made of, and what is its artistic function?

It is made of ivory and functions as a memory image that captures the essence of a head.

What historical name was previously given to the Woman of Willendorf, and what type of imagery does it exemplify?

It was once called a Venus, and it is an example of abstract or imaginative imagery.

What evidence indicates that Stonehenge had a connection to an ancestral homeland?

Its bluestones were transported approximately 150 miles.

What type of architectural joints were utilized in the construction of Stonehenge?

Mortise-and-tenon joints.

What sculptural form does the prehistoric Bison take, and how is it evaluated realistically?

It is a relief sculpture with a flat back and is considered among the most realistic prehistoric works.

What medium was used for the spotted horses cave painting, and how were the handprints produced?

The medium is charcoal, and the handprints were produced by spraying (charcoal spit/chewed) onto the cave wall.

What form of sculpture is the Lion-man, and what does it demonstrate evidence of?

It is a sculpture in the round and provides evidence of imaginative composite creatures.

What was the first writing system, who invented it, and what tool was used to produce it?

Cuneiform, invented by the Sumerians and produced with a stylus.

What is a ziggurat, and what was its symbolic function in ancient Mesopotamia?

A stepped structure with a temple on top; it functioned symbolically as a bridge between earth and the heavens.

What building stood at the top of the Anu ziggurat, and what were its primary architectural features?

A white temple, featuring a simple rectangular layout with an off-center doorway.

To which ancient civilization is the Epic of Gilgamesh attributed?

The Sumerians.

How are Mesopotamian carved vessels visually organized, and what does the uppermost scene typically depict?

They are organized in registers (horizontal bands), and the uppermost scene often depicts a ritual marriage linked to harvest.

What artistic shift is shown in the Ashurnasirpal II lion hunt detail, and what relief carving technique was used?

A shift toward emotional drama, carved in low relief.

What central theme is expressed by the Ishtar Gate, and which ruler transformed Babylon into a splendid city?

The theme of royal pride and power; transformed by Nebuchadnezzar II.

What agricultural development took place in the Fertile Crescent?

It was the site of the first grain domestication.

What casting method and alloy were used to make the Head of a man from the Sargon period?

Hollow-cast bronze, which is a copper alloy made of copper and tin.

How was King Tut's mummified body enclosed, and what was the innermost coffin made of?

It was enclosed in three nested coffins, with the innermost coffin made of gold.

What does 'Ka' signify in ancient Egyptian belief, and how were Old Kingdom royals depicted in Ka sculptures?

Ka represents the soul, which the sculpture was created to house; Old Kingdom royals were depicted as athletic and youthful.

Who designed the Step Pyramid of Djoser, and what distinction does he hold in history?

Imhotep, who was the first named architect in history.

What dual attributes are symbolized by the Great Sphinx, and whose portrait is it likely to be?

It symbolizes human intelligence and animal strength; it is likely a portrait of Khafre.

What motifs adorn the capitals of the Hypostyle Hall columns at Karnak?

Papyrus motifs.

What historical milestone is commemorated by the Palette of Narmer?

The unification of Egypt and the start of the dynastic period.

What is the Book of the Dead, and what critical test does it describe for the afterlife?

A text containing instructions for the afterlife, featuring a judgment scene where the deceased person's heart is weighed against the feather of Ma'at.

What relief technique and theological theme are shown in the carving of Akhenaten and his family?

It is carved in sunken relief, presenting the theme of monotheism (one god).

What was the probable original function of the Nefertiti bust?

A studio model.

From what stone was the Khafre Ka statue carved, and for what purpose?

It was carved from gneiss to emphasize divinity.

What is the medium and subject matter of the Aegean work 'Girl gathering saffron crocus'?

It is a fresco (painting on wet plaster) depicting subject matter related to female adolescence and the medicinal uses of crocus.

What are the distinguishing characteristics of Minoan Kamares ware?

It is valued for its extreme thinness and organic designs, and it was made on a pottery wheel.

What type of settlement was the Mycenae site, reflecting the culture of its people?

A fortified hilltop (citadel), reflecting that the Mycenaeans were citadel builders and warlike.

How was Minoan society at Knossos likely governed, and what was the function of Minoan palaces?

Minoans were likely ruled by a confederation of aristocrats, and their palaces were used for rituals and ceremonies.

What metalworking technique and luxury material are exemplified by the Vaphio Cup?

Repoussé (hammered metal relief), made with imported gold.

What was the function of the bull's head rhyton, and what did bulls symbolize in Aegean culture?

It was used to pour ritual libations; bulls symbolized fertility.

What architectural construction method is exemplified by the Lion Gate at Mycenae?

A corbelled arch.

What were the earliest tomb structures found on mainland Greece?

Shaft graves.

What materials were used to construct the Aegean male figure statue, and what might it represent?

Ivory and imported Egyptian gold; it possibly depicts a young god.

What artistic standard is illustrated by Polykleitos' Doryphoros (Spear Bearer)?

Polykleitos' canon, which is a defined system of ideal proportions.

How is the term 'canon' defined in Classical Greek art?

A set of rules for constructing the ideal human figure.

What does the sculptural stance known as 'contrapposto' entail?

A stance with alternating tension and relaxation across the body.

What stylistic trait does the Archaic Metropolitan Kouros share with ancient Egyptian statuary?

A shared rigid stance.

Why did Greek sculptors prefer bronze over stone for figurative sculpture?

Bronze allowed them to create dynamic and action poses.

What new approach to sculpture and space was introduced by Lysippos?

He encouraged viewer movement around the statue, introducing a new use of three-dimensional space.

To which Greek god was the Sanctuary of Delphi dedicated?

Apollo.

What is the theme of the Gigantomachy, and how was realism achieved in its depiction?

The theme is the chaos of battle (gods vs. giants), and realism was achieved through overlapping figures.

What is a stele (or stelae / stelai) in ancient Greek art?

An upright gravestone slab.

Why is black-figure vase painting named as such?

Because the figures are painted black onto clay.

What are the format, question count, and date for the Art History midterm exam?

A 50-question, picture-based multiple-choice exam held on Tuesday, October 20.