Unit 3: Early European + Colonial America

art history

Hagia Sophia (Info Card)

Hagia Sophia (Info Card)

Made in Istanbul, arounnd 532-537.

• CENTRAL CHURCH of Eastern Orthodox Christianity before the Ottoman conquest

• minarets were added post-conquest

Hagia Sofia (Function/ Analysis)

• initially was a Byzantine place of worship

• trasformed into a mosque after Ottoman conquest

  • is now mainly a museum with an educational purpose, but still serves as a mosque

Hagia Sophia (form descriptors)

• massive dome

• pendentives

• mosiacs and marble pillars

• elaborate decor

• Christain Decor

• Islamic Calligraphy

• Byzantine and Islamic architecture

San Vitale (Info Card)

Made in Ravenna, Italy in 526-547. Made with brick, marble, and stone veneer in the Byzantine Empire and has mosiacs inside.

• is officially called“Basilla de San Vitale”

• early Christain Basilica

• Octogonal plan

• apse around altar

San Vitale (Function/ Analysis)

• Emporer Justinian I

• political/religious signifigance of Ravenna in Byzantine empire

• reinforces connection between church and state/ divine right

San Vitale (Form Descriptors)

• Octogonal Plan

• Dome emphasizes verticality and light

• Mosiacs using gold leaf depicting scenes from Old and New Testaments

San Vitale- Justinian + Theodora Mosiac (Function + Analysis)

• depicts Emperor Justinian I and Empress Theodora

• They’re holding the paten and chalice

• hierarchical order

• frontal forms convey spiritual significance

Santa Sabina (Info Card)

Made in 422-432 in Rome using brick, stone and wood.

• Christian Basilica

• court of law/ public assembly

• transition from pagan to Christain worshup

• one of the oldest surving churches

Santa Sabina (Function/ Analysis)

• place of worship

• communal gatherings and religious activites

• promoted Christian teachings

• still a church!

Santa Sabina (Form Descriptors)

• Basilica

• nave flanked by isles on both sides

• clerestory windows

• ionic patheon pillars add visual weight

• collonnaded rectangualr plan with apse

Catacombs of Priscilla (Info Card)

Made in Rome using tufa and fresco during the 200-400s

• underground burial chambers for Christians when their faith was prosecuted

• frescoes and inscriptions

• named after Priscilla

Catacomb of Priscilla (Function/ Analysis)

• burial site

• place to hide from religious prosecution

• reflects the beliefs and hopes of the early Christian community

• communal worship and rememberance of the dead, making a sense of identity among early Christians

Catacombs of Priscilla (Form Descriptors)

• narrow passages and chambers carved into tuff rock

• niches for burials with larger chambers for families

• decorated with early Christian art and iconagraphy

Virgin (theotokos) and child between Saints Theodore and George (Info Card)

An Early Byzantine piece made fromo 550-560 CE. Is encaustic (wax) on wood.

Virgin (theotokos) and child between Saints Theodore and George (function/ analysis)

• devotional object

• importance of virgin and saints

• reinforced roles as intercessors

Virgin (theotokos) and child between Saints Theodore and George (form descriptors)

• saints stand directly on ground while Virgin doesn’t

• only saints look at viewer

• saints are stepping toward viewer

• otherworldy appearance through transparent rendering

Great Mosque at Cordoba (Info Card)

A piece of Islamic Art made in the Umayyad dynasty around 780 in Cordoba, Spain out of stone masonry. It mixes Islamic and Christain architecture.

Great Mosque at Cordoba (function/analysis)

• originally served as a place of worship for muslims

• became a Christian site of worship

Great Mosque at Cordoba (Form Descriptors)

• hypostyle

• use of double arches allows for grand elevation and natural light

• decorated with mosiacs, calligraphy, and intricate geometric patterns

Bayeux Tapestry (Info card)

An English, Romanesque European embroidery depicting the Norman conquest of England in 1066. This piece was likely commissioned by Bishop Odo of Bayeux.

Bayeux Tapestry (Function/ Analysis)

• story of what happened before the invasion

• education/ proaganda

• legitimizes William’s claim to English throne

• engages viewers

Bayeux Tapestry (Form Descriptors)

• ~70 meters long

• linen and wool yarn

• continous frieze allows for a flowing narrative

• uses vibrant colors that emphasizes outlines and details

Merovingian Looped Fibulae (Info Card)

An early medieval brooch made of gilted silver around 500-550 in Spain.

Merovingian Looped Fibulae (Function/ Analysis)

• from a german style crossbow

• combines artistic styles from neighboring countries

• status symbol

Merovingian Looped Fibulae (form descriptors)

• inlaid with semi-precious stones

• top is in the shape of eagle heads

• small fish decorates main body of each of the brooches

• garnet eyes

• size correlates with wealth/status

Pyxis of Al-Mughira (Info Card)

A piece of Islamic art made in the Umayyad Dynasty in 968 CE out of ivory for a member of the dynasty, possibly the prince. It reflects the cultural and artistic exchanges during the Islamic Golden Age.

Pyxis of Al-Mughira (Function/ Analysis)

• Container for cosmetics

• elaborate design suggests it was a status symbol

Pyxis of Al-Mughira (Form Descriptors)

• Made from ivory with intricately carved with decorative motifs

• features a series of panels depicting hunting scenes, musicians, and floral patterns

• lid fits snugly and emphasizes functional design

Church of Sainte Foy Conques (Info Card)

A Romanesque stop on a pilgrimage route in Conques, France made of stone in around 1050-1130. It was built to house the relics of Saint Foy, who was a Martyr.

Church of Sainte Foy Conques (Function/ Analysis)

• serves as a place of worship/ pilgrimage

• architecture and relics aim to inspire awe andreverence

• funtions as historical site

Church of Sainte Foy Conques (Form Descriptors)

• Latin Cross Plan

• thick stone walls, rounded arches, barrel-vaulted ceiling

• stained glass windows blend contemporary and historical and contemporary elements

Rottgen Pieta (Info Card)

A painted wooden late medieval german sculpture depicting Virgin Mary holding the dead body of Christ.

Rottgen Pieta (function/ analysis)

• devotional object that invokes empathy and self relfection on personal sins and Jesus’s suffering

• may have been used in personal/communal prayer settings to foster a deeper connection to Bible stories

Rottgen Pieta (Form Descriptors)

• exaggerated in expression emphasize emotional states

• detailedd drapery adds depth and movement to the composition

Annunciation Triptych (Info Card)

A late medieval three panel oil painted wood painting made in the Netherlands that features the annunciation scene in the Bible. It was likely commisioned for private devotion.

Annunciation Triptych (Function/ Analysis)

• devotional object

• encourages reflection on Mary’s role in salvation

• triptych make’s it suitable for public and private

Annunciation Triptych (Form Descriptors)

• Oil on wood, rich colors and intricate details

• central panel depicts Annunciation

• side panels feature scenes of donors/ additional figures

• use of light, shadow and perspective creates a sense of depth and realism

Golden Haggadah (Info Card)

A medieval European painted manuscript with gold leafing made in Spean in the 1300s that depics scenes from the passover story. It was used to guide familes through the rituals and storytelling of the Exodus.

Golden Haggadah (function/ analysis)

• text that recounts how to worship Passover Sedar; facilitaes recounting of Exodus

• illustrations make make it more engaging/ easier to understand

• importance of heritage, faith, and freedom in Jewish culture

Golden Haggadah (Form descriptors)

• comprised of parchment pages with drawing and gold leaf

• written in Hebrew and decorated

• image + text

Bible Moralisee of Louis IX (Info Card)

A medieval European painted manuscript with gold leafing made in the 1200s depicting Blanche of Castile and King Louis IX of France along scenes from the Apocalypse. The Apocalypse has themes of divine judgement and the end of times.

Bible Moralisee of Louis IX (Function/ Analysis)

• honors royals and their commitment to god

• inspire devotion/ reinforce divine right

  • Apocalypse scenes remind the monarchy of their spiritual responsibilities and serve as a warning

Bible Moralisee of Louis IX (Form Descriptors)

• richly illuminated with vibrant colors and gold detailing

• rendered figures with elongated proportions and stylized features (typical of gothic art)

• framed vignettes (combined images and text

Vienna Genesis (Info card)

Made during the Early Byzantine empire in Syria during the 500s on painted parchment, the Vienna Gensis is one of the oldest surviving illustrated biblical texts. It was likely commisioned for a wealthy patron.

Vienna Genesis (Function/ Analysis)

• illustrations serve to add to text

• reinforces moral/ theological lessons

• Genesis also reflects identity and heritage of Jewish people during a time of transition

Vienna Genesis (Form Descriptors)

• vellum pages with tempera paintings in a continuous narrative style

• elongated proportions and flowing garments (common in Byzantine art)

• rich colors and intricate details enhance impact and work together with text and illustration

Arena Chapel including Lamentation (Info Card)

Made in the late medieval period in Italy during the 1300s out of brick and frescos, the arena chapel including lamentation is known for its frescoes. They were painted by Giotto, who was a pivotal figure in the transitionfrom medieval to Renaissance art.

Arena Chapel including Lamentation (Function/ Analysis)

• devotional and manipulative educational purpose

• shows redemption through suffering

• encourages faithful to think about their own relationship with loss and salvation

• intensity of scene aims to foster deeper connection w Christ’s sacrifice

Arena Chapel including Lamentation (Form Descriptors)

• Fresco utilizing vibrant colors and detailed expressions

• figures are arranged in a semi-circle, emphasizing emotional reactions

  • strong diagonal lines and draws viewer’s eyes and enhances sense of movement and emotion

Pazzi Chapel (Info Card)

Designed by Filippo Brunelleschi in the 1450s out of stone, this Italian piece reflects other ideals of the Renaissance including symmetry, geometry and classical elements.

Pazzi Chapel (Function/ Analysis)

• place of worship/ private prayer for Pazzis

• memorial/ family gatherings

• flex indicator!!! #brokiespotted???

Pazzi Chapel (Form Descriptors)

• rectangular plan with dome and classical columns/ arches

• terracotta and frescoes

• muted colors and natural light make a serene atmosphere

The Arnolfini Portrait (Info Card)

A Belgian piece made by Van Eyck in the 1400s on wood with oil paint depicting a man and woman standing in a richly firnished interior. The woman’s hand is slightly raised in a gesture interpreted in a form of maritial vows.

The Arnolfini Portrait (Function/ Analysis)

• The dog symbolizes loyalty

• the convex mirror reflects two additional figures who are possibly witnesses

Palazzo Rucelllai/ Rucellai Place (Info Card)

Made by Leon Alberti for the Rucellai family in Italy during the 1450s, this building shows the transition from medival gothic to Renaissance styles.

Palazzo Rucelllai/ Rucellai Place (Function/ Analysis)

• was ORIGINALLY a private residence or Recelllais

• reflects family’s status

Palazzo Rucelllai/ Rucellai Place (Form descriptors)

• three tiered design with horizontal bands

  • each level is distinguished with pilasters and windows

• constructed with limestone and brick

• proportion/symmetry typical of Renaissance architecture

• revival of ancient Roman principals such as columns

Madonna and Child with Two Angels (i was tweaking out here idk what happened like ignore it gang)

• italy

• filippolippi

• 14600s

• termpura on canvas

• interest in naturalsm

• virgin holding jesus

function:

• devotion

• displayed in churches and private chapels

• importance in christain iconagraphy

• maternal love and divine grace

form descriptors:

• triangular arrangement

• mary at center (enhances stability)

• rich colors and details highlight garments and figures

• break out of frame

• soft, flowing lines and gentle expressions convey intimacy and tenderness

The tete a tete from marriage a la mode (info card)

An English piece by William Hogarth done with oil paint 1743 to address the issues of arranged marriage and societal expectation and represents the moral decay and superficiality of the upper classes in Georgian England.

The tete a tete from marriage a la mode (Function/ Analysis)

• A satirical commentary on marriage and social norms

• encourages discussion about greed and lack of connection in relationships

• the dog (dogs typically represent loyalty) sniffing the bonnet in the Viscount's pocket suggests that the Viscount has been out, possibly to a brothel, while his wife has stayed home

• broken sword and bust with a broken nose symbolizes the man can’t get it up

• The drunken man still wears his hat and sword from the previous evening

• the lady is holding a mirror in a weird way to possibly signal to a lover who has left the room

• steward leaves the scene after attempting to interest the couple in their financial situation

• table is only set for one, implying seperation/ detatchment from couple

• patch on lord’s neck shows he’s being treated for an STI (the woman doesn’t have one)

  • THE MAN IS SUPPOSED TO LOOK LIKE HOGARTHS FRIEND HELLO THATS SO CRAZY

Last Supper (Info Card)

a tempra mural made in Milan by a TMNT (leanardo da vinci) during the high renaissance during the 1490s