Class Introduction

  • Greeting: Welcome to class.

Announcement: Extra Credit Opportunity

  • Event Details:
    • Location: AGV
    • Speaker: Susan Shook (pronunciation may be clarified at event)
    • Date & Time: 12 PM on February 13
    • Topic: Surrealism
  • Further Instructions:
    • Attendance: Take a picture at the event for proof of attendance.
    • Write-up Submission: Short write-up to be submitted for extra credit.
  • General Extra Credit Reminder:
    • Attend any campus event sponsored by the museum/art history department for extra credit (up to 3% added to your grade).
    • Sporting events also qualify for extra credit.

Formal Analysis Resources

  • Formal Analysis Guide:
    • A printed guide on how to write a formal analysis has been provided.
    • Contains information about constructing a thesis.
  • Online Resources:
    • A website from UNC Chapel Hill about formal analysis (to be explored individually).
    • A PDF guide (around 65 pages) by Sylvan Barnett titled "A Short Guide to Writing about Art" has been included.
  • Discussion on Resources:
    • Mention of a smart history video (not intended to be shown in class) for a basic understanding of analyzing paintings.
  • Assignment Reminder:
    • Due date: February 27 at 5 PM
    • Format: MLA style.

Academic Support Systems

  • Tutoring Resources:
    • Academic Success Zone: Free tutoring included in tuition fees; highly recommended for writing assistance.
    • Student writing tutors are effective in improving grades.
  • Citation Tips:
    • Zotero is less favored for citation generation; hand-writing citations is encouraged for accuracy.
    • Emphasis on knowing the MLA format.

Class Assignments

  • Writing Preparation:
    • Students are encouraged to start drafting their papers early.
    • Importance of MLA formatting and expectations set by the professor.
  • Midterm Information:
    • Slide/visual aids will be provided during the midterm exam for identifying artworks.

Discussion on Historical Contexts in Art

  • Focus on Viennese Genesis:
    • Description of the illuminated manuscript, its artistic significance, and historical context.
    • Text written in tarnished silver ink, showcasing symbolic art style and medieval characteristics.
    • Narrative Content:
    • Story of Jacob wrestling with an angel visualized through continuous narrative.
  • Byzantine Influence:
    • Introduction of centrally planned churches and their characteristics.
    • Examples include the depiction of Emperor Justinian, his divine representation, and the patronage of church artworks.

Architectural Developments

  • Hagia Sophia:
    • Building details including the architectural design, use of domes, and structural techniques such as pendentives.
    • Historical transformation of the structure (originally church, then mosque, and now museum).
  • Romanesque Period:
    • Descriptive characteristics of Romanesque architecture, emphasizing low structures and rounded arches.
    • Introduction of features like bell towers, ambulatories, arcades, and rib vaults for support.
  • Saint Foy and Reliquaries:
    • Discussed the reliquaries and their materials, such as gold and gemstones.
  • Pilgrimage Architecture:
    • Structures built to facilitate pilgrimages, showcasing the importance of religious architecture in the Middle Ages.

The Bayeux Tapestry

  • Description of Artwork:
    • Hand-embroidered, 20 inches tall and 230 feet long; serves as political propaganda recounting William the Conqueror's victory.
  • Historical Significance:
    • Perspective of the Norman conquest and the importance of visual storytelling in an illiterate society.
    • Depicts scenes of battles, daily life, and ceremonies significant to the cultural context.