Art History Notes

Scale in Art

  • Hieratic Scale:

    • More important figures are depicted as larger than others.

  • Proportional Scale:

    • Figures are sized realistically, resembling real-life proportions.

  • Architectural Scale:

    • Refers to the size of artwork in relation to buildings or spaces.

  • Miniature Scale:

    • Art is created in a very small size.
    • Often portable or intended for personal use.

Relief Sculpture

  • A type of sculpture where figures project from a flat background.

  • High Relief:

    • Figures project significantly from the background.

  • Bas Relief:

    • Figures project only slightly from the background.

Composite Pose

  • A figure depicted with different parts of the body shown from various viewpoints simultaneously.
    • Example: A face in profile combined with a body shown from the front.

Fresco

  • A painting technique where pigment is applied to wet plaster on a wall.

Cylinder Seal

  • A small, cylindrical object with carved designs or writing.
    • When rolled on clay, it creates an impression.
    • Functions as an ancient form of identification.
    • Used to mark ownership or to seal documents.

Lamassu

  • A mythical creature depicted with five legs.

Ancient Rome's 3 P's

  • Propaganda: Using art to influence public opinion.
  • Power: Displaying authority through grand artworks.
  • Politics: Integrating art with political messages and agendas.

Stele

  • A stone slab or pillar.
  • Features carvings or inscriptions.
  • Often used to commemorate significant events or mark graves.

Adlocutio

  • A formal speech or address.
  • Typically given by a Roman leader to their people or soldiers.

Orator Pose

  • A figure posed with one arm raised.

Sculpture Techniques

  • Additive Sculpture:

    • A technique where material is added, built up, or layered to create a sculpture.

  • Subtractive Sculpture:

    • A technique where material is removed by carving, trimming, or cutting away from a solid block.

Decorative Techniques

  • Inlay:
    • A technique where materials (e.g., wood, stone, or metal) are set into a surface to create designs or patterns.

Sculpture Presentation

  • In-the-Round:
    • Sculptures that are fully three-dimensional.
    • Designed to be viewed from all sides.

Register

  • A horizontal line or section that divides different scenes or levels within a work of art.

Artistic Principles

  • Consistency:

    • Repeating the same style and design elements throughout a work.

  • Stability:

    • Creating artworks designed to last, symbolizing eternal life.

Indicators of Royalty in Sculpture

  • Size:

    • Royal figures are often depicted as larger.

  • Clothing:

    • Royals are shown wearing elaborate clothing and jewelry.

  • Pose:

    • Royal figures are given formal, serious poses.

  • Material:

    • Royal sculptures are created using expensive materials.

Verism

  • A Roman art style focused on realistic depiction.
  • Includes details like wrinkles to emphasize age and wisdom.

Familial Imagery

  • Scenes representing a family.
  • Could depict a royal family or gods as a family unit.

Classicizing Style

  • Imitating the style of ancient Greek and Roman art.

Dissolving the Wall

  • Techniques used to blur the boundary between the artwork and the surrounding space.
  • Aims to create a more immersive experience for the viewer.

Roman Wall Painting Styles

  • First Style:

    • Characterized by colorful marble patterns.

  • Second Style:

    • Creation of illusionistic scenes.
    • Walls appear to be windows offering views into architectural settings.

  • Third Style:

    • Use of flat colors.
    • Often incorporates Egyptian themes.

  • Fourth Style:

    • Combines elements from previous styles.
    • Features large central panels depicting mythological and landscape scenes.