Art Appreciation Notes

Institution: Emilio Aguinaldo College, Cavite

Course: Art Appreciation (AGE6 00)

Motto: VIRTUS EXCELLENTIA - SERVITIUM (Virtue, Excellence, Service)

Lesson 5: Prehistoric and Ancient Arts

Key Art Movements

  1. Stone Age Art
    General term for man-made images found on cave walls, often referred to as Cave Art.
    Most common in shallow rock shelters or deep caves rarely accessed by humans.

  2. Notable Cave Art Evidence:

    • Bhimbetka Petroglyphs (290,000-700,000 BCE): Known as the oldest rock art.

    • Venus of Berekhat Ram (230-700,000 BCE): Initial interpretations viewed it as natural erosion until more examples were discovered.

    • Abstract Drawing (73,000 BCE): Discovered at Biombos Cave, South Africa.

    • Hall of Bulls Cave Paintings (28,000-10,000 BCE): Represent early artistic expressions.

    • Amur River Basin Pottery (14,300 BCE): Early example of Chinese ceramics.

    • Tuc d’Audoubert Bison Sculpture (13,500 BCE): Notable for the sculpted details marked by the artist's fingers.

Ancient Egyptian Art
Art from 5000 BCE to 300 CE, primarily found around the Nile Valley.
Characterized by:

  • Daily Life Representations: Shows everyday activities.

  • Afterlife Journeys: Illustrates the importance of the afterlife and funerary rituals.

  • Divine Figures: Images of gods and worship rituals.

  • Respect for Pharaohs: Honoring important figures through art.

Characteristics of Egyptian Art:

  • Sophisticated Use of Color: Demonstrated both balance and symbolism.

  • Common Themes: Journey of the deceased, images of gods, pharaohs, and social structures.

Materials and Techniques:

  • Materials Used: Common items were limestone, clay, and precious metals like gold.

  • Techniques: Hieroglyphs as a writing system; included three forms—Hieratic, Demotic, and Coptic.

Nabataean Art:
Characterized by its rock-cut architecture and influenced by Hellenistic styles, where the Nabataeans carved elaborate tombs and temples out of solid rock, most famously at Petra, showcasing intricate facades and detailed sculptures.

Lesson 6: Major European Arts

Art Movements in Europe:

  1. Greek Arts: Emphasized human achievements, characterized by the evolution of naturalistic forms.

    • Stylistic Divisions:

      • Geometric: Abstract motifs

      • Archaic: Stiff figures

      • Classical: Naturalistic accuracy

      • Hellenistic: Emotional and dynamic forms

  2. Roman Arts: Heavily influenced by Greek culture with a focus on realism and practical functionality in architecture.

Types of Roman Arts:
Notable forms include mosaics, statues, and architectural feats like the Colosseum and aqueducts, emphasizing durable design.

Lesson 7: Major Asian Arts

Overview of Asian Arts:
Chinese Arts: Known for meditative paintings, jades, ceramics, and calligraphy emphasizing harmony with nature.
Japanese Arts: Influenced by Zen Buddhism, highlighting simplicity and both traditional and modern styles.
Buddhist Art: Reflects fusion from various cultures, depicting Buddhas and bodhisattvas with an emphasis on narrative scenes.

Styles in Asian Art:

  • Chinese Painting: Traditional themes centered around nature, often enhanced by philosophical contexts.

  • Japanese Nihonga: Traditional painting style that contrasts with Western styles, focusing on harmonious aesthetics.

  • Buddhist Influence: Notable across Asia, including diverse interpretations found in Nepal, Cambodia, and Laos.

Art Movements Overview:

  1. Old Masters Era: Focused on artists from 1300 to 1800, significant for classical techniques.

  2. Modernism: Emphasizes innovation, focusing on breaking traditions and exploring new forms.

  3. Postmodernism: Challenges the norms and values of earlier movements, emphasizing diversity and plurality in art.

  4. Contemporary Art: Reflects current issues, often using modern technology and experimental techniques.

Notable Movements:

  • Impressionism: Revolutionized color and light application in paintings.

  • Expressionism: Centers on emotional experience over physical reality.

  • Surrealism: Engages with dreamlike states and the unconscious mind.

Important Asian Art Forms:
Nihonga (Japanese painting), Ukiyo-e (Woodblock printing), and Chinese Landscape Painting.

Conclusion:
Understanding these art movements provides insight into human expression, societal values, and historical contexts through various forms of art. The emphasis on cultural heritage, technology, and representation continues to shape modern artistic endeavors, making art a pivotal aspect of human evolution