Midterm Review Sheet

HUM 2233 Test #1 Review Sheet

Exam Overview

• Format: The exam will consist of multiple-choice questions, identification of artists, and a series of True/False questions.

• Content Covered: Students should be prepared to identify and explain terms, ideas, questions, or themes from literature that have been discussed in class.

Key Topics to Review

Earlier Time - Cycle of Philosophy

Stages of Philosophical Development:

1. Messed Up Phase - This initial stage highlights the shortcomings in understanding human existence and the cosmos, often leading to chaotic interpretations.

2. Logical Breakdown - Philosophers begin to critically analyze earlier thought, uncovering contradictions and testing arguments for validity.

3. Idealism - Focused on the belief that reality is mentally constructed or immaterial. Philosophers like Plato exemplify this stage.

4. Realism - The contrary perspective that reality exists independently of observers, emphasizing objects and their properties. Aristotle is a notable figure here.

Key Philosophers:

• Socrates: Socratic method, ethics, the importance of self-knowledge.

• Plato: Theory of Forms, allegory of the cave, establishment of the Academy.

• Aristotle: Empirical observations, formal logic, foundational contributions in many fields of knowledge.

Ancient Greek Sculpture:

• Phases: Early, Classical, and Late phases characterized by evolving styles and thematic focus.

• Notable Features: The Archaic Smile symbolizing vitality and life.

• Style Evolution in Painting: Examines the shift from Roman to Roman Neo-Platonism and into Medieval influences.

Renaissance - Rebirth of Arts and Knowledge

Key Figures:

• Manuel Chrysoloras: Revived Greek literature and humanism; instrumental in teaching at the Florentine Academy.

• 1-Point Perspective and Vanishing Point Concepts: Innovations in spatial representation in art, creating depth on a flat surface.

Architecture:

• Dependence on Proportions: Leaning heavily on classical Greek architectural principles, exemplified in structures like columns and symmetry.

• Notable Works:

  • Masaccio's Holy Trinity: A landmark in perspective and representation of depth in art, located in Santa Maria Novella.

  • Donatello's David: Recognized for its pioneering contrapposto stance, showcasing naturalism and human emotion.

  • Botticelli's Key Works: "Allegory of Spring" and "Birth of Venus" feature mythological themes and ethereal beauty, presenting idealized figures.

  • Raphael: "The School of Athens" captures the essence of classical philosophy interwoven with Renaissance humanism; notable for its use of perspective and harmonious composition.

  • Michelangelo: Renowned for his mastery in sculpture and painting, significant works include the Pieta, the monumental David, the Bound Slaves series, and the grand Sistine Chapel Ceiling, which display mastery in the human form and emotional expression, and The Last Judgment, showcasing powerful spiritual themes.

Mannerism and Northern Renaissance

Notable Figures:

• Niccolo Machiavelli: Author of The Prince, introduced political realism and the idea of Machiavellianism - a pragmatic view of politics.

• Medici Family: A powerful banking family whose patronage significantly influenced Renaissance art and culture.

• Titian: Known for works such as Venus of Urbino and Worship of Venus, blending sensuality with formal compositional techniques.

• Tintoretto: Renowned for his dramatic use of light and movement in works such as The Last Supper.

• Bronzino: Contributor to Mannerist art, known for the complex symbolism in Allegory of Venus.

Key Characteristics of Mannerism:

• Departure from classical balance, featuring unorthodox proportions and exaggerated poses.

• A tendency toward chaos, ambiguity, and emotional tension within artworks.

Northern Renaissance Artists:

• Albrecht Durer: Famed for his detailed woodcuts and engravings; contributions to the concept of idealism in northern art.

• Hieronymus Bosch: Garden of Earthly Delights captures surreal imagery and intricate symbolism about sin and morality.

• Pieter Bruegel the Elder: His evolution in style reflects the tumultuous social changes influenced by Protestantism, focusing on the lives of peasants and folklore.

Religious Reformations

Key Events and Figures:

• Protestant Reformation:

  • Martin Luther: Asserted the principles of Lutheranism, advocating for direct access to scriptures.

  • John Calvin: Established the doctrine of Puritanism, focusing on predestination and strict moral codes.

  • Anglicanism: Instituted by King Henry VIII, representing a split from the Catholic Church.

• Counter Reformation:

  • Jesuits: Founded by St. Ignatius of Loyola, emphasized education and mission work.

  • Council of Trent (1563): A crucial response to Protestantism, clarifying Catholic doctrine and reforming church practices.

• Baroque Movement:

  • Examining contrasts between Catholic and Protestant artistic expressions.

  • The 30 Years War (1618-1648) and Treaty of Westphalia marked significant political and religious struggles.

  • Cultural impact during the reign of Louis XIV and under Marie de Medici illustrated the power of monarchy through the arts.

Key Baroque Artists and Characteristics

• El Greco (Domenikos Theotokopoulos): His unique style and color usage, particularly in works like Burial of Count Orgaz, blends Byzantine and Western influences.

• Caravaggio: Known for his radical realism and dramatic use of chiaroscuro; his innovative scenes, including Madonna as a Housewife, redefined religious art.

• Artemisia Gentileschi: Her painting Judith and Maidservant with head of Holofernes underscores themes of female empowerment and vengeance.

• Bernini: His dynamic sculptures, particularly David and Ecstasy of St. Teresa, embody Baroque drama. He also contributed to the architecture of St. Peter’s Basilica, showing the integration of sculpture and architecture.

• Francesco Borromini: His theatrical approach to architecture contrasted with classicism, evident in structures like San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane.

• Diego Velazquez: As a court painter, he incorporated the influence of Caravaggio and El Greco in works like Las Meninas, known for its complex composition and reflections on artistic representation.

• Peter Paul Rubens: A master of dynamic compositions; his flamboyant style is seen in works such as The Wedding Dance and the Marie de Medici series, showcasing movement and sensuality.

Reformation / Dutch Baroque

Realism in Art:

• Rembrandt: Gained acclaim for his realistic portraits and explorations of light and shadow, most notably in Night Watch and Anatomy Lesson.

• Jan Vermeer: Celebrated for his mastery of light, he is renowned for domestic scenes exemplified in works like Little Street.

Baroque Literature and Music

Literature:

• Moliere: His play The Miser reflects social themes through comedic storytelling.

• John Milton: His Paradise Lost responds to themes of faith and morality, drawing on classical influences, including references to Dante.

Music:

• Claudio Monteverdi: L'Orfeo is heralded as one of the first operas, marking a significant moment in musical history.

• Johann Sebastian Bach: Known for complex compositions such as the Chaconne, which showcases his virtuosic technique and emotional depth in concertos.

• Antonio Vivaldi: His famous work The Four Seasons epitomizes the Baroque era's indicator of dynamic expression and programmatic content in music.

Scientific Revolution

Key Concepts:

• Deductive vs. Inductive Reasoning: Introduced methodologies distinguished by deduction (general to specific) and induction (specific to general).

• The movement represented a shift from Aristotelian philosophy towards empirical observation and scientific inquiry.

Contributors:

• Copernicus: Proposed heliocentric theory, which reoriented understandings of the universe.

• Galileo Galilei: His use of the telescope and support for Copernicanism laid the groundwork for modern observational astronomy.

• René Descartes: His Meditations emphasized rationalism and established principles of logical proof, fundamentally altering philosophical discourse.

• Sir Francis Bacon: His work Novus Organum critiqued Aristotelian reasoning, advocating for an empirical approach to science.

• The Fourth Idols Concept: Explores obstacles to knowledge and inquiry put forth by Bacon, presenting a framework for understanding biases in human perception.

Philosophical Debate:

Thomas Hobbes vs. John Locke

• Their differing views on human nature and governance fundamentally shaped political theory, representing a broader legacy impacting modern political thought.