Lesson-1_painting

History and Appreciation of Art from 3000 BC to 600 AD

• Art and craft gradually developed from Indus Valley Civilization (2500 BC - 1750 BC) to the Mauryan dynasty (3rd century BC).

• Harappan artists exhibited extreme skill in their crafts.

Mauryan Period

• Marked a significant beginning in Indian history.

• Ashokan period produced highly polished sculpted pillars, recognized as treasures of Indian art.

• Crude mother goddess figures indicate a continuation of folk art tradition.

• The Sungas continued artistic activity, leading to significant works like the Stupa and sculptures of Sanchi in Madhya Pradesh.

• Kushans contributed to art by developing sculpted portraiture.

Gupta Period

• Referred to as the golden period in Indian art history.

• Characterized by refined representations of human figures.

• Major art centers included Mathura, Sarnath, Ujjain, and Ahichhatra.

• Gupta sculptures displayed perfect balance in style, skill, mastery, and imagination, with a divine quality in religious sculptures.

• Features of Gupta art: slight lip tilt, full roundness of figures, accurate carvings, and simplicity.

• Significant developments included Cave and Temple architectures at Udaygiri caves, Nachna, and Bhumara.

Objectives of the Lesson

• Describe art from 3000 BC to 600 AD.

• State names of enlisted art objects from this period.

• Differentiate materials used, sites, sizes, colors, and collections of enlisted art objects.

• Identify characteristics of enlisted art objects.

Notable Art Objects

1. Dancing Girl

• Title: Dancing Girl

• Medium: Metal

• Date: Harappan Period (2500 BC)

• Finding Site: Mohenjo-Daro

• Size: Approx. 4 inches

• Artist: Unknown

• Collection: National Museum, New Delhi

• General Description:

  • Exemplifies artistic and technical skill of Indus Valley craftsmen

  • Lanky, rhythmic figure with bangles and contemporary hairstyle (hair tied in a bun)

  • Unique resting posture with one hand on waist and the other on thigh

  • Monumental quality despite small size, showcasing advanced metal casting skills.

2. Rampurva Bull Capital

• Title: Rampurva Bull Capital

• Medium: Polished Sandstone

• Date: Mauryan Period (3rd century BC)

• Finding Site: Rampurva

• Size: Approx. 7 ft

• Artist: Unknown

• Collection: Indian Museum, Kolkata

• General Description:

  • Engraved edicts of Emperor Ashoka symbolize philosophical teachings.

  • Capital consists of an inverted lotus base, an abacus, and a dominating bull figure.

  • Ornaments and minute carvings exhibit mastery in sculpture with a polished finish, indicating influence from Middle East sculptors.

3. Black Princess

• Title: Black Princess

• Medium: Wall Painting (Mural)

• Date: Gupta Vakataka Period (2nd - 6th century AD)

• Finding Site: Ajanta

• Size: Approx. 20 ft x 6 ft

• Artist: Unknown

• General Description:

  • Created during the transitional period of Ajanta caves; two painting phases: Hinayana and Mahayana.

  • Used tempera technique for hues, focusing on earthly colors devoid of flamboyance.

  • The painting exemplifies mastery in artistry, features lyrical quality, subtle rhythm, and enchanting softness in contours.

Summary of Historical Significance

• Indus Valley Civilization (Harappan Civilization) flourished between 2500 BC and 1750 BC, with artistic creations revealing advanced skills.

• Mauryan Dynasty, founded by Chandragupta Maurya, expanded art through Emperor Ashoka’s efforts, including widespread promotion of Buddhism.

• Gupta dynasty, known for contributions to art and science, was marked by legendary figures and overall cultural advancement, marking it as the classical period of Indian history.

Glossary

• Statuettes: Small statues

• Utilitarian: Functional objects

• Lanky: Thin and tall

• Shaft: Vertical part of a column

• Edicts: Official proclamations

• Frescos: Paintings on wet plaster

• Portrait: Representation of a person

• Stupa: Buddhist memorial

• Tempera: Paint made with water and binders

• Lyrical: Poetic quality