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

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