Copy of HUM 2223 Midterm Exam Study Guide (Winter_Spring 2025)

Key People and Artifacts

1. Fresco Painting in The Chora Church/Kariye Mosque

   • Hints related to the significance of frescoes in historical context.

2. John VIII Paleologus

   • Role: Byzantine emperor before the fall of Constantinople (1425-1448).

   • Importance: Sought to unite Catholic and Orthodox churches; significant as the second to last emperor before the fall.

3. Constantine XI

   • Role: Last Byzantine emperor; died in the battle against the Ottomans in 1453.

   • Significance: Marked the end of Byzantium, pivotal to the Renaissance era.

4. Murad II

   • Activity: Launched an unsuccessful siege of Constantinople, faced rebellion from his brother.

5. Mehmed II

   • Action: Laid siege to Constantinople, leading to significant weakening of the city and advancement of the Ottoman Empire.

6. 

   Fresco by Benozzo Gozzoli in Medici Chapel (Procession of the Middle King)

   • Context: Represents John VII Paleologus's crowning.

   • Art Style: Italian Renaissance; reflects the king's status subtly, emphasizing modesty.

7. Imperial Porphyry

   • Description: Rare purplish volcanic rock from Egypt, historically used by the wealthy in Roman and Byzantine empires and continued through Renaissance and Ottoman periods.

Important Quotations and Interpretations

8. Quote on Union of Churches (Runciman, p. 9)

   • Context: Relations between Greek monks and politicians regarding the union with the West.

   • Significance: Highlights traditional opposition to the union.

9. George Gemistus Plethon (Runciman, pp. 14 -15)

   • Background: Scholar promoting Platonic philosophy to revive Greek culture; controversial religious views.

   • Importance: Reflects intellectual climate of the time and the blending of philosophies.

10. Quote on the Sultan’s Turban vs. Cardinal’s Hat (Runciman, p. 21)

• Meaning: Reflects sentiments about allegiance during the turmoil of empire influences.

11. Quote on Byzantine Relationships (Runciman, p. 29)

• Information on the Osmanli family's rise and suzerainty dynamics.

12. Quote on John V's Struggles (Runciman, p. 37)

• Description of the political landscape and pressures leading to tributary recognition.

Artistic Representations

13. Contest between Ghiberti and Brunelleschi for Baptistry Doors

• Details: Focus on differences in artistic styles; Ghiberti’s more straightforward portrayal vs. Brunelleschi’s expressive style.

14. Donatello's David

• Description: Early Renaissance sculpture depicting David post-battle; significant use of bronze and depiction of youth and grace.

15. Brunelleschi's Dome of Florence Cathedral

• Architectural significance: Landmark of Renaissance ingenuity in design.

16. Michelangelo's David

• Description: Represents Renaissance ideals, showcasing human beauty and physicality in marble.

Chinese Artworks

17. Ni Zan, Rongxi Studio

• Style: Literati painting from Yuan Dynasty; utilizes minimal materials and emphasizes poetry to convey feelings.

18. Yin Hong, Hundreds of Birds Admiring the Peacocks

• Characteristics: Court painting from Ming Dynasty, marked by luxurious materials and elegant detailing.

19. Shen Zhou, Poet on a Mountaintop

• Features: Another literati work, emphasizing personal reflection and poetic engagement.

Renaissance & Baroque Artworks

20. Jan Van Eyck, The Ghent Altarpiece

• Significance: Essential piece of early realism, showcasing detailed representation despite Byzantine influences.

21. Jan Van Eyck, The Arnolfini Portrait

• Attribution: Notable for attention to detail, use of light and shadow for lifelike image in domestic settings.

22. Albrecht Durer, Rhinocerus

• Importance: Significant early depiction of a rare animal, influential in art and science.

23. Bernini, The Ecstasy of St. Theresa

• Aspect: Exemplifies Baroque art with a dynamic portrayal of emotion and light.

24. Caravaggio, Medusa

• Features: Dramatic presentation typical of Baroque with intense shadowing and moment capture.

25. Bernini, David

• Overview: A fluid representation of action, exemplifying emotional intensity corresponding to Baroque values.

26. Hyacinthe Rigaud, Portrait of Louis XIV

• Context: Reflects the grandeur and regal portrayal typical of the Baroque era.

27. Artemisia Gentileschi, Self-Portrait as an Allegory of Painting

• Significance: Highlights female perspective and artistic identity in historical context.

28. Kehinde Wiley, Barack Obama Presidential Portrait

• Modern context: Reflects contemporary artistic trends and cultural significance.