AH Exam 2 Questions
1. Who started the Reformation? What aspects of Catholicism did the reformers challenge?
The Reformation started in Germany and stimulated radical re-thinking of traditional understanding of the relationship of Man to God, and of Society to God. As well as the teaching and practice of the Church and the Church as an Institution.
2. What effect did the Reformation/Counter-Reformation have on the visual arts of sixteenth-century Europe?
During the time of the Reformation, the Catholic Church took notice that many artists, especially the Italians, seemed to have lost focus of "proper" religious art.
3. What was the Council of Trent? What was its influence on art?
The Council of Trent was the Catholic Church's first significant reply to the growing Protestants Reformation. The primary purpose of the council was to condemn and refute the beliefs of the Protestants and also to make the set of beliefs in Catholicism even clearer.
4. What is Mannerism? What visual qualities are associated with Mannerist art?
Mannerism originated as a reaction to the harmonious classicism and the idealized naturalism of High Renaissance art. Mannerist painting tends to be more artificial and less naturalistic than Renaissance painting, typically with attributes such as emotionalism, elongated human figures, strained poses, unusual effects of scale, lighting or perspective, vivid often garish colours.
5. What are the primary visual characteristics of Baroque art and architecture in Catholic countries (i.e., France, Italy, and Spain)? How may Baroque art in these countries be understood as responding to the Reformation?
Characterized by dynamic composition, had more of a colorful style, more dramatic and experimental. Influenced by developments in science, geometry, and astronomy. Baroque Art is a response to the reformation. Impasto brushwork-thick and very visible application of paint on a painting surface. Used in exaggerated motion and clear, easily interpreted detail to produce drama, tension, exuberance, and grandeur in sculptures and painting. Vision of Classicism but more moving and balanced composition, diagonal movement in space, rich harmonies colors, and inclusion of references of Greek and Rome. Fascination with Carravagio's use of tenebrism- a dramatic dark and light contest in painting- handling of light and shadows which was his trade mark. Three categories of Baroque: Realism, Ecstatic/dynamic, Classicism. Baroque art began in Rome, Italy around 1600-1750, the term was derived from Portuguese "irregular shaped pearl". Baroque art in Protestant areas like Holland had far less religious content, and instead was designed essentially to appeal to the growing aspirations of the merchant and middle classes.
6. How did the Baroque artistic tradition serve the interests of absolute rulers?
The needs of Absolute Monarchs was shown through portraits of monarch rulers. By painting them at the center of the composition, with elbows shooting out, they are seen as powerful and masculine figures. Violence against women were also painted to emphasize political power of men.
7. Discuss the visual traditions of Early Modern Spain. What political, religious, and social conditions shaped the Spanish art market?
Ecstatic religiosity combined with realistic surface detail that emerges from the deep shadows of tenebrism. It also showed the wealth of what someone owned. Influenced by Carravagio's powerfully dramatic art, was characterized by an ecstatic religiosity. Interpret in visual naturalism- depicts skill in natural elements. Spanish moralized images added mystery to non sacred objects. Began in Italy, picked up in Spain
8. What was so innovative about the art of Diego Velázquez?
Diego Velázquez was one of the most important Spanish painters of the 17th century, a giant of Western art. He had a keen eye and a prodigious facility with the brush. His works often show strong modeling and sharp contrasts of light, resembling the dramatic lighting technique called tenebrism.
9. Why were there so few professional female artists in early modern Europe? How was Sofonisba Anguissola able to pursue painting?
There were few professional female artists in early modern Europe because a female was to be an artist she knew an artist personally they would be father or brother. But in Sofonsiba's case, she studied with other artists who exposed her to the fundamentals of paintings.
10. Describe the visual interests of the Protestant Dutch world. How are Dutch religious, social, and
political values articulated through their art?
In the Dutch Republic, the home was the primary cell; the home was used as a metaphor for the soul.
Artists stressed the sanctity of the ordinary and humble. Collectors preferred images of daily life and their immediate environment. But no scenes of daily work; what people wanted were pictures of leisure time enjoyment. They delighted in depictions of themselves and their country- landscape, cities and domestic life- objects in still-life paintings and interior scenes.
11. What new genres are developed in the Dutch Republic? Why?
The new genres developed in the Dutch Republic included genre painting itself, and the still life. Portrait, landscape, and scenes in the home were also further developed within this time.
- The Dutch viewed portraiture as individualistic, despite many portraits of this time being groups. Individuals' faces promoted individuality through the uniqueness of their faces, and the details of their hands.
-The Dutch viewed landscape as portraits of the town, that which they celebrated. They weren't always accurate, as they depicted ideal versions of the town.
12. Describe the visual characteristics of the Rococo style. Whose aesthetic preferences was this art intended to appeal to?
Rococo paintings and sculptures were instrumental in creating an atmosphere of sensuality and luxury. Pictorial themes were often taken from Classical love stories, and both pictures and sculpted ornament were typically filled with playful putti, lush foliage, and fluffy clouds. Salons: Profusely decorated walls and ceilings bursting with exquisite three-dimensional embellishments in gold, silver, and brilliant white paint; intimate, sensual paintings hung among rich ornament; elaborate crystal crystal chandeliers, mirrored walls, and delicate decorated furniture and tabletop sculptures. The Rococo style was intended to appeal to the aristocrats and the wealthy merchants.
13. What is Neoclassicism? What is Neoclassicism’s relationship to Enlightenment thought?
A form of art to present classical ideals and subject matter in a style derived from Classical Roman and Greek sources. Neoclassical paintings reflected frozen forms, tight composition, and shallow space on relief sculpture. Neoclassical paintings and sculptures were displayed in public places to inspire patriotism, nationalism, and courage in defense of the state.
14. What was the Grand Tour? What was its relationship to Neoclassicism?
The Grand Tour was an extended visit to the major cultural sites of Southern Europe. The tour began in Paris, then shifted to Southern France to visit numerous well preserved Roman buildings and monuments and monuments. The tour then headed to Venice, Florence, Naples and Rome. The Grand Tour helped with the rise of the Neoclassical art movement. Neoclassicism- sought to present classical ideals and subject. Because the ancient world was considered the from from when British and European democracy, secular government, and civilized thought and action flowed, its art was viewed as an embodiment of timeless civic and moral lessons.
15. Why did the French people revolt in 1789? How did the art of Jacques-Louis David embody the values of the revolutionaries?
The French revolted because they believed all men should have liberal freedom and that there should be no taxation without representation. The French wanted a republic rather than a monarchy government. The French believed it is right to to take up arms against tyranny.
16. How did Napoleon Bonaparte use art to solidify his power in France?
He knew the power of propaganda and how it manipulates and persuades people.
17. What are the key characteristics of Romanticism?
- Interest in the common man and childhood
- Strong senses, emotions, and feelings
- Awe of nature
- Celebration of the individual
- Importance of imagination