oct 3 discussion section module 6 and exam 1 review

Class Overview

The session begins with a check of the presentation visibility, confirming that students can view the slides with the lights on.
The instructor emphasizes an informal approach to the exam, stating that concerns about correct grammar, spelling, and exact timings are minimal.

Exam Schedule: Exam set for Monday during regular lecture time.
Exam Format: Written exam where students should recall as much as they can regarding key monuments and artworks.
- Students are encouraged to use terms to assist in visual analysis.
Mistakes in Answers: Misspellings and incorrect details won't heavily affect grades. The focus is on content rather than precision.
Preparation Tools: The instructor intends to share presentation slides and a practice review on the Canvas platform post-class to aid study preparation.

The class shifts focus towards discussing medieval European art and its contrasting style with previous artistic elements.
A notable mention is made of the Golden Haggadah, representing Judaic art.

Artistic Trends:
- Different from ancient Greek and Roman art, influences from the rise of Christianity play a significant role.
- The concern surrounding realism led to more symbolic representations, likely influenced by the church's authority.
Students express confusion over medieval artwork being labeled as 'ugly,' prompting a discussion on the church's impact on artistic expression.
- Concerns about idolatry led to more symbolic and flattened forms rather than realistic depictions, as was typical in previous eras.

Students are prompted to identify the two main styles of medieval art: Romanesque and Gothic.
Key characteristics of Romanesque Art:
- Emphasizes solidity, thick walls, and round arches with a focus on practical usage.
- Limited use of windows.
Key characteristics of Gothic Art:
- Features height, large stained glass windows, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses supporting taller structures.
- Emphasis on bringing in light into buildings.
Example discussed: Chartres Cathedral as a representative of Gothic architecture, noted for its grandeur and detailed carvings.

The instructor introduces a case about restoration work done on historical buildings, showing before and after images.
Class explores the ethics and implications of restoration:
- Emotional responses from the local community regarding restoration efforts, as they feel it altered the authenticity of the site.
- The distinction made between historical Gothic aesthetics compared to modern perceptions of Gothic styles.
Arguments on whether restoration can preserve or spoil the original artistic intention.

Discussion transitions into how art reflects the society's cultural dynamics:
- Examples of Jewish art, such as the Golden Haggadah, trace the influences of different cultures merging and their contexts.
- The contrast with Christian commissioning images impacting Jewish representation raises questions about idolatry in Judaic traditions.
Mention of figures in different artworks through various illuminating manuscripts shines light on the intertwining of artistic and religious narratives, especially within the diverse Northern Spanish culture of the era.

Discussion of specific art pieces presented for identification:
1. Standard of Ur: Found in the Royal Cemetery at Ur, crafted from lapis lazuli—a symbol of wealth and trade connections in Mesopotamian civilization.
2. Shaka Triad: A known Buddhist piece from Japan exemplifying intricate stylistic elements reflective of the country’s religious art.

Students engage in visual analysis, exploring identification of artwork and discussing terms relevant to their understanding:
- Hierarchy of Scale: Demonstrating social class distinctions reflected in the art from materials used to the representations in the pieces.
Class participation includes drawing parallels between primitive representations (Nude Woman of Willendorf) and more advanced medieval artwork like reliquaries (e.g., Reliquary Statue of Saint Foy).

Exam Components:
- Five identification questions regarding artworks or monuments discussed.
- Two unknown artworks for visual analysis similar to previous practices.
- Comparisons between artworks, requiring discussion of similarities and differences.
- Terms presented for definition use wherein emphasis is on understanding and recalling terminology.
Instructor reassures that while detail is essential, clarity of thought and reasonable descriptions outweigh strict accuracy in the exam setup.