Art History Exam #2 Study Guide

What was influential about Caravaggio's paintings?

Caravaggio's paintings break the rules in art; main figures are not centered or distinct

How did the Catholic Church use art to for the purpose of the Counter Reformation?

-Council of Trent -art should follow a formula; artists need to follow rules -religious art needs to appeal to the viewer in a certain way; artists should use the lives of saints as models for the people of the church -rules about covering up figures (less nudity) -Catholic Church uses art to reassert its power -patrons who commission woks are leaders in the church (Popes are major patrons) -the Catholic Church is trying to get the viewers attention because there is much more competition

What was the Grand Tour? What are vedute?

-The Grand Tour was a visit to the major cultural sites of Southern Europe. It helped to inspire Neoclassicism to tourism. It was a type of education. -A vedute is a view of a famous site.

How were non-Europeans viewed and depicted during the 18th and 19th centuries? What is Orientalism?

-non-Europeans were viewed as exotic -Orientalism is the representation of Asia, especially the Middle East, in a stereotyped way that is regarded as embodying a colonialist attitude.

What are the four primary subjects for Baroque painting in the Dutch Republic? Why did this type of subject matter develop here? What were the social, political, and religious contexts ad how did they differ from Italy, Spain, and Flanders?

1. Portraiture 2. Landscapes and Seascapes 3. Genre Painting (a scene of ordinary life) 4. Flower paintings and still life This type of subject matter developed here because the patrons are not kings and aristocrats, they are ordinary people (usually traders and merchants). The Dutch Republic gains independence from Spain and forms a Republic government. It is mainly a Protestant region that did not have showy or decorated churches. The Dutch are global traders and cosmopolitan.

What are the characteristics of Baroque art and architecture and how do they compare/contrast with the Renaissance?

Baroque values: -dynamic; a lot of movement -more complex -theatrical -dramatic -ornate, grand Renaissance values: -classical influence -idealized figures -simple/symmetric -clear and ordered -static -calm

What impact did colonialism have on South and Southeast Asia?

Because of British interaction, are was conflict between modern indian art and foreign european art (naturalism)

How would you characterize the different approaches to the landscape in England, Germany, and the US?

England -Nostalgic -Sublime Germany -Sublime U.S. -Manifest Destiny

What are the basic beliefs of Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism as reflected in the art and architecture in India and Thailand? What distinguishes Mughal (Muslim) and Hindu architecture in purpose and form? What are the symbols of the Buddha?

Islam -1st brought by traders; formally introduced by Arab invaders from Central Asia (the Delhi Sultanate) -one god: Allah -no figures allowed in religious works -architecture: mosques, commemorative tombs, forts Hinduism -many Gods with avatars 1. Shiva - the creator and destroyer 2. Vishnu - the preserver 3. Devi - the goddess -reincarnation and enlightenment/release -architecture: Gopuras (gate-ways to sacred sites) Buddhism -Leader: Buddha -Beliefs: reincarnation (samsara) and release/enlightenment (nirvana)

Who was Louis XIV and what was his importance? How did he use art to proclaim his power and rule?

Louis XIV was the King of France for 73 years. He called himself the Sun King and was a big patron of the arts. He developed the Royal Academy.

What are some of the varying views/roles of women during the 17th-19th centuries? Consider the works by female artists and how women were portrayed in the works by male artists.

Most women were viewed as housewives whose job was to raise good children and take care of the home. Women artists portrayed themselves as capable and successful people/artists while men portrayed women as being housewives.

What were the main distinctions in subject and form of Mughal and Rajput painting in India?

Mughal -multiple viewpoints, tilted space -black outlines, flat colors -decorative borders/patterns -subjects: narratives, portraits, history, power Rajput -anonymous artists -less naturalistic, more abstract -flatter/stylized -subjects: court, portraits, Hindu religion, poetry, musical modes

What were the characteristics, values, and themes of Neoclassical and Romantic art and architecture?

Neoclassical -revival of classical values -themes: patriotism, freedom, virtue, good behavior, -much simpler than baroque works Romantic -evokes emotions/strong feelings in the viewer -high drama -themes: horror, violence, the mysterious, unexplained or supernatural -more irrational (nightmares) -fascination with exoticism/orientalism -nature and its power (hurricanes, volcanoes, snowstorms) -techniques: color, dramatic lighting, brushstrokes to express or evoke an emotional response

What was the Royal Academy? Why was it important/what did they do?

The Royal Academy was developed under Louis XIV of France in 1648. It was very important to setting the standard of the arts in France. It replaced the Gild System.

What was the Enlightenment? How are its values reflected in art of the 18th and 19th centuries?

The Enlightenment (Age of Reason) emphasized rationality and empiricism. Science became the way to explain how the world works. Nature was seen as good and there was an optimistic view of humanity.

What was the Gothic Revival and why did the Middle Ages appeal to the Romantic sensibility?

The Gothic Revival is an architectural movement that involved the revival of romantic-inspired architecture.

Characterize the Rococo style and its context. Where and why did the Rococo style develop? Who was it about and directed towards? How did other 18th century artists react against it?

The Rococo style began in France after the death of Louis XIV in 1715 (1715-1800). It developed during a regency period, the next King was too young to take power. People in power during this time decide to move from Versailles to Paris. This new style develops to decorate the new dwellings. The Rococo can be characterized by softer, more feminine touch and color, the use of pastels, delicate, curving forms (arabesques), delicate and dainty figures, and a lighthearted mood. Other 18th century artists reacted by criticizing it for being superficial and not reflective of most people's lives.

How did contact with Europe affect the art and traditions of India? How did Indian art and architecture influence European art and architecture?

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