Art Exam 2

Farmers in mesoamerica

Farmers -people went through cultural transformations. Started as hunter gatherer and then moved onto an agricultural system -farmers aides guinea pigs for eating and alpacas for wool

Maya vs. Olmec Relief

Maya -Located northeast of mexico city. And was the first urbanized center in the americas. Really large city and was the 6th largest in the world. First large city in americas. Had many apartment buildings, communal plaza.

Mesoamerica

Mesoamerica -located south of america. Roughly including some middle american countries -engaged in monumental building construction, developed a 365 calendar. Played a ball sport -villages were widespread and domesticated animals. population growth developed city states: development of class structure with elites and lower class. Governments developed and ceremonial center development displayed importance of rituals. -also developed some art like ceramic -developed an accurate calendar and astronomy. Skilled in metal making and mathematics

masks and context meaning

Problem with the faces and masks from ancient africa is that when museums house them, they do not put the faces and masks into the correct context to fully observe how its culture is.

Pyramid of the Moon

Pyramid of the sun -built in the civilizations early times. Thought to be built for one of the rulers. -720 ft on each base and similar in size to the pyramid of giza -built on top of sacred cave with spring. Maybe thought that the pyramid was built for the spring's importance. -talud tablero technique: stepped pyramid that spread throughout mesoamerica. Believed as a place where god made the moon and the sun. Became a site of ritual. Avenue of the dead -walking away from pyramid of the sun and aztecs called it. Reason? due to the burials on the sides -more than a mile long -at the center of the street there were canals made -at the end of the street there is a pyramid of the moon pyramid of the moon -placed in front of a mountain. Includes are ceremonial plaza. Large structure with surrounding buildings. -some reliefs and dragon head sculptures were created at top of pyramid.

Lid, Sarcophagus of Pakel the Great, Palenque

The lid displays Pakel in the fetal position. With it symbolizes the idea of renewal. Showed falling into the underworld. Level of carving was extremely intricate and detailed. Close up central scene shows the ruler and have theorized that he is in a relaxed position accepted of his death. Features of pakel has been individualized and have been descriptive.

Casting process

The lost cast process is a casting process where the wax original is destroyed in the process so making each head is unique

Offering #4, La Venta, 900-400 BCE

Small structures shaped as people. Jade, granite made up these structures. Stakes in back or celts. One figure is facing the group while the other individuals are facing a different way. Displayed a ritual and when dug up, it was found this way. All had elongated heads, almond shaped eyes. These characteristics were found in olmec art. Also holes in ears to display earrings. Centuries after the original burial, successive generations came and dug up right over it just to check to make sure they are undisturbed and that it is very important. Knew exactly where it was located and the excavation was very careful. This displays that they had an extreme importance for these people. These group of figures played a role in olmec culture. Even though it was buried, it still exerted some tremendous power. Used as a cautionary tale because it shows how important archaeologist digs are. Figures have bent knees and arms bent on sides. Adds a bit of energy and drama to the grouping. The figures and celts are similar in style but they are all individualized in different ways showing that there were different artists making these. Figures take the baby face style which is typical in olmec culture. Vary in detail and size. Some facial expression has variation. Some figures were broken and repaired. Celts behind them show that they were originally used for other purpose. Displayed that the olmec recycled and repurposed some structures. Could it be a trial or a ritual? no one knows, just suggestions. Scene might portray a group of priests, maybe ritual, a gathering in preparation for a human sacrifice. Recent research shows celts might represent standing stones that were decorated. Two figures are made of jade, chest ingrained figures (female) (might symbolize a marriage). Figure in middle represent something important. We know it was covered in special pigment for burials. The figures were covered with sand and that was covered with clean material and then it was covered on top. The event lingered very long.

Three Phases of Benin Bronze Cast Heads

Small to larger casted brass heads. Small, naturalistic heads created in early periods still using Ife art as examples. Larger, detailed with beads were produced in middle ages. late age became even larger, heavier and were more cylindrical. more beads and more stylized. High collar

Tikal

The city of tikal (maya) -Had a population of 70000 at its height. -structured things based or arranged around the surrounding geography such as rivers, mountains etc. -includes platforms, ceremonial center, and other temples. -settled in 4th century BE and through the 4th century AD.

Sarcophagus of Pakel the Great, 683 CE

Very detailed sarcophagus. images of ancestors on sides of sarcophagus.

Types of Islamic Decoration

Why do we see so much calligraphy in Islamic decorations? How is Islamic imagery different from early Christian imagery and why is it different? Why are there no figures in Muslim religious art?

Axis mundi ("axis of the world")

joining earth with the cosmos and representing the vital link between the human and celestial realms

Decapitation of Ballplayer

losing the ballgame was not good because at the end of the game, the losing team was decapated. Decapatation image showed signs of blood and organization of losing player and executioner. A religious or political purpose.

Dharma:

the divinely ordained moral law believed to keep the universe from falling into chaos

Lintel 24, Shield Jaguar and Lady Xok, 709 CE

—show blood letting by the lady and he is holding a torch showing the this ritual was happening at night. She was cutting her tongue with obsidian

Early African Rock Art: Introduction of Camel

-When sahara turned to desert and when horses were brought from egypt, the rock art images displayed this change. -camels introduced and images of camels on rock art also introduced. art is like a historical record.

Great Mosque of Djenne, 1906-07 (latest version)

-26th king of Jenne turned palace into this mosque -adobe mixture of clay and straw. Really amazing and said to be extravogant. New king destroyed it and build a new more humble mosque. Had three very tall towers. Center contained the Mihrab and sides of mosque have tall engaged columns. Act as buttresses and supports. This is a hallmark of west african mosque style. -Torons-used for scaffolding. Project on the external walls. -very large courtyard and prayer hall -Declared a UNESCO world heritage site. Everyone in world recognizes this as a very special place. -Crepissage: replastering of building every year. Structure made of adobe which is fragile and they plaster it every year to ensure it is protected. National holliday which shows how significant it is.

Nude torso from Harappa

-4 inches tall -less idealized body image with protruding body -rounder and less idealized. More curvy. The genitalia is more prominent also.

Memorial Head of a Oba, 16th century CE

-Also called a rolled collar head. -detailed, black material. Head most likely stood on the altar. Elephant tusks were present. -These heads are representations of rulers. Heads were made of lost wax process. -Why increase in weight? Growing wealth to the monarchy

Early African Rock Art: British Invaders using Guns

-Also showed Bristish invaders colonizing showing their guns. We also saw movement of people to egypt when the sahara dried, displaying a culture share to the egyptians

Great Mosque of Xian, late 14th century

-Another muslim/structure in china with some chinese architectural aspects -similar to the Taj Majal due to them being in places where the main religion is not islam

Blombos Cave, Shell beads

-Apollo 11 cave in south africa. Person escavating discovered shells and other rock are that dated many thousands of years ago. Could have been used for a necklace or other purpose. Maybe was used in a ritualistic event.

The great mosque of Kairouan

-Built mosque near mohammed. Side isles, hall (prayer). The plan is flexible to increasing population -Includes a mihrab -includes a courtyard with a fountain and a large prayer hall with many columns. has an entrance entering into a longitudinal plan. -there is an open space making this religious experience more individualistic -there is no center stage or ritual taking place in this mosque

San Vitale, Ravenna, consecrated 547 CE/ Justinian

-Byzantine art and architecture -shows kings and leaders at the time -Justinian: purpose was to show political but yet religious role. Royal purple and a halo on head. This was a jesus substitute on earth -Imagery trying to display a mass of parts of the procession -Shows an intersection of religion and politics -making a reference to the little entrance -The Byzantine style of art stressed religious devotion. There was shift from ancient Rome to religious doctrine. Naturalistic vs Abstract approach

Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus, 359 CE

-Certain scenes on the sarcophagus show Christ has received another promotion. What are they and what position does he now hold? -Christians are concerned with status regarding nonchristian counter parts -Junius-son of consul. One of the first patricians to convert to christianity -sarcophagus decorated with scenes from old and new testament -shows imagery of Jesus Christ. This endowed Christ with imperial authority -Center= Christ is throned and he has his foot on top of a pagan god (Caelus) showing his conquering of this pagan belief -He is wearing a toga which displays power. -Alot of pagan imagery -Modeling on drappery showing return of classical language. Styles chosen depending on the audience. Art of mid 4th century had many styles and the classical style = audience of high social status

Kaaba, rededicated Muhammed, 631-632

-Cubical structure- 45 ft high and 30 ft on each side -sacred, believed to be created by Abraham -muslims believe mohammed found it and removed the pagan statues and restored the religion here. -due to this removal, islam believed that art should be an-iconic. Takes part in pilgrimage

Crucifixion and Iconoclasts, Chludov Psalter. Mid 9th century

-Destruction of art due to conflict with idols and christianity art. Systematic destruction of icons through out empire --Example: virgin and child with saints and angels -all icons were destroyed and those artists were persecuted -Why? It promoted idolatry. were afraid that people were worshipping the images rather than who they symbolize. -People who wanted icons to get destroyed thought the body and blood of Christ in mass was enough -eventually stopped and Byzantine icons were made important again. -Byzantine empire during this Iconoclastic controversy weakened -monasteries gained wealth and power and may have caused Iconoclasm -Crucifixion and iconoclasts --in Psalms, shows iconoclasm by a person destroying an icon of the crucifixion. Shows the distaste of iconoclasm

Palace of Charles V, begun 1530

-Does not fit with other buildings of Alhambra -much more inward looking with a classical style of architecture -Courtyards: both this palace and Alhambra use open space in their courtyards -No decoration or water involved in the courtyard -made to impress due to size and not beauty -builds this as an assertion of power - the exterior is very roman style of stone work and the circular windows were made as if those inside are watching

Catacombs of Domitilla, second to fifth century CE

-Early Christian art --fear of idolatry --literary rates were low so people couldnt read the bible. Most people in the beginning were mostly plebian. The early imagry has no images of the nativity, resurrection, etc. Cross doesnt appear until 420AD -Romans developed the catacombs and the subchambers were where the people were buried -masses and ceremonies were held here.

Great Mosque Cordoba, 8th century

-Established rule around portugal, spain, france -on site: original Roman temple to a god -Visigoths took over the Roman Empire -really built over 200 years -comprised of large prayer prayer hall -courtyard with fountain and walkway -Hypostyle hall with horseshoe arches. Roman arches recycled. Kept Roman arches to maybe symbolize conquest too -a number of mosaics were used. In this example: gold mosaic -Domes in some mosques are formed differently. Domes made as star shape

Apse Mosaic, Transfiguraton of Christ (mandorla), ca. 565 CE

-Event in new testament when he irradiates on mountain with moses and Elijah -Apse mosaic: artist communicated transformation through rays of light and the black oval surrounding Jesus -The Feast of the Transfiguration has been celebrated in the Eastern church since at least the 6th century and it is one of the Twelve Great Feasts of Eastern Orthodoxy, -The Transfiguration of Jesus is an event reported in the New Testament when Jesus is transfigured and becomes radiant in glory upon a mountain. ... -On the mountain, Jesus begins to shine with bright rays of light. Then the prophets Moses and Elijah appear next to him and he speaks with them. -The earliest known version of the standard depiction is the apse mosaic at Saint Catherine's Monastery on Mount Sinai in Egypt, dating to the period of (and probably commissioned by) Justinian the Great, where the subject had a special association with the site, because of the meeting of Christ and [3] Moses, "the 'cult hero' of Mount Sinai". -This very rare survivor of Byzantine art from before the Byzantine iconoclasm shows a standing Christ in a mandorla with a cruciform halo, flanked by standing figures of Moses on the left with a long beard, and Elijah on the right. -Below them are the three disciples: Saints Peter, James, and John the Evangelist.[4] -the mandorla surrounding Christ as well as the rays of light emanating from his body suggest his transformation from the spiritual to the physical and in keeping with the style of early Byzantine Art -we see that Christ's body is flattened -the folds of his robe show only minimal modeling and his pose is completely frontal and the artist rejects a specific setting and instead sets the scene in a field of gold and you can imagine what happens when the light shines on that field -Similar to Byzantine art because Jesus is very frontal, very flat, or drappery described and he is on a super natural tpe of setting, on Gold rather than being detailed. It is different than typical Byzantine art because the apostles move with fear.

Torah Shrine, Dura Europos

-Focal point in a synagogue. -Just a reminder that structures associated with other religions also had special niches or spaces. For the synagogue, it is the Torah Shrine, while in the Christian church it is the apse.

Entry into Jerusalem, Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus/Adventus Marcus Aurelius, ca. 176 CE

-Followed the successful revival of lazarus on palm sunday -Christ is on horse similarly to Marcus Aurelius -Christ seemingly on smaller horse with tree in background -Marcus Aurelius was on a larger horse surrounded by roman imperial soldiers

Jonah and the Whale, Catacombs of Sts. Marcellinus and Peter, early 4th century

-He was swallowed by a large whale and was in stomach for three days and the he was spit out alive. Applies and implies the presence of Christ -Why don't we see any images of the crucifixion in the Early Christian world? Why instead did they favor stories like that of Jonah?

Reconstruction of Burial of African Ruler, 10th century CE

-Igbo was one of the largest african cities. They had elite burial and shrine complexes (burial chambers). -Shrine with ceremonial structures -man buries with bronze statue of leopard skull, ivory tusks, and imported beads. Displays the power that he had. Burial site believed to represent a king.

Early African Rock Art: Hunting

-Images of men hunting animals with bow and arrows, spears. The men usually are shown to surround the animal and in the act of killing.

Court of the Lions

-In the Alhambra -surrounded by Mocarnis: creates honeycomb shape -goes from dark to light. Overwhelmed by fountain and when walking from mocarnis where it is dark, one walks into the light in the courtyard. -Here we see the use of muqarnas. What is that and how does it along with the pointed arches and manipulation of light shape the viewer's experience?

Mihrab and Qibla wall at Great Mosque of Cordoba.

-Islamic art issues: language barriers. Also people assume it is religious but it is not necessarily religious. -Wall that faced the mecca -Mihrabs- became more impressive and larger. This own displays the adoption of the horseshoe arch. -Mosaics: these are not figurative. Word sent down to Mohammed, not a son like Christianity showing the importance of the word and not figures. -this mihrab: shows words and verses. Figures are idolatrous. If one makes figures of humans and animals, it is disrespectful to Allah. -Floral, words, and other non-figurative language is prominent in muslim art. Carried over to objects of Islamic art

Jesus and Byzantine art

-Jesus was originally modeled similarly to Apollo and eventually was modeled similarly to Zeus

Lintel 25

-Lintel 25: she is holding a bowl with pieces of paper where the blood falls. This would dry and would be lit on fire. Transformed into smoke to keep the balance of the cosmos. Glorification of lady Xok importance and governing capabilities.

BAPTISTERY OF ST. LOUIS

-METALWORK Islamic metalsmiths enlivened the surface of vessels with scrolls, interlacing designs, human and animal figures,and calligraphic inscriptions. -A shortage of silver in the mid twelfth century prompted the development of inlaid brasswork that used the more precious metal sparingly -one of the most striking examples of brasswork is the BAPTISTERY OF ST. LOUIS -This basin, made in Mamluk Egypt in the late thirteenth or early fourteenth century by Muhammad Ibn al-Zain (who signed it in six places), is among the finest works of metal produced by a Muslim artist. -This beautifully crafted basin, with its princely themes of hunting and horsemanship, was made, judging by its emblems and coats of arms, for an unidentified, aristocratic Mamlic patron. -the Mamluks were Muslims who had begun life as slaves -Though made in Egypt, the basin became known as the Baptistery of St. Louis, because it was acquired by the French sometime before the end of the fourteenth century -that was (long after the era of St. Louis [king Louis IX, r. 1226-1270]) and it was used for royal baptisms. -The dynamic surface is crowded with overlapping figures in vigorous poses that nevertheless remain distinct by means of hatching, modeling, and framing. -The exterior face is divided into three bands. The upper and lower depict running animals, and the center shows scenes of horsemen flanked by attendants, soldiers, and falcons -scenes of the princely arts of horsemanship and hunting. -In later metalwork, such pictorial cycles were replaced by elegant large-scale inscriptions. -Figures are well differentiated even though it is pact. Framing is done to separate the figures

Early African Rock Art, 8,000 BCE

-Made representations of animals on rocks -Other objects were found in caves -1st signs of representations on rock -back in middle stone age of humans in africa, rock art, shell art, and wood art had been discovered and dated to that time. -A variety of styles. Highly abstract, naturalistic or not naturalistic: hunting, ritual, costume life. -displays how they decorated their bodies and the masks they left

Mihrab and Minbar

-Mihrab: prayer nitch. This was the most important space in the mosque. One faces the Mihrab and prays toward it. It is in the direction of Mecca. becomes more prominent in mosques throughout history. -Minbar is an elevated surface in the mosque near the Mihrab in which the prayer leader leads the group in prayer.

Fish and Anchor, Catacombs of Domitilla, ca. 360 CE

-More important to display how God is not the death on the cross -two symbols = hope -anchor= safe haven is pagan. Safe arrival in heaven (christian meaning) -Fish=Ichtus - acronym for Jesus. This is commonly seen in early christian art because this was the way in which christians could communicate by drawing fish. This was based on the bible and the pagans would not know that this had secret Christian meaning because they did not read the bible. -after Christianity was legalized, that was when the real imagery came out. -Anchor and fish are symbolic representations of Christ and the heavens. Why did early Christians use symbols? Where was most early Christian imagery found?

T'ang Porcelain

-Most objects in Islam art are easily transported. Allowed for the spread of styles and motifs. Pilgrimages allows the spread of cultures and the trade routes allowed for exchange of goods and ideas and the distribution of these objects. -luxury objects and targeted to please the rich. many had calligraphy or other islamic lettering and even sought out by Europeans. Had an effect on their styles and art -ceramics and porcelain were highly detailed -the T'ang Porcelain --allowed by the silk road. Silk road allowed for cultural exchange and goods exchange. Different routes allowed for this great mix of ideas, cultures and people. Displays islamic art with a mixture of chinese art. Many islamic porcelain and ceramics were knock offs and they struggles with color but they eventually made the correct combination allowing them to make ceramics without spending so much money of the chinese ceramics -Islamic Ceramics—the ceramic industry gets going after contact with Chinese porcelain. Early efforts focus on imitating Chineseware.

Three Hebrews in the Firey Furnace, Catacomb of Priscilla, early 4th century CE

-Nebuchadnezzar- built 90ft gold state of himself -made everyone bow down and 3 children (hebrew) refused and resisted. They believed in christ and the kind threw them in furnace and they did not die. The king then declared everyone to believe in this more powerful God. This story implies the presence of Christ

Bascilica Ulpia, 112 CE

-Pagan references again because this was made post legalization -aisles- class distinction and made to fit many people -developed decorative things for churches -Pagan sources for sacred buildings. Why did early Christians opt to convert the bascilican plan and how did they change it? What advantages did the bascilica offer? -The ability to fit more people was advantageous to spread the word and allow Christianity to spread

Palenque, Temple of the Inscriptions

-Palace was an administrative center -on the interior there was many rooms that were open -on the exterior it look as a fortress not looking open and it was actually closed to most people. Has 9 levels, made for the stages of the under world. Top included a shrine with structures. Tomb was deep in the palace.

Christ in Majesty

-Ruler of entire cosmos displayed -Crucifix handed to angel and church model is in angel's hand about to be given to Jesus -sitting in chair showing leader of all -mosaic again: use of gold. -early Byzantine era and forms are visibly flattened. There was little to no attempt of 3D depth. Schematized way to show body. This displays unearthly holyness

Lion Capital, 250 BCE

-Sarnath was site of Buddhist first sermon -this was 4 back to back lions on top of platform showing other animals ( bull, elephant, horses) separated by large chariot wheels. Base is an inverted lotus blossom. -Symbolism and poetic reference in Buddhist -Also the sermon discussed wheel of law which is on the sculpture. Not only shaped by religious belief but also political meaning -lion may have served as Buddhist metaphor but previously could have been meant to display king power -A king that made this displayed power on earth and religious power in Buddhism

Good Shepherd, Dura Europos

-Shows again their secrecy in the beginning -Different way of displaying the image of shepherd. Now the sheep is on his shoulders and he is facing his flock

Moses and the Burning Bush

-Theophany: God's appearance to a human being -mosaic in the monastery -believed to come from Constantinople because it is so detailed and had to be done by someone really skilled. -bush is on fire but it is not consumed by the flame -moses was chosen by God in order to lead the jews out of Egypt and out of slavery

Symbolic Representation of Buddha

-They were no human form of Buddha prior to first century BC. Prior to this it was all symbols that describe him --Why? narrative structure that Buddhism used. Easier to repeat symbols rather than figures -Departure of Buddha: moves in forest for 6 years. on horse leaving and the horse came back without him. Saw two foot prints-symbolic representation. Displayed intellectual development due to symbolic use.

Good Shepherd, Vault of Licinia, Pompeii/ Calf Bearer, 560 BCE

-This displays the Pagan sources that christians used as symbols in their faith.

Taliban Destruction of Buddhas

-This is a recent example of iconoclasm. Taliban is a radical group of extreme islamic individuals that believes that any religion or depiction of islam that is not theirs is idolatrous and wrong to Allah. So they attempt to destroy any item deemed idolatrous

Dura Europos, House/Church, ca. 235 CE

-This is the earliest known church? Why did they simply convert a house? -Military post for Rome -they covered paintings with sand to preserve and protect them from the Persians -Pagan temple and Christian things showing a tolerance of different conflicting religions -house was where christians practiced in this case because they might have been still trying to be inconspicuous to Roman Authorities.

House of the Anchor, Herculaneum, floor mosaic, before 79 CE

-This is to remind you of the pagan origins of much of early Christian iconography. -shows the anchor and fish

Mirador

-Where women stay to watch men do something or where a ruler can watch the town -something to allow one to watch over people -What is a mirador? How does it enhance the ruler's power? Can you think of other examples where sight is manipulated to convey an individual or group's aspirations to power?

Bronze Head from Ife, 13/14th century

-YORUBA HEAD -The Yoruba people of southwestern Nigeria regard the city of Ife (also known as Ile-Ife) as the "navel of the world," the site of creation, the place where Ife's first ruler—the oni Oduduwa—came down from heaven to create Earth and then to populate it. -By the eleventh century ce, Ife was a lively metropolis, and, even today, every Yoruba city claims "descent" from Ife. It was, and remains, the sacred city of the Yoruba people. -A sculptural tradition of casting lifelike human heads, using the lost-wax process, began in Ife about 1050 ce and flourished over four centuries. -Although the ancestral line of the Ife oni (king) has continued unbroken, knowledge of the precise purpose of these arresting works has been lost. -The cast-bronze head demonstrates the extraordinary artistry that produced them. The modeling of the flesh—covered with thin, parallel scarification patterns (decorations made by scarring)—is remarkably sensitive, especially the subtle transitions around the nose and mouth. -The full, delicate lips and expressive eyes bulge organically in ways that are strikingly similar to the faces of some modern Yoruba, --underlining the sense of an individual likeness. This head was cast with a crown, and its size and delicate features suggest it may represent a female oni. Although its precise use is not known, similar life-size heads have large holes in the neck, suggesting they may have been attached to wooden figures, and mannequins with naturalistic facial features have been documented at memorial services for deceased individuals among contemporary Yoruba peoples. The Ife mannequin could have been dressed in the oni's robes. -But the head could also have been used to display an actual crown during annual purification and renewal rites. The question of whether the Ife heads are true portraits has been debated, and their attention to the distinctive contours and features that provide individuality to human faces gives an impression that they could be. -They all, however, seem to represent individuals of the same age and embody a similar concept of physical perfection suggesting they are idealized images representing both physical beauty and moral character. -As we have seen in the portraits of other cultures, however, idealization does not preclude the possibility that the faces describe the distinguishing characteristics of a specific human being. face of Augustus of PP -The superb naturalism of Ife sculpture contradicted every thing Europeans thought they knew about African art. and, at first, people tried to downplay the work, contending that something of such quality could not have been produced in Africa. -The German scholar, Leo Frobenius, who "discovered" Ife sculpture in 1910 suggested that it was created not by Africans but by survivors from the legendary lost island of Atlantis. -Later, there was speculation that influence from ancient Greece or Renaissance Europe must have reached Ife. -Scientific study, however, finally put such prejudiced ideas to rest.

Yakshi, Great Stupa

-Yakshi: a female earth spirit, accepted as a symbol of fertility by the Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain faiths. She is usually portrayed as a wide hipped, voluptuous woman, who can cause a tree to bear fruit simply by touching it with her foot and their male counterparts yakshas. -Displays full nudity and more curvature, fuller body. And also movement in hands and arms.

Seal: Yogi

-an indus valley seal -person sitting in yoga position -some seals are harder to decipher than others.

Early African Rock Art: Communal Gathering, c. 8,000 BCE

-art is not only record of existence but also displayed the culture of the people. Displaying culture events like a communal gathering between individuals of a tribe or community.

Plaque of warrior chief

-average 16 to 18 inches in height -decorated walls/pillars of the palace. Ceremonial scenes in court. Portuguese soldiers also depicted. Usually depicted more than one person -This one displays a warrior chief with a spear and eben sword in other hand. THe eben sword in made of iron. This is a principle of high rank. Other details such as his surroundings and his body. wearing shirt and mask. His size is larger too so it convey his importance/power. Styles: realism (detailed depictions) and conceptual styles (depicting size which depicts power) -shows monarch where he is one leader surrounded by soldiers. Eben sword=ceremonial sword -many involved with trade. Salt and gold were heavily traded. Niger bend-trading crossroads. Cities that benefitted were Mopti, Timbuktu, and Jenne. All centers of islamic learning

Blombos Cave, Rock with Cross Hatching, 777,000 BCE

-blocks decorated with carved lines. Predate any findings of ancient art by 30000 years. Displays the element of thought-symbolic thought: stage in childhood development that shows you can see that something represents something else. The crossed lines are seen in other cultures showing its symbolic meaning. This means that symbolic thought originates from africa. -Scholars believe that the design may indicate the development of symbolic thought, which was originally attributed to Europeans. What is symbolic thought and why is believed to be such an important development?

Roped Pot on a Stand, 9th to 10th century CE

-bronze vessel filled with water and you can tap it as a drum -intricate rope work and tremendous skill of casting is shown by this.

Empress Theodora

-carrying wine. Image gives background and displays that she was important -Women not allowed to enter in special part of the church

Ritual Vessell, 13th-14th century CE

-central portrait -very intricate and includes various styles. Side details are made to point to center portrait.

Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus vs Arch of Constantine 315 CE

-comparison

Court of the Myrtles

-courtyards making sounds -surrounding areas: you hear water from fountains -in the Alhambra

Islamic plate

-depicted: Bahram Gur nailing a gazelle. The figures are multicolored with a lot of movement and activity -hare on display. -displayed ceramics talent with new combination of the way they made it. -During the twelfth century, Islamic potters developed a technique of multicolor ceramic overglaze painting known as mina'i ware, which means "enamel". Ware. -The decoration of mina'i bowls, plates, and beakers often reference or portray stories and subjects popular with potential owners. -The circular scene at the bottom of this bowl is drawn from the royal life of Bahram Gur (Sasanian king Bahram V, r. 420-438), --dates to the 12th or 13th century --Bahram Gur was legendary in the Islamic world for his prowess in love and hunting; this episode combines both. -Bahram Gur rides proudly atop a large camel next to his favorite consort , the ill-fated lute player Azada, who has foolishly belittled his skills as a hunter. -To prove his peerless marksmanship, the king nails with his arrow the hoof and ear of a gazelle who had lifted its hind leg to scratch an itch. -In this continuous narrative, which involves representing multiple scenes from the same story within a single composition, -the subsequent action is also portrayed: We see Azada trampled to death under the camel after Bahram Gur had pushed her from her mount as punishment for mocking him. -the story is recounted in the Shahnameh, or the Persian Book of Kings

Mandala

-diagram of the cosmos as envisioned in Buddhism. very cool design that displays the cosmos. looks a bit symmetrical in color. designs are surrounding central focal point

Terra Cotta Horseman, 13th-15th century

-discovered in Jenne. Horseman equiped with dagger, arrows -Clay used to create the sculpture. Lots of detail- horseman could be hero, gaurdian, etc -ceramic sculptures were made during this time. Shows distinct facial details and skinny horse body. Not made to be a direct depiction of exactly what a horse or person looks like

Catacomb of Domitilla, Christ with Disciples, early 4th century

-displays jesus as a teacher, having authority. Shows him as a philosopher. -hand extended and scroll in other hand as if he is teaching a crowd and he is teaching them the works of the scroll, obviously religious context.

Philosopher, Roman Copy of 3rd c. BCE Greek Statue

-dont know who he is but has toga and similar stature. Shows commonality. This was the source for Christ's upgrade from the shepherd to the teacher. New icon or symbol made jesus look more powerful and king like

Early African Rock Art: Ceremonial figures

-family gathering also displayed in ritual paintings. could be quite detailed. Produced various styles and most importantly showed the culture.

Islamic Art

-from Arabia -term created in 19th century in order to categorize this art -all works where islam was the dominant religion. Term not only refers to secular art but also religious art. No symbols or terms like christianity had. involve carpets, mosaics, etc. -3 main endeavors: architecture, works of books (calligraphy), arts of object (ceramics) -it is a-iconic: no presence of human or animal figures. There are figures in art in the personal homes of people

Temple I and Temple II, Tikal, 734 CE

-funerary monument with ruler 1 tomb. 9 layers to it and priests climbed the stone stair case to the temple on top. Two rooms with a steep roof with vaulting inside. Rituals were probably done in there. 9 stages represented the 9 levels of the underworld. To escape, you have to go through it and need to get through the various levels. -Other cities that were coming into prominence: Palenke Pelenke -rose to prominence and is located in modern day mexico. -Ascension of Pakel the great

Catacomb of Priscilla, Christ as Good Shepherd

-good shepherd- pagan symbol that christians used to display Jesus Christ -rectangular simplified structure -no turning, always frontal -salvation-main theme -image of shepherd: can be found everywhere from Pompeii to Greece (archaic period) -Pagan motif in biblical terms -This was a good choice of symbol for Christians to use, why? Good common image known to all and more people could relate to it. This new faith and new coming of christianity shows the conquest of older world and faith

Stucco Head, Pakel the Great,

-head shows the individual characteristics of pakel.

Monastery of St. Catherine, Mt. Sinai, Egypt, 548-566 CE

-important: Moses and the 10 commandments were retrieved from this mountain. -Special defensive buildings and walls surrounding the monastery -church was dedicated to Mary although he also made it after his diseased wife Theodora. -Justinian, in fact, had an ambitious building program and developed projects throughout the empire -He was emulating the Roman Rulers, who had left their mark on countries in the Roman Empire far and wide -after the dedication of San Vitale, Justinian commissioned a monastery at Mount Sinai -This pilgrimage destination and spiritual retreat had been founded much earlier, during the fourth century, at the place where Moses had encountered God in the burning bush (Exodus 4 and 5) and in the shadow of the peak on which he had met God to receive the Ten Commandments (Exodus 19 and 20). -Justinian also order the construction of defensive structures and a defensive wall to protect the monastery from Bedouin invaders. -the church was dedicated to the Virgin Mary -but built in memory of Theodora who had died in 548 -local architects designed the church according to a bascilican plan -however, it is thought the mosaicists were brought from Jerusalem or even Constantinople to design and execute the sumptuous decorations in the church -as it was at San Vitale, decorations were concentrated in the sanctuary and especially in the apse -the theme of theophany governed the selection of scenes -theophany refers to the appearance of God to human beings

Cuidadela (fortified city center)

-in the ceremonial center of the pyramid of the moon and it was said to be able to include 60000 people at a time.

Painting Kit, Blombos Cave

-included several parts to mix and brush pigments which they developed into paint -marrow fat was used as a binder for paint -shells used for liquid to help make paint more fluid -throws light on the life of homosapiens. first instance of usage of containers and production of art -archaeologists even said this displays a workshop that includes forms of chemistry -Several of these kits were found

Relief of Feathered Serpent

-included some human sacrifice individuals. Showed hands and legs tied and decapatation. -Other buildings surrounding the pyramid that commoners lived in. -artist did some paintings by applying pigments onto some plaster. The style of the wall paintings: flat, angular and abstract. No sense of space. Central figure and very stylized. Wearing a large headdress.

Southeast asia

-india- pottery, paintings, textiles, and architecture. many designs in indian art -many complex religions located here. Major groups share vocab and style. Ancient period: art we have is out of metal or stone. gets exposed to many cultures. They occupied several trade routes and they were very exposed to invasions and other troubles.

Book production

-islamic artists distinguished themselves in the art of the book -high rate of literacy -islamic artists produce copies by hand: increased expensiveness -islamic prior to 18th and 19th centuries needed to hand write the manuscripts due to the lack of printing press. -always can tell if the manuscript was made for rich person due to the detailed binding. Rings of squares of geometric design with star in the middle is an example of a front binding piece. -This glorified the word. -The design almost looked like a carpet due to the people making these designs also working in other occupations such as carpet making -one of the centers for making these in persia The art of book production had flourished from the beginning of Islam, which was the seventh century --that was the case because an emphasis on the study of the Qur'an promoted a high level of literacy among both men and women. -With the availability of paper, books on a wide range of religious as well as secular subjects became available -paper was invented in around 100 BCE in China however, since they were hand copied, books always remained fairly costly. -making ownership a sign, once again, of one's wealth and cultural refinement. (Muslims did not adopt the printing press until the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.) -Libraries, often associated with madrasas, or religious schools, were endowed by members of the educated elite who funded the purchase of manuscripts -Books made for royal patrons had luxurious bindings and highly embellished pages, the result of workshop collaboration between noted calligraphers and illustrators. -The manuscript illustrators of Mamluk Egypt (1250-1517) executed intricate nonfigural designs filled with sumptuous botanical ornamentation for Qur'ans. -As in architectural decoration, the exuberant ornament adheres to a strict geometric organization. -In an impressive frontispiece, the design radiates on each page from a 16-pointed starburst, filling the central square (FIG. 9-21). -The surrounding frames contain interlacing foliage and stylized flowers that embellish the holy scripture. The page's resemblance to court carpets was not coincidental. Designers often worked in more than one medium, leaving the execution of their efforts to specialized artisans. -In addition to religious works, scribes copied and recopied famous secular texts—scientific treatises, manuals of all kinds, stories, and especially poetry. -Painters supplied illustrations for these books and also created individual small scale paintings—miniatures—that were collected by the wealthy and placed in albums.

Hagia Sophia, 532-537 CE

-largest church until the 16th century -means holy wisdom -architects built using physics and geometry -the dome is as if it was suspended on gold chain from heaven -centralized focal point and longitudinal stretched plans combined -main dome and other domes surrounding it -Pendentives were invented here and they absorb the weight of the dome and channels the weight to piers (to support the dome) -half domes also absorb some weight of dome -wing of windows around it make an illusion. Light from the windows flood into hagia sophia -covered in gold mosaic and silver -narthex along the entry way -giant theatrical space. Combined imperial and church. -Started as eastern orthodox and then converted to a mosque and eventually a museum -Candles in church burned with olive oil -building tried to transport one into religious world/afterworld to get you to reach the correct spiritual place.

Olmec Head

-made of hard stone, bizzalt. Brought from quarries to make the heads. Some weight 28 tons and some are 9 ft high. Portray adult males and war close fitting caps and some have ear rings. Heads are naturalistic and different degrees of individualism. some were buried which shows its importance. Almond shape eyes and broad flap noses and thick protruding lips. Also face is fleshy. Some are smiling and others have angry or straight faced. Some have cross eyed. Symbolizes they are in a trans like state. Might was practiced by taking hallucinogenic drugs to reach this state. Some rulers were so unlike that any statues were defaced. Some of the faces show signs of recycling when they did not like the ruler. They destroyed the face and edited it. Forest and swamps reach the olmec site causing the groups to fade.

Dome of the Rock, begun 691

-made to mark Islam's conquer of jerusalem -distinctive of 75 ft tall dome made of bronze -interior mosaics: verses of koran -Believed to be where the temple of solomon was at -location of adams grave, where abraham attempted to give up his child, also mohammed's beginning journey to heaven -meant to display how islam is a combination of other monotheistic religions and are quite similar to them two. -imitates early christian and Byzantine Mausoleums: Mausoleum of Hadrian -Mosaics represents the beds in heaven: image of paradise. Original to 7th century

Stupa

-main religious structure in Buddhism. Has ceremonial fences. Stupas are solid grounds surrounding a relic. Relics are connected to Buddha himself. They could differ from place to place but they have the same meaning. It is open to all for worship. -Early stupas held actual monuments of the relics that were split among kings. -relic chamber is deep in the stupa. meant to represent the center of the universe. Relics were believes to be part of Buddha's body representing Nirvana -walking around the stupa is a practice done in buddhism to bring you closer to the practices to accept the 4 truths. once you accept this, it leads you to enlightenment and eventually Nirvana -Buddha did not want to be worshipped. His ashes in the stupa was meant to remind people of the 4 truths. stupa sits on round or square terrace that is decorated with scenes to display the life of Buddha. People followed these truths to avoid the cycle of Samsara (cycle of birth, death and rebirth which holds us in its grip) -Buddhism started first monasteries. Bodhisattras: preparing others to reach nirvana. Similar to Buddha wanna be's

BloodLetting Ritual, c. 500 CE (wall painting)

-man enriches the ground with his own blood. The painting shows that he was of high status due to his detail. Has a sound scroll in his mouth: indicated that it was a ritual and he was chanting during this ritual. Maybe showed that he was part of the office. Sacrifices were with strong religious and political significance. Range of context and activities in the process of sacrifices. Reknewal of devine energy is what sacrifices are for. Human blood signified something important and mayas believed that the blood was sacred and the gods made the world with their blood and so maya people believed that we need to give blood back for the order in the world. Geology and abstract design on this painting. Have to hunt for the figure because he is disguised in the middle and this required a different way to look at paintings. -culture has spread throughout mesoamerica. Ancient maya are distinguished because they created densely populated cities, developed calendar and sophisticated hieroglyphics. Were able to make accounts of history through sculpture and books. Used mathematical concepts and identified the idea of 0 and the place value. Near city states were constantly at war. They were ruled by different rulers and through many rituals and sacrifices allowed them to maintain their power. Many gods in the maya religion.

Mohenjo Daro Reconstruction

-mohenjo daro: desire to build up and reach the heavens. Water tank is one of the most fascinating aspects and could have been for central bath place of ritualistic. -houses were built around a central courtyard and were two stories high. -Very sophisticated draining system and at its peak, about 6-7 miles wide and had 20000 to 50000 people. -had a central political role and did not take interest in large scale art unlike other civilization. Our knowledge is limited due to the lack of art from this civilization.

Female Holding a Flywisk, 250 BCE

-more enlarged chest and formal with posture, stiff. Symbol of fertility

Dancing Girl, 2500 BCE

-must have been some form of dance. Shows remarkable way to remodel with art. Shows a consciousness of 3D. displays a face of confidence. A hint of individuality in the sculpture. Features are a bit individualized. Also could have been part of a religious ritual. Indicated that these early civilizations knew metal working

Nok Head, 500-200 CE

-nok culture: used iron to create works. First ones to make some sculptures using some materials such as iron, terracotta, stone etc. -nok head: small holes where the heads could be decorated. slightly larger than life size. may portray high status-social stratification or may portray regular people on special occasion. Nok people were farmers and smelters. Floods thought to have carried structures and bodies else where which is why we only have their heads.

Christ Healing the Paralytic, Dura Europos

-painting imagery showing Jesus healing the paralytic -displays someone laying on a bed and Jesus standing and pointing with arm extended toward the person.

African Rock Art: Herding

-paintings displayed the change between hunting to herding. rock art documented the environment and lifestyle change.

Baptistry

-paintings emphasize jesus' miracles like him walking on water.

Serpent heads

-part of the relief of feathered serpent and in the same pyramid. These are on teh exterior of the pyramid with great design and they are quite large.

Alhambra, begun 1238

-plan of physical site gives a social and political presence -on the hill that it is on previously was an Islamic Fortress. -Represented as a sign of wealth. Made structure as some sort of trophy -had gardens, stables, columns, reflecting pools, and fountains were used. -views are amazing of mountains and towns below -exterior vs interior --resembles a fortress with few windows --people inside could see out but people outside could not see in and it is more intimate once you get interior

African Art

-primitive to describe African art, pacific islands and indigenous art of americas. Crude, backward, simple art pieces. Christians that dealt with these people stated that africans were barabaric and not westernized. -lack of technology and lack of cities were thought of Africans by the western european world. However, not true. Africans smelted iron and wrote in arabic. Their works were not primitive and the world eventually learned this -African art uses expressionistic, naturalistic styles -Africa is a vast continent with a huge number of countries -Africa challenges our notions of what they are. outsiders look at african artists as craft builders and would lack individualistic qualities. Eventually, this misconception ended.

Great Stupa at Sanchi, begun 3rd century

-probably belonged to a monastery -built by Ashoka -four gateways are in facing the four directions -built up, 10ft tall fense. Walkway at top. -top is a mast that has umbrella shaped objects on top -railing provides a boundary between sacred interior and corrupt suffering outside. -each gate: four great life stages of Buddha --birth, enlightenment, Nirvana, and first sermon --sculptures display inscriptions that show who donated to build this. Shows expanding popularity -gateways are 35 ft tall. They are elaborately carves with reliefs and inscriptions.

San Lorenzo, 1200-900 BC (Olmec)

-public ceremonial buildings and other houses surrounding. -Large structure that was on top of an artificial hill -eventually moved over to pyramid shaped ceremonial buildings. Place of ritual was in front of building. -San Lorenzo was destroyed and La Venta was created.

Yaxchilan (Mexico)

-sculptures right above the door ways: lintel 24, and 25

North Acropolis, Tikal, 5th to 1st century CE

-separated from palace through an open space. Tikal king was murdered when new people came in -temple structure with stairs

Church of the Holy Sepulcher, 330

-similar dome size and it displays how muslims took Christian art and built upon it and made it their own -domes were very important in Christian world and Muslims look it and used it for their structures -Supposedly houses the arc of the covenant

Priest-King from Mohenjo-Daro, 2600-1900 BCE

-suggests that priests and kings were one in the same (religion is connected to secular) -not sure when the name was established. He is wearing a garment. Had a big nose and big eyes: would have been filled in with colored shell. -wearing a headband showing importance. Due to the unknown of how it was named, we are not sure for a fact if it is a commoner or a priest or king. -some aspects show importance. Probably an important member due to the fact that an image was made. Images were not made just for anyone

La Venta 900-400 BCE (Olmec)

-tall pyramid mound was invented and it is man made. Pyramid mound and in front is the ceremonial plaza. Became known as the great pyramid. Mound is 100 ft. -sometimes there were structures on top of mounds. When it is a pyramid shaped mound, there tended to be structures on top -everything is organized very symmetrically and is along an axis. —this is picked up by future civil states. -buried under the plaza: colored clay, other structures and objects, and offering number 4 . Things buried means a lot to the ritual and the people

Pillar of Ashoka

-the Mauryan period. This was the time where monumental sculptures were introduced -Pataliputra capital: shows us alot of the interactions between cultures during this time. Lotice blossum, rosets, and scrolls: derived from greece and rome showing bleeding of cultures. Also, the sculpture is flattened like a relief- more indianesque -Buddhism spread through the entire area. -pillar: monolithic pillars to too were set up at buddhist religious places. inscriptions were the rules of Darma to remind the people to follow the law.

Early African Rock Art: Evidence of Variety of Animals before grasslands of Sahara dried up

-they displayed the change of the grassy plain of sahara to the desert. Rock art shows hippos and other wild life in sahara region

Ballcourt, Chichen Itza,

-used to play a mesoamerican ball game. More than 1300 ball courts have been identified and they vary in size with the same shape. Long narrow alley that is flanked with walls. Some ball courts were open ended but then eventually developed end zones. Largest ball court. Length equaled 2 football fields. The game have been hypothesized: involved a rubber ball with every part of the body except their hands. Sounds like an early version of soccer. Round structures with holes in the middle are part of the game by trying to get it into the small hole. Making it hard. Ball games could have been used to settle some dispute to avoid war.

four noble truths

1. life is suffering 2. this suffering has a cause, which is ignorance and desire; this ignorance and desire can be overcome and extinguished 3. the way to overcome them is by following the eightfold path. 4. of right view, right resolve, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration

Olmec

Olmec -first civilization in mesoamerica -mother culture of mesoamerica because it influenced many cultures throughout the region -monumental stone structure -commemorating specific rulers -massive earth rounds and ceremonial centers -Showed signs of many items that have been traded showing the connection with others.

Early African Art: Chariot People

Other images displaying chariot people with horses. The proportions are not accurate with the man looking similar size to the horse when in reality it should be horses bigger. It is during motion so the art piece has fluidity and motion in it.

Bascilica Ulpia, 112 CE vs. Old St. Peter's, begun 326 CE

comparison

La Venta 900-400 BCE (Olmec) Vs. Pyramid of Khufu, 2580-2560 and Ziggurat of Ur, 3rd millennium CE

comparison