Written Responses
How was the Medici commission of the statues of David significant?
The family was aligning itself visually with the city of Florence by identifying themselves with the symbol of Florence. They became responsible servants for the city's interests and prosperity. The family commissioned the statues from both Donatello and Verrocchio. Both artists were recognized for their sculpture and the Medici commissions further emphasized their commitment to the city-state of Florence.
What was the political meaning attributed to David's Oath of the Horatii?
The painting was designed to rally republicans, imploring them of the dedication and sacrifice was needed to succeed.
How is Dutch Baroque uniquely different from Italian Baroque art?
The unique difference in Dutch Baroque art is its appeal to the senses. It provides insight into the lives of the Dutch and the social history of Holland at this time. Unlike Italian Baroque art it is not an exemplar of great themes or philosophies. It is more comfortable with the daily routine of Dutch households and urban affairs, both commercial and domestic.
What heritage does the work of Jeff Koons show?
The work of Koons reflects the legacy of Marcel Duchamp and Andy Warhol. He made no attempt to manipulate or alter the objects. Koons was intent on showing the commodification of art and how it resonates in a commodity driven society
Picasso said, "Painting is not made to decorate apartments. It is an instrument for offensive and defensive war against the enemy." How did this statement reflect the political nature of artists during this time period, and how did it mirror Picasso's personal politics?
This statement was made in response to the Spanish Civil War (1930s) and the Nazi destruction of the Basque town of Guernica. Picasso and his contemporaries, among them the Mexican muralists, realized they could impact their societies and the world community by creating powerful visual works that responded to the events of the day. Picasso created a powerful statement condemning war in general and the senseless act of destroying the town of Guernica. Everyone who saw the work, Guernica, understood the nature of his condemnation.
Who was Savonarola?
Savonarola was a late 15th-century Dominican monk who preached in Florence and denounced the Medici. He claimed they had corrupted the city and were the cause of the current military incursions initiated by the French. He also condemned humanism and called for the destruction of all things related to humanism. Fortunately his span of power and influence was not lengthy. However some scholars attribute Florence's decline as the leading center for culture to Savonarola's leadership
Who was Clement Greenberg?
An art critic of the 1940s through the 1970s. He wielded considerable power and influence. Greenberg re-defined modernism's parameters.
Briefly contrast Analytic and Synthetic Cubism.
Analytic Cubism was a dissection of the form of the subject. That dissection was presented to the viewer across the canvas surface. Analytic Cubism was analyzing form and investigating the visual vocabulary for conveying meaning. Synthetic Cubism was the movement in which paintings and drawings were constructed from objects and shapes cut from paper or other materials to represent part of a subject. Synthetic Cubism was a consequence of the Analytic Cubist style that no longer relied on a decipherable relation to the visible world
How does the phrase "controlling nature" reflect the gardens of Versailles?
André Le Nôtre transformed a forest, the surrounding countryside where the original hunting lodge was located, into a park. He transitioned the dense and wild growth with meadowlands to serve as distant views. The grounds closer to the palace were tightly designed and controlled.
How did the Roman Catholic Church use art to respond via the Counter-Reformation?
Church leadership understood the value of the visual statement not only as a decorative statement but it could also contain didactic meaning as well. And to that end the Church actively launched a campaign to renew and construct a new and more magnificent Rome. Italian 17th century art and architecture embodied the renewed energy of the Church and it invigorated the Counter-Reformation and communicated that energy via visual stimuli
How did Louis XIV use art as a tool of the monarchy?
He clearly understood the value of the visual statement as a political vehicle. Therefore no expense was spared to create symbols and monuments to glorify the king's absolute power. His efforts and those of his principal advisor, Jean-Baptiste Colbert regularized French taste and furthered this with the foundation of the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture which accelerated the establishment of French classical style.
How did the subject matter Edward Hopper used in his art relate to the Depression era?
He depicted the generalized theme of the overwhelming loneliness and the reverberating isolation of modern life in the major metropolitan cities of the United States. He evoked the seeming indifference to one another and echoing space, which surrounds life in a large city.
What is significant about the landscape depiction in Konrad Witz's Miraculous Draught of Fish?
He represented the landscape so carefully that art historians have been able to determine the exact location shown. This painting is one of the first fifteenth-century images to depict and identifiable site
How did Protestant views of religious art differ from Catholics and what effect did their views have on the appearance of their churches?
In addition to the intellectual arguments presented by the Protestants, there was also an attempt to curb interior decorative programs of Protestant churches. The major difference between Protestant and Catholic churches is the imagery and the decided lack of imagery in a Protestant church. Protestant leadership felt images would distract the worshipper from the direct communication with God, which was the sole purpose for their presence in church.
Describe the Armory Show. How did it impact the American art scene of the early 20th century?
It was a 1913 exhibition that contained more than 1600 works representing both European and American artists. The show illustrated the major artistic developments in Europe and brought those ideas and art works to the United States audience. It was a serious catalyst to promote discussion and serious thought about those art movements
What was the importance to an artist of a papal invitation to Rome?
It was considered an honor to be invited to serve the papacy. Many artists enjoyed the reputation they garnered from such an invitation. Many artists upon returning home enjoyed increased patronage and commissions.
What is significant about Nanni di Banco's Four Crowned Saints?
The artist positioned the figures in a semicircle within the niche and had them relate to each other by posture and gesture. He created a unified composition not tied to the niche or the architecture
Why is Dürer compared to Leonardo? How is he different?
Like Leonardo Dürer wrote theoretical treatises on a variety of subjects and like Leonardo he maintained that careful observation was essential for any artist and his endeavor. However, unlike Leonardo, he published his writings and he finished his projects and commissions
Compare Michelangelo's David with the David of Donatello and Verrocchio respectively. Discuss the change, if any, in the representation of the image. How did these three images reflect the artists and their periods?
Michelangelo's David was nude, following anatomical structure of a male, his head turned in wariness of battle instead of looking forward. In comparison, Donatello's David was more feminine, made out of bronze and showing a more erotic composure and Verrochio's David was only half nude, also in bronze and holding a prideful emotion for his victory.
