Exploring Classical and Medieval Art

Oct 2, 2024

Art Appreciation - Module 3, Part 3: Classical and Medieval Art

Introduction

  • Module 3, Part 3 focuses on Classical and Medieval Art.
  • Covers a vast period briefly due to the semester's time constraints.
  • Classical and Medieval art are often studied separately but combined here.

Classical Greek Art

Archaic Greek Pottery

  • Aora Vase (530 BCE): Example of black-figure pottery showing a mythological scene with Ajax and Achilles.
  • Techniques: Black figure uses black slip; red figure reverses colors.

Archaic Greek Sculpture

  • Choros (590-580 BCE): Early marble statue with Egyptian influence.
  • Represents early forms leading to classical Greek sculpture.

Classical Greek Sculpture

  • Doryphoros (440 BCE): Roman copy of a Greek original, showcases idealism and the contrapposto pose.
  • Contrapposto adds realism by showing muscles in relaxed and flexed states.

Classical Greek Architecture

  • Parthenon (447-432 BCE): Athenian temple dedicated to Athena.
  • Uses Doric order columns with slight bulge (entasis) for optical correction.
  • Elgin Marbles: Decorative sculptures now in the British Museum.

Hellenistic Greek Art

  • Laocoön Group (27 BCE - 68 CE): Emphasizes emotion and movement, showcasing a shift from stoic idealism.

Roman Art and Architecture

Roman Empire Overview

  • Known for technological advancements like aqueducts and roads.
  • Art blended Greek influence with Roman individualism.

Roman Sculpture

  • Marble Busts: Show individual characteristics, used as funerary portraits.

Roman Architecture

  • Colosseum (72-80 AD): Used for various public spectacles.
  • Utilizes all three Greek column orders.

Roman Temples

  • Pantheon: Known for its large dome and coffered interior.

Roman Painting

  • Pompeii Frescoes: Rediscovered after being buried by Vesuvius eruption, providing examples of Roman painting.

Early Christian Art

Context

  • Early Christians faced persecution, used symbolic art to worship secretly.

Christian Iconography

  • Tomb Frescoes: Used stories like Jonah's to symbolize Jesus's life.

Imperial Influence

  • Colossus of Constantine: Represents the first Christian Roman Emperor.
  • Old St. Peter's Basilica: Early Christian church using basilica plan.

Byzantine Art

Hagia Sophia

  • Built under Justinian, features large dome and mosaics.

Byzantine Mosaics

  • San Vitale: Known for gold tesserae and flat, stylized figures.

Medieval Art and Architecture

Manuscripts and Symbols

  • Chi Rho: Used in texts as a symbol of Christ.
  • Illuminated Manuscripts: Decorative, using vellum.

Relics and Reliquaries

  • St. Foy Reliquary: Protects and displays holy relics.

Gothic Cathedrals

  • Chartres Cathedral: Known for its stained glass and flying buttresses.
  • Sculptural Decoration: Used to convey Christian narratives.

Portal Decorations

  • Last Judgment Tympanum: Depicts biblical judgment above cathedral entrances.

Summary

  • This module covered vast periods briefly, focusing on classical and medieval art.
  • Reminder to include questions and answers at the bottom of notes and submit all notes in one document.

Additional Resources

  • Suggested readings and resources for further exploration in classical and medieval art.