Paths to enlightenment: Buddhism

Check out these fascinating videos about the Great Stupa at Sanchi and the Bamayan Buddhas restoration.

Restoration of the Bamayan Buddhas (Part 1)

Part 2

Thebigview.com has a great overview of Buddhist philosophies and concepts! Review it!

Gothic Europe

KEY IDEAS

• Built on ideas from the Romanesque period: rib vaults, pointed arches, bay system and clerestories
• Wanted to reach new heights (quest for HEIGHT and LIGHT)! Cities competed to build the grandest, tallest churches
• Light is manifestation of God known as lux nova (new light)
• Portal decoration within tympanum project more from walls (detaching from the wall): wanted to emphasize verticality
• Cult of the Virgin (as heavenly queen) replaced a previous veneration of Eve, the great sinner
• Illuminated manuscripts influenced by stained glass windows of Cathedrals
• Saint-Denis is first fully Gothic structure in France, ambulatory is new focus

HISTORY to REMEMBER
Early Gothic

1. Increase in centralized monarchy: between 987-1328 Paris was was a place of peace
2. Sales of charters = growth and wealth = increase of wealth to the king
3. Shift from agriculture to goods/services
4. Increase in schools: scholars and teachers transformed western thinking.

Late Gothic

1. Hundred Years' War (France vs. England 1337-1453) = decrease in economy and social growth
2. The Great Schism (1054 division between Eastern Orthodox Church and Catholic Church) not resolved until 1409
3. Black Death of 1348: 1/4-1/3 of population died! = architecture halted, artist depicted Black Death as a punishment from God = more conservation, reverted to earlier styles

Gothic CHARACTERISTICS
Early Gothic: 1140-1194 (France)

• Characterized by round columns in interior
• Rib vaults start at ceiling but travel down only to top of columns

High Gothic, Rayonnant Gothic: 1194-1300 (France)

• Rayonnant = "radiating"
• Articulated columns in interior
• Rib vaults travel from ceiling to floor
• larger window space, choirs and chevets
• Dissolution of wall space with use of stained glass windows

Late Gothic, Flamboyant Gothic: After 1300 (France)

• Flamboyant = "flaming"
• High decorative
• A mass of pinnacles and tracery
• Ogee arches

Perpendicular Gothic: After 1350 (England)

• Constructed in a garden-like setting (inspired by cloisters)
• Extremely pronounced central spires
• Smaller flying buttresses and portals
• Lower towers and wide screen-like facades (full of sculpture)
• ENORMOUS window spaces interlaced with decorative vertical patterns of stone tracery 

CHECK OUT THIS INFORMATIVE VIDEOS!!

BIRTH of the Gothic, Saint-Denis

 

Chartres Cathedral and Stained Glass

 Amiens Cathedral, "A Bible carved in stone"

Romanesque

KEY IDEAS

• Revival of large scale sculpture and architecture due to PILGRIMAGES
• Pilgrims traveled across Europe to visit and worship relics. The greatest pilgrimage destinations were Santiago de Compostela in Spain (shrine of St. James) and St. Peter's in Rome.
• To accommodate crowds, churches developed larger naves, double aisles, ambulatories and radiating chapels
• Church portals stress the Last Judgment and the need for salvation through the Christian church
• Manuscript painting and weaving flourish

Top 10 Romanesque Characteristics

1.        First international style since the Roman Empire (Germany, Normandy, England, Tuscany)

2.        Competition for the largest church, civic pride (Pisa Cathedral)

3.        Stone Masonry (no concrete)

4.        East end of church is the religious focal point for services (apse and altar)

5.        Portals act as a "billboard" for elements of faith (The Last Judgement) 

6.        Cruciform plans, church as a metaphor for heaven

7.        Plans/elevation based on basilican forms

8.        Bays divide the nave into compartments

9.        Rounded arches are the norm

10.     Tripartite division of the elevation continues from earlier periods (nave/arcade, gallery, clerestory)

Check out this video about the Leaning Tower of Pisa

Remember, the extra credit assignment (30-min essay) is due FRIDAY! 

Extra credit assignment

 I know the last test was challenging and covered A TON of (albeit similar-looking) art and architecture. Thus, I am offering an extra credit opportunity to bump up your test scores. This is a sample 30-minute essay question from an AP test. These 30-minute questions ask YOU to come up with examples of art or architecture to support your thesis/claim. Each question pertains to a specific overarching theme (the human figure, sacred space, power, etc) and asks you to identify one work from beyond the European tradition (we've covered: Near East, Egypt, China, Islam). Although this essay is not timed, do you best to follow AP guidelines for essay writing. This 1-2 page essay is due FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30.

30-Minute Essay Question Directions: You have 30 minutes to answer Question 1. Read the question and take a moment to think about what the question asks. You can receive full credit only by answers the question asked. Therefore, spend a few minutes organizing or outlining your response in the blank space provided above the questions. Notes in the black space will not be graded. Be sure to analyze each question carefully and choose appropriate examples. Identify your examples as fully as possible.

 Question 1: Virtually all of the world’s cultures have defined sacred spaces for religious purposes. The design and appearance of these spaces vary greatly. Fully identify two specific sacred spaces, at least one of which must be from beyond the European tradition. For each choice, discuss the relationship between the appearance of the space and its religious function.



p.s.  Finish reading Ch. 17 (p. 430-459), complete RG Ch. 17 and turn in Illuminated manuscript pages if you have not FOR WEDNESDAY.

UNIT TEST 4: Ch 11, 12, 13, 16

Hello all,

It's that time again, UNIT TEST 4 is approaching. On Monday, you will be tested on Early Christian, Byzantine, Islamic and Early Medieval Art. Be sure to study how these works are INTERCONNECTED (i.e. how Early Christian churches compare to Ottonian church architecture, how Islamic interlace patterns are similar/different to Hiberno-Saxon illuminated manuscripts, etc.) as well as how they relate to their Roman roots (classical influences, or lack thereof). I also stress studying architectural vocabulary of sacred spaces, both Christian and Islamic. This vocabulary is crucial to understanding church architecture and writing concise and informed essays.

floor plan of a very simple Mosque and Old St. Peter's plan

I've added a new tab at the top of the blog for CHEAT SHEETS. These will be provided at the end of each chapter/section. I will do my best to create cheat sheets for all previous chapters for studying down the line!

For those who missed class, we have a TAKE HOME assignment due November, 26th after Thanksgiving.

Assume the role of a manuscript illuminator and create a beautiful ornamented page from your imaginary  manuscript. I will provide paper (“vellum” or “parchment”). Your manuscript page must include:

·         Your initial, large, in Romanesque or Medieval style

·         Interlace patterns (you can make this up or use a template)

·         A grotesque, mythical figure or monk

·         1 copied Latin phrase in medieval script (ex: Audio, video, disco – I hear, I see, I learn, phrases can be googled!)

·         Heraldry – family crest or flag

·         Foliate Border

***And of course, use GORGEOUS COLOR, (or even gold and silver if possible) ***

Although we sadly didn't get to it in class, you can quiz yourself or each other on your Jesus recognition skills by playing NAME THAT CHRIST!

Happy studying!

Yesterday, archaeologists discovered treasure linked to Alexander the Great's father in a Bulgarian tomb. Read about it here!

Islamic Art

ISLAMIC ART

KEY IDEAS

• Islamic art and architecture directly reflects Islamic religious beliefs, Atmosphere of Paradise
• The most important building for Muslim worship is  THE MOSQUE
• Muslims pray toward city of Mecca, the holiest place of Islam
• The mihrab is a niche in the qibla (direction toward Mecca) wall
• Calligraphy is a highly revered holy task(Persian manuscripts)
• Calligraphy includes arabesque and tessellation designs (interweaving vegetal motifs and geometric patterns)

The 5 Pillars of Islam

1. Faith: there is no God but God, Muhammad is his messenger

2. Prayer: Pray 5x per day in direction of Mecca (qibla)

3. Charity: Give alms to the poor

4. Fasting: from sunrise to sunset during holy month of Ramadan

5. Pilgrimage: Visit city of Mecca

This is a great (albeit lengthy) documentary on Islamic art and architecture. Check it out!

Art Historian assignments

Hi friends, 

Here are the image/topic assignments for Friday. 

1. Valeria - The great “renovation” and shift  from Early Byzantine to Middle Byzantine (p. 327)
2. Clare - Theotokos, Hagia Sophia (p. 327-8)
3. Evelyn - Architecture/plan of Katholikon at Hosios Loukas (p. 328-9)
4. Eleanor - Interior of Katholikon at Hosios Loukas (p. 329)
5. Somaje - Crucifixion from Daphni, Greece (p. 330)
6. Sebastian - History & Interior of St. Mark’s, Venice (p. 331)
7. Julia - Norman Sicily and Christ as Pantokrator (p. 332)
8. Dante  - Harbaville Triptych (p. 333)
9. Andy - Lamentation over the dead Christ, Nerezi, Macedonia (p. 333-4)
10. Roujia - Paris Psalter (p. 334-5)
11. Lorenzo - Virgin and Child, Vladimir Virgin (p. 335)
12. Matt - Late Byzantine Art overview (p. 335-6)
13. Marquise - Anastasis, Christ in Chora (p. 336-7)
14. Michael - Christ as Savior of Souls icon, Ohrid, Macedonia (p. 337)
15. Emily - Annunciation icon, Ohrid, Macedonia (p. 337-8)
16. Morgan - Three Angels by Andrei Rublyev (p. 338)

Other relevant materials are under the "supplemental materials" tab (Graphic organizer and Christian Symbols worksheet)

PLEASE READ CHAPTER 12 CAREFULLY. It was evident in class today that many  of you have yet to read the chapter. 

Since we haven't had time in class, take a few minutes to watch the beginning of this documentary on the depiction of Christ throughout time

See you Friday and Happy Halloween!!

ps - Look at some of these funny art historical Halloween costumes. The last is my favorite...speaking of the face of Christ...

Christianity

Check out this goofy, but informative video about the history of Christianity!

Ancient Rome

In preparation for our Rome Unit Test on Thursday, here's some vital information! Be sure to really study architectural innovations (in material, engineering and vocabulary terms) and important Roman monuments (ARA PACIS)!! Check under tabs for the Rome presentation, study guides, reading guides and image tables.

Key Ideas

Roman art reflects an ambitious character

Monuments reflect the glory of the gods and government

Roman architecture is known for the arch, the vault, and the use of concrete.

Roman paintings are few yet we have well preserved first, second, third, and fourth styles from Pompeii.

The Romans had great interest and admiration for High Classical Greek art and continued to make many copies of Greek sculptures.

The Romans also move away from cremation and begin to have burials (sarcophagi!!). Roman royalty are still cremated. Funerary practices may start to reflect the influence of Christianity and other Eastern religions that believe in an afterlife (gradual building of Christianity's spread and power).

TYPES OF GOVERNMENT

Monarchy and Republic: 753-27 centuries BCE

Dictator (Julius Ceasar): 48 BCE (murdered 44 BCE)

Empire (under Augustus): 27 BCE  - 96 CE

High Empire (Trajan, Hadrian and the Antionines): 96 - 192 CE

Late Empire (Severans, Diocletian, Constantine): 193-337 CE

ESSENTIAL

 Good luck studying! Be ready to begin Early Christian Period after the test on Thursday.
 

Rome High and Late Empire

 Look up!

The blog has been updated and now has clickable tabs above. Check them out!

Class materials and documents will be posted under the document tab from now on. Click to find documents for our next class (Monday, October 22) for Rome Late Empire.

Watch this video and brush up on your Roman architecture

Roman Early and High Empire

Hi all,

Great job on the presentations today. It's fun for me to be a listener and hear your take on these wonderful artworks. For those who didn't present today, please be ready first thing Thursday.

Check out these interesting videos about the Ara Pacis and, if you have the time, a BBC documentary about the brutal bloodshed at the Colosseum! It's always fun to see art historical reenactments, especially involving dramatic gladiatorial battles.

In addition, here are this weeks documents:

Reading Guide Chapter 10 Rome High Empire 

Image Tables: Chapter 10 Rome Early Empire

Image Tables: Chapter 10 Rome High Empire

I've included Image Tables in place of Image Cards, as requested by the class. These will be due on the day of the test, as note cards were. Be sure to include titles and vital information for EVERY image.

See you Thursday!

Presentation assignments and Rome Early Empire

Hi friends,

Here are the images/topics/themes assigned for our next class. Please be prepared on Tuesday to teach the class about these themes/artworks! Include all relevant information, do some research outside your book and make it entertaining! Remember to try to connect pieces with previous periods, civilizations and cultures. If there are supplemental images/info/videos you would like me to include in the powerpoint, please send it to me prior to our Tuesday class.

1. Morgan  - Pompeii Forum and Ampitheater (p. 245)
2. Clare  - The Roman House (p.246-7)
3. Matt - First and Second style painting (p.248)
4. Marquise  - Third and Fourth style painting (p. 251-2)
5. Somaje  - Private portraits and still-life painting (p. 252-3)
6. Michael - Early empire and pax romana (p.  254-5)
7. Sebastian - Augustus and Livia, (p.255)
8. Andy - Ara Pacis, (p.256-7)
9. Valeria - Forum of Augustus and Nimes (p. 257-8)
10. Eleanor  - Porta Maggiore and Nero's Golden House (p.258-9)
11. Evelyn  - Flavian portraiture (p. 261)
12. Dante - the Colosseum (p. 260-1)
13. Emily - architecture of Arch of Titus (p. 262)
14. Julia  - Sculpture of Arch of Titus (p. 262-3)
15. Lorenzo - Trajan and Timgad (p. 264-5)
16. Roujia - Forum of Trajan (p. 264-5)

Also, here are the image cards for Chapter 10 Rome Early Empire
Image Cards Chapter 10 Rome Early Empire

See you all Tuesday! Enjoy this rainy weekend.

Etruscans, Rome and Ancient China

Hi art historians, 

We will be exploring a few cultures this week! 

Please do your best to complete these assignments for Friday.

Read:

• Chapter 7: Ancient China and Korea 1279, pp. 180-188
• Chapter 9: The Etruscans 222-234 (keep Chinese terracotta and bronze in mind)
• Chapter 10: The Roman Empire, pp. 236-244 

Please complete Etruscan and Ancient China/Roman Republic reading guides for Friday (OR temple drawings in place of the Etruscan RG) 
Reading Guide: the Etruscans
Reading Guide: Chapter 7 and 10, Ancient China and Roman Republic

Image card documents for Etruscans, Ancient China and Roman Republic
Image Cards Chapter 9: the Etruscans 
Image Cards Chapter 7 and 10: Ancient China and Roman Republic



We will watch some clips from this documentary on the terracotta army, but if you have time, watch the whole thing! 

 

Enjoy your week!

Ancient Greece Unit Test

Hi all, here is the presentation for all of Ancient Greece. Happy studying, see you Tuesday!

Ancient Greece Presentation

Ancient Greece: Classical through Hellenistic

Spend a few minutes watching these informative SmartHistory videos about the Parthenon sculptures by Phidias!

East Pediment 

Frieze

Metopes

I also want to emphasize the importance of reviewing the language and vocabulary of Greek architecture. Familiarize yourself with the different orders and temple styles and their design.

We will do some 2-point perspective drawings of temples on Friday, time permitting.

Lastly, here are the documents for Chapter 5: Ancient Greece Late Classical through Hellenistic

Chapter 5 Image Cards: Ancient Greece Late Classical through Hellenistic

Chapter 5 Reading Guide: Ancient Greece Late Classical through Hellenistic 

See you all on Friday!

Ancient Greece

Hi friends,

Here are the documents for Ancient Greece: Early and High Classical

Image Cards - Ancient Greece Early and High Classical
Reading Guide Ancient Greece Early and High Classical

In addition, here is our proposed schedule for the first two weeks of October. See you all Tuesday!

Ancient Greece

Watch these short clips about the Geometric Krater and New York Kouros from the SmartHistory website.

Here are Greece (through Archaic) documents. Please cut&paste note cards and complete RG for Friday
Greece Image Cards - through Archaic
Reading Guide: Greece through Archaic

Unit Test: Ancient Worlds

Ivory Minoan Bull-Leaper and Bull Head, 1500 B.C.E., from Palace of Knossos

Tuesday will be our first unit test of the year. It will take the form of the AP test, using only actual questions from past AP exams. But worry not, we will go over the format of the questions, what kind of questions are asked and analyze essay questions during the first part of class on Tuesday.

Here are study materials to help you prepare for the test. I've included my own presentation notes (THIS TIME) because of the unfortunate strike circumstances and the brevity and swiftness of our classes this week.

Ancient Near East Powerpoint

Ancient Near East Presentation Notes

Ancient Egypt Powerpoint

Ancient Egypt Presentation Notes

Prehistoric Aegean Powerpoint

Prehistoric Aegean Presentation Notes

Also, watch this video on the Mycenaeans (it's long, so if you don't have much time, focus on the second half). The video focuses on the archaeology behind the discoveries at  Mycenae facilitated by Heinrich Schliemann.

Lastly, utilize internet resources! Check out this incredibly informative and easy-to-navigate website,SmartHistory. There are lots of great videos and interesting information for review.

Temple of Ramses II

To reiterate a question in class, how in the world did engineers move the Temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel to prevent it from complete submersion?

Here's the answer! Amazing!

Also, here are links to the Prehistoric Aegean documents if you missed grabbing them in class. Remember, if you missed class or forgot to take handouts, they will be available at all times in the APAH file box (left side of teacher desk)

Prehistoric Aegean Reading Guide
Prehistoric Aegean Image Cards

Back to Business

Hi all, we will finally meet again tomorrow morning. Please bring your note cards through all of Ancient Egypt, cut&pasted and ready for notes!

Check out this interesting article about the facial reconstruction of King Tutankhamun by three teams of forensic artists!

STRIKE ASSIGNMENTS

Hello Art Historians. I hope everyone has been having a fabulous first week back at Payton. Unfortunately, we may not see each other for some time, so please carefully read over these assignments in case there is in fact a long-term strike.

Here is our projected schedule for September. Let's try and stay on this path!

 Please complete:

1. Readings, reading guide and image cards for the Ancient Near East (you already should have these finished)
2. Week of 9/10-9/14 read Chapter 3: Ancient Egypt, pp. 53-79 and reading guides for the Old/Middle kingdoms and New Kingdom/First Millennium. 
• Reading Guide: Chapter 3 Ancient Egypt Early Dynasties and Old Kingdom 
• Reading Guide Chapter 3: Ancient Egypt Middle Kingdom through First Millenium 
3. If we miss both Ancient Egypt class sessions, please print/cut & paste/label Ancient Egypt image cards. Please do your best to fill in these note cards with all relevant information from the book 
•  Card Images: Chapter 3 Ancient Egypt
4. If we strike for more than a week, please visit the Art Institute of Chicago and complete the Museum Form
5. Watch this clip about the mummification process and episode of "Lost Civilizations: Ancient Egypt" on youtube.
All assignments are due the first day back after the strike. Enjoy your weekend and HOPEFULLY see you all on Monday morning. 

Ancient Near East

Here are the documents for Chapter 2: the Ancient Near East

Ancient Near East Powerpoint

Reading Guide

Also, check out this article from 2003 about the disappearance and return of Female Head, Lady of Warka!

WELCOME

Welcome to AP Art History! I am very excited to begin our art historical journey and I hope you are too. Please take the time tonight to follow/join the blog and bookmark the AP Art History Class Website.

Your first homework is to go through our textbook and find your two favorite images. One with people and one without. Photograph yourself duplicating the image with people, as appropriate for school viewing, and send me a digital copy (arprice2@cps.edu). You can choose to be accurate to the time period or update the artwork to create a 2012 version (i.e. what would The Girl with the Pearl Earring wear today?). You can employ your friends and family to model in your photographs, but YOU must be somewhere in the image. Write a few sentences  about each image that you liked, include why you chose it and what drew you to it...two short paragraphs.

HINT: ITALICIZE titles of artworks when you type! Send me the images and write-ups by Thursday September 13, 2012.

Check out these awesome painting reinterpretations to get inspiration!
Painting Reinterpretations

“The Girl With The Pearl Earring” by Johannes Vermeer

Lamentation over the Dead Christ” by Petrus Christus

“The Calling of Saint Matthew” by Caravaggio