ARTS 1100 WHAT IS ART? AN INTRODUCTION TO THE CONCEPT OF Aesthetics of Art of oil painting technique.

CEPT OF Aesthetics of Art of oil painting technique. In time, artists like Courbet
ART ▪ Realist: Does it look real? and Cezanne (and many who followed them) began in
THE NATURE OF ART ▪ Modernist: Does it provide an abstraction or an various ways to challenge the basic idea of what it is
⎯ Art plays a large part in making our lives infinitely Art: A Short History expression? explore the essential elements of for an image to be true and real.
rich.  500 BCE-1900 CE: realist: (Ancient Greece to Lumiere the medium?
⎯ Art stimulates different parts of our brains to Brothers [inv. of cinema]: art is representational or ▪ Postmodernist: Why isn’t it (just) what it looks ▪ Creating Beauty
make us laugh. mimetic like? Yet the idea of beauty, like that of truth, has been
⎯ Art gives us a way to be creative and express  1900-1964: modernist: (invention of cinema to Warhol’s challenged in the modern era. At one time, the artist
ourselves. WHAT MAKES “ART” ART?
Brillo Box) art explores its manifest (sensual) was expected to portray perfection-- lofty and noble
⎯ Art is something that makes us more thoughtful • Institutions: design is all around you; art ideals of beauty. Yet as society became more
properties.
and well-rounded humans. requires you to go somewhere special industrialized and democratic, many thoughtful
 1964-now: postmodernist: art is defined by its (e.g., a gallery or a museum)
⎯ All functional design is art. non-sensual, abstract properties. people began to broaden their notions of what could
• Theories: an artwork articulates a “statement”
⎯ Art is something that is both functional and be beautiful. For example, Rembrandt could
in a larger conversation or discourse.
(hopefully) aesthetically pleasing to our eyes. Art As Representational (Plato) celebrate the tactile quality of paint and color his
Plato holds in the Republic and elsewhere that the WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF ART? picture of a side of beef, and Courbet and Millet could
WHAT IS ART?
arts are representational, or mimetic (sometimes see beauty in the life of ordinary peasants.
⎯ Art lacks a satisfactory definition. It is easier to ▪ Religious Ritual
translated “imitative”).
describe it as the way something is done “the From the prehistoric cave paintings of France, to the
 Artworks are ontologically dependent on, and ▪ Storytelling
use of skill and imagination in the creation of Sistine Chapel, art has served religion. For centuries
inferior to ordinary physical objects, which in His was a common device of religious art of the Middle
aesthetic objects, environments, or the Church was the primary patron of artists. In
turn are ontologically dependent on, and inferior ages where sequences of panels were used to tell
experiences that can be shared with others” traditional societies even today, the primary purpose
to, what is most real, the non-physical forms stories from the Scriptures or lives of saints. It is also
rather than what it is. (ideas). of art is religious or ceremonial. the great gift of Norman Rockwell, who had the ability
⎯ Art is subjective and art is more subjective than Idea > physical object > artwork to tell powerful and subtle stories about ordinary
objective. ▪ Commemoration of an Important Event or people and events, in just one picture. A picture is truly
 Artworks present only an appearance of an
⎯ Art is form and content. (there is always a concept). Person worth a thousand words.
appearance of what is really real.
⎯ There is a connection between beauty and art The event may be of major historical importance, such
and beauty is the measure of quality of art. It has Art As Representational (Kant — Alternative View) as the coronation of Josephine by Napoleon as ▪ Intense Emotion
to be said that defining art is just like defining life Kant has a different definition of art; he is for recorded by the artist David, or it may be important The expressive power of art can be seen in literal ways
itself. (Art for art itself) systematic reasons far less concerned with it than only to the participants, like the image of a wedding or in the capturing of facial expression and body
with aesthetic judgment. a baptism. language. Certain religious art, and the works of
FORMS AND FUNCTIONS OF ART
 Kant defines art as “a kind of representation that is expressionists such as Munch are charged with
▪ Living with Art. The role of art in human life is to ▪ Propaganda or Social Commentary
purposive in itself and, though without an end, powerful emotions. Picasso, in works such as
transform man's widest metaphysical ideas, by Propaganda images are attempts to persuade us
nevertheless promotes the cultivation of the mental Guernica (also an example of powerful social
selective reproduction of reality, into a physical powers for sociable communication” (Kant, Critique of toward particular viewpoints or actions promoted by commentary and storytelling) is able to communicate
form—a work of art—that he can comprehend Judgment, Guyer translation, section 44).) public or private institutions such as political parties, intense emotions. This is accomplished variously by
and to which he can respond emotionally. lobbyists, governments, or religious groups. The
Aesthetics I use of dramatic or exaggerated color, light, form,
▪ Form & Meaning propaganda purpose may be one we approve of, such
“…the Encyclopedia of Aesthetics has been created and/or other elements.
▪ Order & Structure as World War II efforts to get women behind the war
▪ Exploring Aesthetic Possibilities using a definition of aesthetics as ‘critical reflection on
art, culture, and nature.’” — Michael Kelly, editor in chief, Oxford
effort, as epitomized in Norman Rockwell's Rosie the ▪ Innovation
Encyclopedia of Aesthetics Riveter. It might also be a purpose we disapprove of. ⎯ “The central meaning of innovation thus relates to
FUNCTIONS OF AN ARTIST
In either case, the power of visual images has renewal. For this renewal to take place it is necessary
• Create places for human purpose Aesthetics II
frequently been used to persuade masses of people for people to change the way they make decisions.
• Create extraordinary version of ordinary objects o Beautiful They must choose to do things differently, make
to accept beliefs, take action, or follow leaders. The
• Record & commemorate o Sublime choices outside of their norm…so innovation must be
artist as social commentator may simply make us
• Tangible form to the unknown o Uncanny seen as something that does not something that
more aware of the human condition as he/she
• Form to feeling and ideas Relational Aesthetics is…..contributors to the scholarly literature on
perceives it, without suggesting a particular action.
• See the world in new ways “Relational Aesthetics: Aesthetic theory consisting in innovation typically distinguish between invention, an
artworks on the basis of the inter-human relations idea made manifest, and innovation, ideas applied
▪ Recording of Visual Data successfully in practice.”
WHY STUDY ART? which they represent, produce or prompt.” — Nicolas
Bourriaud
Telling the "truth" about what we see. After the In other words, innovation is a mindset not a product.
▪ Expression Renaissance, artists became preoccupied with new It is not starting from scratch, it is developing existing
▪ Social Values ways of capturing reality such as the use of linear art by thinking differently about it.
▪ Human Intelligence perspective, and the realism possible through the use
FUNCTIONS AND PHILOSOPHICAL PERSPECTIVES OF ART ⎯ Performance art like place or satires can also things in this world are only copies of the considered the judgement of beauty, the
 Aristotle claimed that every particular rouse emotions and rally people toward a original, the eternal, and the true entities that can cornerstone of art as something that can be
substance in the world has an end, or telos in particular end. only be found in the World of Forms.\ universal despite its subjectivity.
Greek, word which translates into “purpose”. Example: The chair that exist is a reflection or  Kant recognizes the judgement of beauty is
 Every substance defined as form matter moves PHYSICAL FUNCTION OF ART imperfect manifestation of the ideal chair in the World subjective. However, even subjective judgments
according to the fixed path towards its aim. ⎯ The physical function of art can be found in of Forms. are based on some universal criterion for the
 This telos, according to Aristotle is intricately artworks that are crafted in order to serve some o Plato was convinced the artists merely reinforce send judgment.
linked with function. physical purposes. the belief in copies and discouragement to Example:
⎯ Architecture, jewelry-making, interior design all reach for the real entities in the World of Forms  I like this painting — subjective
 For a team to reach its purpose it also has to
fulfill its function. serves physical function.  This painting is beautiful — objective
Plato was deeply suspicious of arts and artists for
OTHER FUNCTIONS OF ARTS two reasons: Making an aesthetic judgment requires as to be
FUNCTION OF ART
▪ Music was principally used for dance and 1. They appeal to the emotion rather to the disinterested in other words we should try to go
⎯ An inquiry on the function of art is an inquiry on
religion rational faculty of men. beyond our individual taste and references so that
what art is for
▪ The ancient world some music as an instrument 2. They imitate rather than lead to reality. we can appreciate art from the universal standpoint.
⎯ When it comes to function different art forms
come with distinctive functions. to facilitate worship and indication to gods.
▪ Music was essential for synchronicity of o Poetry rouses emotions and feelings and gas Art as a communication of emotion (Tolstoy)
⎯ Some art forms are more functional than others. clouds rationality of people.
dancers.  According to Leo Tolstoy, art plays a huge role in
Architecture and Applied Arts ▪ Music guarantees that warriors were o Art is just an imitation of imitation; a painting is communicating emotion to its audience that the
simultaneous. just an imitation of nature which is also just an artist previously experienced.
 The value of the art is question lies in the
▪ Today, music has expanded its functions and imitation of reality in the world of forms.  In the same that language communicates
practical benefits one gain from it.
coverage. There is a lot of music that has no o Art then is to be banished alongside thet information to other people art communicates
 Obviously made for a specific purpose
connection to dance or religion. practitioners so that the attitudes and actions of emotion.
Painting and Literature ▪ Example: Serenade-people compose hymn to the members of the republic will not be  As a purveyor of man's innermost feelings and
 One can look at the value of the product of art express feelings and emotions. corrupted by the influence of the arts thoughts art is given a unique opportunity to serve
and for itself. ▪ Music is also used as accompaniment to stage o For Plato, art is dangerous because it provides a as a mechanism for social unity.
 Dr. Rizal's Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo plays and motion pictures. petty replacement for the real entities that can  Art is central to man's existence because it makes
▪ Sculptures have been made by man most only be attained through reason.
 The novels accrued value and as a consequence accessible feelings and emotions of people from
function. particularly for religion. the past and present.
▪ In roman catholic world the employment of Art as a representation (Aristotle)
 They are functional in so far as they are designed
sculptures for religious purposes has reminded,  Aristotle agreed with Plato that art is form of
to accomplish some definite end. VISUAL ARTS DOMAIN
vital, relevant, and symbolic. imitations.
⎯ The arts are unique, expressive, creative, and
PERSONAL FUNCTIONS OF ART ▪ Rizal and Bonifacio monument and  However, Aristotle considered art as an aid to
communicative forms that help people
commemorative coins like Pope Francis. philosophy in revealing the truth.
⎯ The personal functions of art are varied and understand themselves and the world.
highly subjective. ▪ Architecture may be the most prominent  The kind of imitation that art does is not
functional art antithetical to the reaching of fundamental truths
⎯ Functions depend on the artist who created the Visual Arts
▪ Unlike other forms of art, buildings take so much in the world.
art an artist may create. ⎯ Forms of art that cover a wide range of artistic
time to erect and destroy.  Unlike Plato, who taught that art is an imitation of
⎯ An art out of self-expression, entertainment, and expressions. There is no clear cut definition of the
▪ One cannot dismiss taking into consideration the another imitation, Aristotle conceive of art as
therapeutic purpose. term for it encompasses various art productions
function of the building before construction. representing possible versions of reality.
iin diff periods, seasons, etc.
▪ It is also the architecture where one can find the  For Aristotle all kinds of art to not aim to represent
SOCIAL FUNCTIONS OF ART
intimate connection of function and form. reality as it is it endeavors to provide a version of
⎯ Art is considered to have a social function if and • Fine Arts
what might be or the myriad possibilities of reality.
when it addresses a particular collective ⎯ General category of visual arts.
PHILOSOPHICAL PERSPECTIVE OF ARTS
interest as opposed to a personal interest. ⎯ Drawing, printmaking, sculpture
Art as an imitation (Plato) In Aristotelian worldview art serves two particular
⎯ Art conveys message of protest, contestation, or ⎯ graphic arts, manuscript, illustrations,
 In Plato, the Republic, paints a picture of artist as purposes
whatever message the artist intense his work to book illustrations
imitators and art as mere imitation. 1. Art allows for the experience a pleasurable (horrible
carry. experience can be made an object of humor)
⎯ Political art is very common and example of art  In his description of the ideal republic, Plato advises • Contemporary Arts
2. Art also has an ability to be instructive and teach
within a social function. against the inclusion of art as a subject in the
its audience think about life (cognitive) ⎯ Assemblage, collage, mixed media,
⎯ Art can also depict social conditions such as curriculum and the banning of artists in the Republic.
Art as a disinterested judgement (Kant) conceptual art, installation, happenings
photography like pictures of poverty.  In Plato's metaphysics or view of reality, the
 Immanuel Kant in his critique of judgement and performance artphotography, video
art and animation (computer generated arts) SHAPES COLOR
⎯ when a line becomes connected and encloses ⎯ Color can add interest and reality to artwork. Colors can convey emotion and feelings too.
• Decorative Arts and Crafts space. ⎯ The use of a 12-step color wheel will help us It is important that artists understand the effects of
⎯ Ceramic, studio pottery, mosaic art, ⎯ It is the outline or outward appearance of understand color more effectively. These colors color when they are trying to get the viewers of their art
mobilus, tapestry, glass art (including stained something. are: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, to feel a particular way.
glass) ⎯ Shapes are 2 Dimensional (2-D) which means and Violet. (ROY G BIV)  Have your ever felt “blue?” (sad)
there are 2 ways they can be measured. ⎯ When light is reflected through a prism, colors  Been “green’ with envy?
• Applied Arts (height and width) can be seen.  Called a “yellow” coward?
⎯ Graphic designs, fashion designs, interion
⎯ Color Wheel. A long time ago, artists decided
designs, body art like tattoo and face and There are two basic types of shape. TEXTURE
that these colors would be more useful to them
body painting ▪ Geometric shapes have smooth even edges if they were placed in a wheel fashion. This ⎯ Texture is the way the surface of an object
and are measurable. They include the square, became known as the color wheel actually feels.
COMMON TYOES OF VISUAL ARTS the circle, the triangle and the rectangle. Two types of texture:
1. Two-Dimensional Arts (painting, collage, drawing, ▪ Organic shapes have more complicated edges Three primary colors: Red, Yellow, Blue
printmaking, stained glass)
1. Tactile (or Real) Texture is the way the
and are usually found in nature. Leaves, ⎯ They can’t be mixed to be made.
2. Three-Dimensional Arts (sculptures, found objects) surface of an object actually feels. Examples
flowers, ameba, etc. ⎯ They make all the other colors on the color wheel. would be sandpaper, cotton balls, tree bark, puppy fur, etc.
2. Implied Texture is the way the surface of an
Secondary Colors:
THE ELEMENTS OF ART: THE INGREDIENTS FOR A GREAT FORM object looks like it feels. This is the type of
o Red and Yellow = Orange
COMPOSITION ⎯ a shape that has become 3 Dimensional (3-D) texture that artists use when they draw and
(height, width, and depth)
o Red and Blue = Violet
paint. Textures may look rough, fuzzy, gritty, or scruffy, but
⎯ Depth is the dimension; it shows the thickness o Yellow and Blue = Green
ELEMENTS OF ART can’t actually be felt.
The elements of art are the “tools” that artists use to of the object.
Intermediate (or tertiary) color: SPACE
make art.
Turning Shapes into Forms o Red and Orange = Red-Orange Space is basically divided into 3 parts: Foreground,
• Line • Value
o Triangle — pyramid o Yellow and Green = Yellow-Green Middle Ground and Background
• Texture • Shape
o Square — cube o Blue and Green = Blue-Green ▪ Background area — upper 1/3 of the picture
• Form • Space
o Rectangle — box or cylinder o Red and Violet = Red-Violet plane.
• Color
o Circle — sphere (you must shade it. you can’t add sides) o Yellow and Orange = Yellow-Orange ▪ Middle ground area — middle 1/3 of the picture
o Blue and Violet = Blue-Violet plane.
LINE
VALUE ▪ Foreground area — lower 1/3 of the picture
⎯ path that a point takes through space. Color Schemes
⎯ the lightness or darkness of a color. plane.
⎯ Lines can be thick, thin, dotted or solid. ▪ Analogous color scheme — 3-4 colors “next-
⎯ Value makes objects appear more real because
⎯ They can make straight movements, zig-zags, door-neighbors”
it imitates natural light. When showing value in a Space can be shallow or deep depending on what the
waves or curls. ▪ Complimentary color scheme — 2 colors that
work of art, you will need a light source. artist wants to use.
They may be… are directly opposite each other (going across the
⎯ Light source the place where the light is coming o Shallow space is used when the artist has
▪ Horizontal Lines are generally restful and calm, center)
from (darkest areas are on the opposite side of the light.) objects very close to the viewer.
like the horizon, where the sky meets land. ▪ Split-Complimentary color scheme — a
Ways value can be added: o Deep Space may show objects up close but
▪ Vertical Lines seem to be reaching, so they may complimentary color and the two colors on either
• Cross-hatching is when you use irregular side of its compliment.
objects are shown far away too.
seem inspirational like tall, majestic trees or
lengths of parallel lines that cross over each Positive and Negative space is a way that an artwork
church steeples ▪ Triadic color scheme — 3 colors that are equally
other diagonally. The closer together the lines is divided. (When planning a work of art, both areas must be
▪ Diagonal Lines tend to be disturbing. They spaced apart on the color wheel examined so that they balance one another. Drawing items running off
are placed, the darker the value. ▪ Monochromatic color scheme — one color plus
suggest decay or chaos like lightening or falling the page and zooming in on objects are ways to create visual interest
trees. • Stippling is the use of dots to create shade. This its tints and shades, within a work.)
▪ Expressive Lines — Lines can convey emotion is accomplished by placing dots very close o A tint is a color plus white.  Positive Space is the actual object(s) within the
as well. They may show excitement, anger, together to create dark values and farther apart o A shade is a color plus black. artwork.
calmness, tension, happiness and many other to create lighter values.  Negative Space is the area in and around the
feelings. Because of this, some are said to be • Soft shading is when you use your pencil to Colors have temperatures. objects. It is the “background” and it contributes
expressive. They tend to be found in nature and create soft gradual movements from one value  Warm colors are those that have Reds, Yellows to the work of art (you can’t have positive space without
are very organic. to the next using full value range. and Oranges. Warm colors seem to advance (or negative space)
▪ Constructive lines — very measured, come forward) in an artwork.
geometric, directional, and angular. They tend to  Cool colors are those that have Blues, Greens Perspective is also a way of showing space in a work
appear to be man-made because of their and Violets. Cool colors seem to recede (or go of art. Perspective is when the artist uses a vanishing
precision. back into) an artwork. point on the horizon and then creates a sense of deep
space by showing objects getting progressively smaller SOURCES AND KINDS OF SUBJECTS know what we learned what we THE BRONZE AGE
as they get closer to the vanishing point. ▪ For non-representational art a higher level experience what values we stand for. • Near East (C. 3300 – 1200 BC)
perspectives of an insight might be required to ⎯ Meaning may not be singular rather • Europe (C. 3200 – 600 BC)
Objects may overlap as well. When objects are fully grasp the feeling emotion and or concept multiple and varied. • China (C. 2000 – 700 BC)
overlapped it is obvious that enough space had to be in behind the work.
the picture to contain all the objects that have been ▪ For representational art it is easier to infer the Example: Creation Of Adam from the ceiling of the Dawn of Civilizations, with humans creating primal
included. subject matter because from the figures Sistine Chapel by Michel Angelo (1814) works of art to of their ancestors, as well as to invoke
depicted in the artwork there is already a and reinforce belief in so meting greater than
suggestion as to its implication. Analysis: themselves; achieved by crafting statues, pots and
SUBJECT AND CONTENT
Three Basic Components of Work of Art: o Subject: Biblical Art masks designed to be symmetrical and durable.
▪ Subject —The visual focus or the image that may SOURCES OF SUBJECT o Factual Meaning: Creation Story or Creation of
be extracted from examining the artwork; what. • Nature • Greek and Roman Mythology Man
• History • Judeo-Christian Tradition o Conventional Meaning: Man was created in Additionally, literacy had begun to take root within
▪ Content — The meaning that is communicated
the image and likeness of God. certain civilization swith:
by the artist or the artwork; the why. • Sacred Oriental • Other Works of Arts
o Subjective meaning and domain of intellect to ▪ Hieroglyphics (Recording Data and Sending Messages)
▪ Form — The development of configuration of the
man from God. — forming the basis for keeping records and
artwork how the elements and the medium or KINDS OF SUBJECT
communication in ancient Egypt.
materials are put together; the how. o History ◦ Still life
▪ Considering they're at their core, these are just
o Animals ◦ Figures
symbols which were allotted meaning, it is
In the arts there are observable qualities that the o Nature ◦ Landscape THE EVOLUTION OF ART theorized that this form of writing was a natural
artwork holds that will point to its subject and o Seascape ◦ Cityscape
evolution of cave art to an extent.
sometimes even to its content. o Mythology ◦ Myth THE UPPER PALAEOLITHIC AGE OF MAN
▪ Despite being miles apart, South America had
o Dreams ◦ Fantasies
The Upper Palaeolithic Age (50000 to 10000 years ago) developed a similar carving style, displaying
TYPES OF SUBJECT
figures and murals which served a similar
CONTENT IN ART ▪ A time when survival was the primary objective,
Representational Art purpose to hieroglyphics, but also led to the
⎯ The meaning or message that is expressed or with art serving this very purpose.
⎯ This type of art has subject that refer to objects development of some of the first calendars
communicated by the artwork. ▪ Cave drawings were used to recount events and
or events occurring in the real world. used by civilization in place of using seasonal
⎯ In understanding the content of art it is important the things that early man had treasured: one such
⎯ Also term figurative art because the figures cycles to depict the passing of time.
to note that there are various levels of meaning: thing being the hunt.
depicted are easy to make out and decipher. ▪ The ability to carve and sculp are considered to
▪ While cave drawings had very little form or style to be specialized skills in these societies, vital for
▪ Factual meaning
Example: Mona Lisa by Leonardo Da Vinci (1503) them, they perfectly illustrate how man thought ritualistic practices, recording data, expansion
⎯ The most rudimentary level of meaning for it during this era.
 Despite not knowing who Mona Lisa is, it is clear that of civilizations and consequently, how we’re
may be extracted from the identifiable or ▪ Take this cave drawing for instance, the beasts
the painting is of a woman that is realistically able to learn about them ourselves.
proportionate. recognizable forms in the artwork and present are drawn dimensionally proportionate
understanding how these elements relate ▪ Art across this era was not used primarily for
 Only the upper torso is shown. because man saw them as vital for his survival.
to one another. decoration, but rather as a tool for survival and
 A beguiling mysterious smile is flashed. ▪ while the human forms are especially flat art, and
 The background is a landscape.
testament to the advancements of civilization.
▪ Conventional meaning thoughtless in nature, due to the underdeveloped
⎯ The acknowledged interpretation of the sense of self of Pre-Historic Man. AGE OF IDEALISM (GREEK AND ROMAN)
▪ Mas details yung animals (kasi vital sa kanilang
artwork using motifs signs and symbols
surviaval) Hellenic Era (Greco-Roman Era) 900BC – AD 450
Non-representational Art and other cyphers as bases of its meaning.
▪ The rise of Greek and Roman culture and a
⎯ Art forms that do not make a reference to the ⎯ These conventions are established Neolithic Era (10000 BC – 4500 BC) tempest of knowledge and psychological thought,
real-world whether it is a person place thing or through time strengthened by recurrent ▪ Humans begin to form settlements. putting an emphasis on individualism as opposed
even a particular event. use and wide acceptance by its viewers or ▪ Man uses art as a way her ancestors and as part of to celebrating deities exclusively.
⎯ It is stripped down to visual elements such as audience and scholars who study them. ritual practices, done by way of statues, totems, ▪ Architecture of the period was durable and
shapes lines and colors that are employed to masks, and effigies. showed evidence of being grounded in ratios of
translate a particular feeling emotion and even ▪ Subjective meaning ▪ In both eras, it could be argued that because these mathematical beauty and strength. (Golden Ratio:
concept. ⎯ When subjectivities are consulted a illustrations and designs were used as primal 1.61803398875)
Example: Number 1A by Jackson Pollock (1948) variety of meanings may arise when a survival mechanisms that they cannot be ▪ Finely illustrated Pottery and murals recounted
 Non-representational Art and Abstract particular work of art is read. classified as art. events and told tales of Greek deities, and while
 There is no clear-cut divided rather they exist in ⎯ This meanings stem from the viewers or ▪ However, it is worth considering that these errors the forms present on them still depth, they were
spectrum. audience circumstances that may come laid the foundation for art as a whole, and thus effectively at conveying information and emotion.
into play when in gauging with art what we they are worth mentioning and classifying as art. ▪ In an effort to display man as equal to their deities,
statues crafted the human form by both the RENAISSANCE (1300 AD – 1600 AD) BAROQUE ERA (1600 AD – 1750 AD)
Greeks and Romans were exceptionally well Transitional periods in history, the explosion of insight and ▪ Art of the time displaying grandiose spectacle as
developed, athletic and proportionally accurate, culture that had occurred during this era hadn’t been seen well as events that transpired withing the period
with the intent of crafting works that were since the time of the Hellenic civilizations. itself.
flawless. High Renaissance (1483 AD – 1520 AD)
▪ This was not done in defiance of their deities • Art developing technologies in tandem with NEOCLASSICAL (1660 AD – 1800 AD)
however, but to prove the potential and aptitude of mathematics, in field such as medicine, ▪ Artist aiming to recapture the grace and acute
humans, not just in artistic ability, but in all architecture, engineering, astronomy and nature of Greco-Roman art by recreating figures
developing fields. (Geometry, cartography, medicine, cartography, with this era marking the now from the Hellenic era.
psychological) ▪ Art also uses as a political tool in order to show
exponential progress we’ve made in the
aforementioned fields. off the lives of the wealthy and influential, playing
Middle Ages (500AD – 1500 AD) a vital role in instilling belief in figures like
• Example: Andreas Vesalius was one of the
▪ Art of the era focuses heavily on contextualizing Napoleon.
primary leaders in anatomical studies at the
and depicting religious figures, as well as more ▪ Art continues to be a highly effective tool for
time, influential artists such as Leonardo Da
eccentric art accompanying manuscripts. pushing an agenda (Political gain or to push a religious
Vinci, Albrecht Durer had similarly propelled our agenda)
▪ Architecture and manuscripts received a understanding of the human body through their ▪ Some artist: Embrace human fragility, to display
noticeable upheaval in their design and durability efforts. the subtle complexities concerning the
and while a majority of the artist from the earlier • Dissecting and illustrating the human form and seemingly simplistic mannerisms of human life
years of this period remain somewhat anonymous the increased insight concerning how our organs
▪ Art suited the promotion of religion quite well, operated had evolved medicinal practice and ROMANTIC AGE (1800 – 1850)
as it served to beautify and attract followers to proved paramount to kick starting our endless  Emphasizes the individual, nature and the
an ideology, which was the reason for the quest to understand our shells. celebration of imagination
incredible increase of details and grandeur of art • To be an artist during this period required a great
during this period across Europe – something that understanding of utilizing perspective and form IMPRESSIONISM (1865 – 1885)
the church capitalized on in order to promote the as opposed to the pieces of previous eras, as ▪ Focused on crafting saturated landscapes,
creation of increasingly lavish works in order to artworks had fully embraced composition and stylized light and shadows; which not only
attract more people to Christianity. incorporated what we now know as the proved to accentuate figures and the
▪ Art served to beautify Buddhism in the East, • General elements of design within them. (Line, environments they inhabited, but elicit raw
with countries like Tibet and Thailand primarily shape, color, texture, form, space, depth) emotions from the observer at first glance.
crafting statues of the Buddha depicting him in a • Religions – use art as a tool to inspire and control ▪ Focused on crafting saturated landscapes,
state of calm, in order to allude to people of the the masses. stylized light and shadows; which not only
harmonious teachings of Buddhism. proved to accentuate figures and the
▪ Islam in the Arabian Peninsula during the 7th The ideology of HUMANISM which was refined
during the Renaissance itself. environments they inhabited, but elicit raw
century that the creation of art was forbidden for emotions from the observer at first glance.
followers of the religion. • Owning art paralleled wealth and social status
▪ While crating pieces with figures present in the, is while Art itself had evolved into more of an
looked down upon by factions of the various industry during this period, with institutions
Islamic schools of thoughts, the pioneering of teaching the field popping up all around Europe.
calligraphy, geometric art and elaborate (from Private to workshop to Academy)
patterns were extensively refined by Arabian • The line concerning what it meant to be an artist
artist, eventually leading to the creation of the as opposed to an architect or engineer was faint.
most mesmerizing murals and architecture of the • But had begun to show itself and one simple
eastern world. didn’t hold the title of “artist” but was a specialist
▪ Art had also played a central role in the evolution in a particular field.
of China’s culture. Calligraphy and architecture • “Success comes complacency and with
are uniquely refined and stylized part of the complacency comes fear of change”
eastern civilization, pushing for the promotion of • Art of Renaissance simultaneously assisted
art in society. scientific and societal development. Laid the
▪ Silk embroidery ink art and cravings throughout groundwork for the way the artist approaches art
this period. itself due to taking a far more technical approach
to creating art compared to the efforts of
previous eras.