Introduction to Art History – Study Guide and Image List for Final Exam

Gothic Architecture in France – the opening of the wall into windows; the use of the rib vault, the flying buttress, stained glass, and increased verticality. The way structure and aesthetics were thought to merge in geometry. The role of Abbot Suger in Saint Denis and the beginning of the Gothic style. The symbolism of light.
Renaissance Painting, Sculpture, and Architecture – Re-birth of classical culture; the continued development of naturalistic techniques, especially perspective; the High Renaissance achievement of Leonardo da Vinci, followed by Michelangelo and Raphael.
Baroque – A continuation of the Grand Manner; in Italy, a naturalism employed for dynamic effect often in support of Counter-Reformation aims, the same bombast is used in support of the French kings and, with more Calvinist sobriety, for the new rulers of Holland where realistic tendencies tended to outweigh the idealistic approaches of the Italians. Rococo a late outgrowth of Baroque.
Neo-Classic Painting – In the work of David, an idealizing style associated with the French Revolution, a heroic art looking back to classical ideals and values, and Renaissance like stability and balance of composition. In the work of his followers a less political, even conservative style.
Romantic Painting – In the work of Gericault and Delacroix, the use of loose expressive brushstroke, vigorous color and light, and sometimes controversial contemporary topics chosen in a spirit of the revival of leftist political ideology.
Realism – A style whose optical aims were to dispense with conventions and ideals and to paint the world “as it is”. This too was employed by Courbet in interests of contemporary social and political concerns, and by Manet as social critique. Subjects were of ‘modern’ life.
Impressionism - A kind of realism:The