...RIWT Task 1 Classic, classical, and classicism are all words that describe the historical period, quality of a literature, music or artistic style associated with the appealing achievements of Greco-Roman civilization. Classical art is based on the aesthetic and philosophical principles established by Greco-Roman civilization. Classic art generally refers to a high regard for classical antiquity. Discobolus Sir Kenneth Clark said “classicism (or the classical era) portrays widely accepted ideal forms of art in various ways” (Clark, 1956, p.146). In the classical period there was a revolution in Greek sculptures (related with the introduction of democracy). Classic is simply any ancient imitation or use of the principles of ancient Greek and Roman classical art and literature. The Classical period saw many changes in style and sculptures and developed its own characteristics that differentiate the era from others. Artists valued balance and harmony in their paintings; figures were usually more perfect in the piece of art as compared to reality. {For example, poses became more naturalistic; statues even began to depict real people and nude came in for the first time in the late classical period (mid-4th century)}. Figures’ bodies appeared to be quite active leading people to develop the belief that the figures were actually moving. They were also portrayed doing tasks from everyday life. Although classical art magnificently depicted motion and activities as well as perfect...
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...The Classical and Renaissance art periods are two of the most important and celebrated art periods in our history. The two periods were alike in many ways with only a few differences setting them apart. In the end, the Renaissance was a “rebirth” of the Classical art style, architecture and beliefs. The Classical period was a time of spectacular architecture, philosophical pondering, and human development; taking place between 500 – 323 BC, Ancient Greece enjoyed wealth and power. The arts, literature, and drama thrived. The Classical Period made world changing discoveries in medicine, mathematics, physics, and astronomy. The city of Athens, one of the most powerful and influential cities in the Classical period introduced the world to Democracy and has shaped today’s western governments. Some of the philosophers of the Classical Period have become the most well known philosophers know to man today and have had influence on Western thought and civilization. To this day the teachings of Socrates, Plato and Aristotle are still pondered today. Classical art focused mainly on five forms: architecture, sculpture, pottery, painting, and music. Ancient Greece was dominated by religion. This resulted in the temples being big and beautiful. The Classical period brought change in the style of sculptures. The Greeks believed in humanism and their art displayed this. The Greeks took great pride in the importance of the individual in society in the forms of art, philosophy and government...
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...establish the desired courtly tone. In contrast, Attila and his comrades appeared frenzied because of the appearance of the saints overhead, and Raphael portrayed them in front of a darker background. Originating in the Medieval era and continuing through the Renaissance, the people associated light and dark with purity and corruption respectively (Thoenes 52). Raphael made the trend clear by having the righteous and holy Pope in the light as contrast to the dark and agitated barbaric Hun, repulsed by the power of God through the saints Peter and Paul. The division and contrast between light and dark was a trend throughout the Italian Renaissance. Raphael’s fresco, created during...
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...distinguished immoderation of the contemporary Rocco style, with an enormous moderation in symphony and relentlessness of line. Neoclassical architecture, imitated mutually classical and renaissance arrangements, accentuating order and simplicity. Neoclassical architecture as well as literature was motivated by the importance on aggressive bravery witnessed in the Latin and Greek grand. Neoclassicism deduces the subsistence of classical rule of commendable mythical and artistic invention. Neoclassical artists, by desirable qualities of acquaintance with the rule attempt to produce and widen the rule in every piece of their work. Although they evade sheer imitation of classical subject and designs, the artists try to place their work in the circumstance of a recognized custom and exhibit their mastery of the canons of the genre. Since Neoclassicism is divergent to modernization, its articulacy and creativeness are considered as merits. Neoclassicism in every art implies a specific rule of traditional replica. Other cultures have supplementary rules of classics, and a habitual strain of neoclassicism materializes as the expected appearance of cultures that are positive of their conventional traditions, and feel the need to reclaim anything that has slithered away. Neoclassical architecture is founded on the beliefs of simplicity and regularity seen as virtues of arts in prehistoric Rome and Greek, and they were drawn from 16th century as renaissance classicism. Neoclassicism gained pressure...
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...impact that architecture has had on the major civilizations throughout time by being able to display them in their works, which not only was a clear representation of the time but as well helped mold and solidify the society’s thoughts through expression. By taking examples from ancient to modern times I will examine how the architecture of these eras clearly displays the thoughts and ideas of the culture in which it was built upon and as well the society in which it is placed. As well I will be examining how several major key architects played a dynamic role in these critical showcases that represented their time. I will be taking architectural examples from; the ancient Egyptian time period, the gothic and medieval time period, the renaissance & pre-modern period and the now contemporary period. Each one of these unique periods of time in architectural design were clear representation of the dynamic time period in our history. Here, looking back at these time periods we can see the most incredible works in architectural design that still to this day help us understand the culture at the time. As well I will be using several renowned architects throughout these time periods who were able to portray the culture, and society in their designs. These architects include, Michelangelo, Filippo Brunelleschi, Benjamin Henry Latrobe, Louis Henri Sullivan, and of course Frank Gehry. Ancient Period Architecture: The most incredible display of the rapid development of civilizations...
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...Renaissance and Neoclassicism are two major periods in the history of art, during which different forms of art including architecture, painting, music and visual arts significantly progressed. During these eras, many artists gained enormous fame as a result of the masterpieces they produced, reflecting how the ideologies and artistic philosophies evolved during that time. This essay compares and contrasts these two art periods with respect to the major works created by prominent artists. In this regard, the masterpiece David, created by Michelangelo has been compared with Antonio Canova’s statue Psyche Revived by Cupid’s Kiss. Both of these works reflect the artistic progression of their ages. David represents Renaissance art by reflecting the political situation of that time, whereas Psyche Revised by Cupid’s Kiss depicts the artist’s focus on classical Greek and Roman styles. The Renaissance Era refers to a period of rebirth in art. It was a cultural movement that took place between the classical and modern periods of art (Johnson, 2005). During this phase, there were significant developments occurring within different art forms. The artists widely reflected the culture, social conditions and political structure of the society. They went beyond the boundaries of classical art, and created art pieces with unconventional ideas and depicted the political and social conditions of their societies (Earls, 1987). Neoclassicism, also called the Era of Enlightenment, is the period...
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...What Were the Characteristics of the Renaissance? In very simple terms, the Italian Renaissance re-established Western art according to the principles of classical Greek art, especially Greek sculpture and painting, which provided much of the basis for the Grand Tour, and which remained unchallenged until Pablo Picasso and Cubism. From the early 14th century, in their search for a new set of artistic values and a response to the courtly International Gothic style, Italian artists and thinkers became inspired by the ideas and forms of ancient Greece and Rome. This was perfectly in tune with their desire to create a universal, even noble, form of art which could express the new and more confident mood of the times. Renaissance Philosophy of Humanism Above all, Renaissance art was driven by the new notion of "Humanism," a philosophy which had been the foundation for many of the achievements (eg. democracy) of pagan ancient Greece. Humanism downplayed religious and secular dogma and instead attached the greatest importance to the dignity and worth of the individual. Effect of Humanism on Art In the visual arts, humanism stood for (1) the emergence of the individual figure, in place of stereotyped, or symbolic figures. (2) Greater realism and consequent attention to detail, as reflected in the development of linear perspective and the increasing realism of human faces and bodies; this new approach helps to explain why classical sculpture was so revered, and why Byzantine art...
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...or a worst; only a lack of. Art flourishes periodically in Europe and envelopes distinctive movements that have unique styles that are iconic to that time and region. Three such movements that were influential were the Classical, Gothic, and renaissance. The classical movement lasted the entirety of the Greek golden age from 500 to 300 B.C. Art In the classical style focused on “the perfect form” and put emphasis on an aesthetically pleasing image. Attention was also put towards physically fit bodies, and a majority of art displayed people with a muscular physique. One notable piece of Greek art that exhibits the typical classical art style is Laocoon and His Sons. This statue shows its characters with bodies that are fit and physically appealing despite some having a...
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...building and one would believe it to be the perfect example of mannerism with its architectural style and façade which breaks the norm. However the fact that its existence precedes the era of mannerism leads it to be a series of predicament. “Architecture is invention” is a statement by the brazilin architect, Oscar Niemeyer. However Darwin’s famous theory of evolution says otherwise. The theory believes that everything takes place as a process of evolution and nothing is an invention. This contradiction of ideas very well describe the thoughts of the Renaissance architects who were desperately trying to hold on to the old idea of classical styles yet wanting to break free by creating something new which ultimately led to a series of predicaments Contradicting the very idea of space and time, St.Maria Novella exists in the High Renaissance era (1480-1520) but stands as an example of an architectural style which was yet to make its mark in the years to come. It stood as an example of the mannerism era (1520-end of sixteenth century) which would be challenging the very idea of the high renaissance era by the breaking the norms and leading to a beautiful mix of contradiction making it one of the biggest predicaments. On approaching the building, one would question the origin of the architectural style which gives an impression of misguided classicism. The façade makes an attempt at classical language with its entrance, consisting of fluted pilasters framed by noble column on dadoes...
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...The concept of combining classical techniques with Christian themes during the renaissance was unique. The Catholic Church was not as powerful in Italy during the Renaissance because of the uprising of humanist beliefs. Art was still religious because most of the Italian population remained very religious through out the Renaissance period, however images in the Renaissance art "were meant to enhance the experience of the faithful"(Heilbrunn). Even though Italians remained religious, the church was in a weak position because of the spread of humanism. Because of this weak position, the church decided to spend a lot of money on architecture, sculptures and paintings in Italy in order to recapture their lost influence. Michelangelo, who was influenced by Greek style of balance, proportion and classical nudity, was commissioned to create "Pieta", "David" and frescos on the ceiling of Sistine Chapel creating a perfect balance of Christian themes and classical techniques. The "Pieta" (1497-1500), commissioned by a cardinal for Saint Peter's Basilica, in Rome, Italy. The statue is a biblical reference of the Virgin Mary holding Jesus after his body was removed from the cross. The statue overstates Mary. Michelangelo concentrated on Mary's emotions of love and grief, yet portrayed her classically beautiful. "The scene is idealized, the emotions it evokes in the viewer are very real indeed" ( Sayre, 498). Harmony, ideal beauty and christian emotion depicted in a biblical...
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...Introduction The Renaissance period covers the 200 years between 1400 and 1600; although exact dates are still argued by many specialists. The word “renaissance” literally means “rebirth” and is the French translation of the Italian “rinascita”. The Renaissance style is primarily composed of a revival of the classical forms developed originally by the ancient Greeks and Romans and of the deepened concern for secular life – interest in humanism and assertion of the importance of the individual. In art history, the Renaissance period corresponds to the start of the great Western age of discovery and exploration. At the time, there was great desire to study all aspects of nature and the world. During the Renaissance, artists became independent personalities. They were no longer considered as mere artisans as they have been in the medieval times. Artists tried to find new solutions to formal and visual problems. Many of them devoted to scientific experimentations. During this time, a lot of mathematical and linear outlooks were developed. This resulted to proportionality and rationality in every aspect of painting and sculpture. Paintings became a window to the natural world and it was the painters’ job to depict this world in their art. Artists at the time dedicated themselves to the rendition of landscape. In addition, artists also developed aerial perspective --- an angle where wherein objects become less distinctive and less sharply colored as the eye moves away. Painters...
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...The studies of the humanists during the Renaissance gave artists of the times the freedom and the wisdom the express themselves with more intellect, clarity, personality and emotional understanding than had ever been seen before. Towards the middle of the 14th Century a new way of thinking was beginning to emerge and take a hold on society, A way which let people express themselves with a clarity unseen Since the fall of the Roman Empire and the dark days of the Middle Ages, a great time of reform and education was on the brink of exploding onto the scene. This was the beginning of what we now know as the Renaissance the ‘Rebirth’ and the new way of thinking would later be referred to as Humanism. The Renaissance was one of the great intellectual ages of European culture at its height during the 15th and 16th century there were many amazing new developments amongst many areas including painting, sculpture, architecture, literature, education medicine science including many more of mans intellectual and educated pursuits, the main center of this revolution was classical Italy although later spreading throughout Europe to infiltrate all facets of European culture The Renaissance saw creation of different attitudes towards life and different ways of thinking. After spending hundreds of years in the depths of the Middle ages a time when human progress and achievement slowed to a trickle, Western Civilization blurred and there was a great period of cultural decline, society...
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...Baroque Period Baroque music describes a period or style of European classical music approximately extending from 1600 to 1750. This era is said to begin in music after the Renaissance and was followed by the Classical music era. The word "baroque" came from the Portuguese word barroco, meaning "misshapen pearl", a strikingly fitting characterization of the architecture of this period; later, the name came to be applied also to its music. Baroque music forms a major portion of the classical music canon, being widely studied, performed, and listened to. It is associated with composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach, Antonio Vivaldi, Jean-Baptiste Lully, George Frideric Handel, Arcangelo Corelli, Claudio Monteverdi, and Henry Purcell. The baroque period saw the development of functional tonality. During the period, composers and performers used more elaborate musical ornamentation; made changes in musical notation, and developed new instrumental playing techniques. Baroque music expanded the size, range, and complexity of instrumental performance, and also established opera as a musical genre. Many musical terms and concepts from this era are still in use today. History of the name Music described as Baroque is a broad range of styles from a wide geographic region, mostly in Europe, composed during a period of approximately 160 years. The systematic application of the term "baroque" to music of this period is a relatively recent development. It was in 1919 that...
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...French examples are the finest in each style. The vigorously dramatic carved scenes decorating churches such as Moissac and Conques date from the early years of the 12th century. They are the climax of the Romanesque in sculpture. Just a few years later, in mid-century, Chartres provides the earliest surviving examples of the very different Gothic style. THE SCULPTURES OF CHARTRES: 1150-1220 The earliest porch of Chartres cathedral - the triple entrance...
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...John Donne the pre-eminent representative of the metaphysical poets. noted for their strong, sensual style and includesonnets, love poems, religious poems, Latin translations, epigrams, elegies, songs, satires and sermons. noted for its vibrancy of language and inventiveness of metaphor, especially compared to that of his contemporaries. Donne's style is characterised by abrupt openings and various paradoxes, ironies and dislocations. These features, along with his frequent dramatic or everyday speech rhythms, his tense syntax and his tough eloquence, were both a reaction against the smoothness of conventional Elizabethan poetry and an adaptation into English of European baroque and mannerist techniques. His early career was marked by poetry that bore immense knowledge of English society and he met that knowledge with sharp criticism. important theme in Donne's poetry is the idea of true religion, something that he spent much time considering and about which he often theorized. He wrote secular poems as well as erotic and love poems. He is particularly famous for his mastery of metaphysical conceits *metaphysical poets: work was characterized by the inventive use of conceits, and by speculation about topics such as love or religion. The Metaphysical Poets are known for their ability to startle the reader and coax new perspective through paradoxical images, subtle argument, inventive syntax, and imagery from art, philosophy, and religion using an...
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