Greek Art & Sculpture During the classical period in Athens, the people believed in democracy, allowing the people (male population) to have a vote and a say in their nations politics. The sculptures therefore where based on key individuals in society that made an impact/contribution rather than any particular rulers or gods. The marble sculptures are made through a reductive process (removing the marble than building on it) using tools such as a Subbia (pointed chisel), Gradina (toothed chisel) and a Scalpello (flat chisel) These sculptures were inspired by stone ones seen in Egypt Marble is associated with wealth and status. It allows for close anatomical detail including muscle definition, ribs and veins. Some marble has a certain translucency which helps to represent flesh and a more life like sculpture. However, it is a very delicate material which can lead to significant damage on its features. If multiple blocks are needed, cracks can appear and may alter the effect of it.
The Archaic Period 623 – 480
B.C.E
The male figure Kouros means youth. These statues were commonly depicted nude. This statue, was said to of been used for a funerary purpose and once stood over a grave in Athens countryside. This type of statue replaced the Geometric vases which were the preferred form of grave marking. In comparison to Egyptian statues, these statues were free of the original stone block that they were connected to, which could be seen to demonstrate the Greeks idea of motion rather than stability The proportions of the figure is less idealized compared to the Egyptian ones
The Classical Period 480 – 330
B.C.E
The Kritios Boy has a more naturalistic figure and shows more potential for movement compared to the earlier Kouros. There are more muscle and bone structure in this sculpture. The figure is also in a contrapposto where one leg is behind and bearing the weight which then effects the rest of the figures posture and position. The reason for this sculptures disfigurement is due to the destruction caused in Athens after a Persian invasion
The Hellenistic Period 330 – 331
B.C.E
The sculpture of Laocoon, a trojan priest, he was blinded by Athena and Poseidon sent two serpents to kill him. His sons are beside him trying to fight off the serpents. They're is a pyramid shape structure putting the focus on the central figure. The marble also has a certain amount of transparency making the figures skin more realistic. The figures all demonstrate a struggle and fight between them.
Warrior of Riace 450
B.C.E
The warrior of Riace is considered part of the severe or classical art form seen in this period as more characterization can be seen in the sculpture. The statues also have a more open position compared to those seen in the Kouros figures. There were two warrior statues, statue B shown here is depicting an older warrior in a contrapposto position. The statue seems to be holding something in his hands, maybe a weapon or armor of sorts.
The copy then would be removed from the mold. The mold can be reused to create duplicates. Each copy is then cased (heated metal tool) to remove any imperfections that may be visible and join the pieces together.
An original model is created first with clay/wax. A mold would be made either using latex and plaster. More than one mold is used for larger figures
Molten was is then poured into the mold and moved around to get an even layer. The excess wax would be poured away.
L o s t Wa x P r o c e s s
The bronze is then melted in a crucible. The liquid bronze is then poured into the mold which must be heated beforehand to prevent splitting
The wax copy is then spurred with a branch like structure which allows for air to escape
The copy then is dipped in slurry and a sand like material.
The cast is then removed from the mold and the sprues are removed for them to be reused A final bronze cast is then created.
This is then fired in the kiln. This hardens the mold and melts away the branch structures to allow air to then flow.
Artemision Zeus Or Poseidon 460
B.C.E
The figure here either shows the Greek god Poseidon, the god of the sea or the god of thunder Zeus and the god of all gods in Olympus. Some are more swayed towards it being Zeus as a thunderbolt is much shorter and smaller that a trident and therefore wouldn’t obscure the face of the figure. This actual figure is recovered from an ancient shipwreck which is why it hasn’t rusted as that only occurs when exposed to water and air. This figure is an idealized version of the human body and may be considered to be the perfect human form to be admired as well as for others to aspire for.
International Gothic International gothic is used to describe paintings from the 14th to 15th century across Europe. A rich colour pallet is used and many gold decorative features can be seen. Many of the features are elongated and stylized. They are often spatially illogical with some figures out of proportion to the rest of the painting They are often used to convey a religious message as well as illustrate wealth and status.
Egg Tempera Paint •
Egg tempera paint is made up of dried pigment, water and egg yolk.
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The egg yolk sack is pierced to allow for the fluid within it to flow out.
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A teaspoon of water is then added to the yolk
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The dry pigments are mixed with water which allows it to turn into a paste
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Later equal amounts of pigment paste and egg yolk are mixed to create the paint which takes a longer time to dry.
Colour Theory The three primary colours, red, yellow and blue are used to create all the colours in the spectrum. When two of the primary’s are mixed together, this creates the secondary colours. Tertiary colours are a combination of the secondary colour and the primary colour to create a different tone of the colour. Complementary colours are the colours that are opposite to one another such as blue and orange are complementary as well as purple and yellow.
The Wilton Diptych Richard II presented to the Virgin and Child by his Patron Saint John the Baptist and Saints Edward and Edmund 1395-9 AD
This painting is a very small devotional painting that is full of materials that would have only been available to those who were wealthy and from a high status. The blue pigment comes from lapis lazuli-shows wealth as it was a very rare colour that was meant to be only be used on paintings to represent the Virgin Mary. In the top left panel King Richard II is presented to be accompanied by St John the Baptist, St Edward the Confessor and St Edmund the Martyr, each holding their attribute to give the Child. In the top Right panel represents a standing Madonna holding the Christ Child, surrounded by standing and kneeling angels. She is slightly larger in size compared to the angels which could be seen to represent her religious importance. The angel carries the flag of St George which refers to the King of England which may seem to show how he rules by divine right.
The Northern Renaissance The word renaissance is a French word translates to Rebirth. The period saw a growing awareness of the natural world and humanities existence which still saw religion playing an important role at this time. The Northern Renaissance is used to describe the renaissance in Northern Europe. The beginning of renaissance occurred in Italy but artists in this period chose to move away from this style of work. It could be described as a combination of Late Gothic art, contemporary ideas about observation and reformation ideology.
Jan Van Eyck The Arnolfini Portrait The portrait was originally thought to be a wedding portrait however many different scholars disagree and believe that is is a portrait of a couple who are already married. There is also the idea that it is a memorial portrait and that the woman on the right had actually passed away the previous year and this is a way to memorialize her. But there are many different theories. They know that the man represented here worked in Bruges, a small economic town in the early 15 th Century. His wealth is shown throughout the painting with his velvet clothing and her clothing as well. They have quite extravagant golden pieces of furniture too. Fur lined clothing – warm outside light suggesting warmer weather but are wearing their best winter clothes. Oranges are expensive fruits and seen as symbol of their wealth
Scene seems to be taking place in a bedroom that would typically be considered a sacred space but this is again a representation of their wealth in the 15th century. They were used to receive visitors. Can be seen it is northern renaissance as their is more detail on the use of oil paint compared to the Italian renaissance which was seen to think of precise measurements and perspectives as the most important feature.
There shoes are off which has quite a symbolic value and the shoes represent a sacred event taking place. Single candle –presence of god Visitors seen in the mirror, may be a witnessing a sacred event Depictions of Christ (passion of Christ) seen surrounding the mirror in little roundels Dog is seen as symbol of loyalty
Renaissance in Florence Renaissance means rebirth the same as in the Northern Renaissance. This period occurred 1400-1600. The main renaissance period occurred in Florence, Italy. Florence was a very wealthy republic state which held a keen interest in rediscovering of classical learning and art. They also played a role in developing one point perspective painting. This time period also so the idea of humanism to develop and allow for individuals to read non-religious texts. The renaissance in Florence began due to an increase of wealth and rivalries between Italian cities, this lead to the rise in power of merchant families as patrons. Groups of workers known as guilds became buyers of art and architecture. Florence was also a trade route which is why mathematics and ratios were commonly used in this time period.
This painting is often credited as being the earliest example to true scientific one-point linear perspective as this type of perspective was only discovered a few years earlier. The holy trinity is seen down the center of the image, the father at the top, then the dove in the form of the Holy sprit and the son as Christ on the cross. The muscles are taught and pulled in a certain way that shows the way in which gravity works Virgin Mary is in the dark cloak, pointing up to Christ to show this is the way to salvation. Those on the outside are kneeling as thought they are witnessing the
The Holy Trinity 1425 - Masaccio Underneath the steps is the representation of the tomb with the inscription above that reads ”as I am now, so you shall be. As you are now, so once was I” message that death is inevitable and can’t be avoided and is a reminder to those that see it that death is imminent. Was seen in the 15th century to encourage them to prepare now for their death and to live right so that they can reach their salvation in heaven.
The Birth of Venus: This painting was created for the Medici family and was based on Ovid’s Metamorphoses, a Latin poem and portrays Venus, the Goddess of Love and many other Myths. The painting of Venus is different to many of the nude paintings seen at this time as they are normally seen with a biblical context such as Adam and Eve whereas here it is just Venus. The nudity of Christian art normally seen alongside a traumatic scene but here it’s a full female character who is mythological. She floats from a seashell as she is born from the sea and she is also fully grown as she is mythological. She is being blown away by the Westwind Zephyr. There is an attendant seen on the right who is ready to wrap the newborn Venus in a sort of cloak. The painting seen as quite flat as there is more focus on pattern that makes is appear more two dimensional. The figures are weightless and her body is contorted in such a ay that it wouldn’t be as easy to stand, her legs are slightly twisted The painting is seen to represent beauty and love through the more erotic tone of the image.
Sandro Botticelli, 1445- 1510 Botticelli was an Italian painter and is one of Italy’s most acclaimed painters at this time. He was summoned to take part in the decoration of the Sistine Chapel in Rome where he gained much recognition from families in Florence including the Medici family.
The High Renaissance Michelangelo David – c.1501 The statue of David was originally commissioned to go on top of the chapel in Florence, however this didn’t happen in the end which is why his hand is larger and not fully to scale as it was meant to be seen from a distance. David is seen to represent how an ordinary human can become great through doing something significant. He has a stone in his hand that he is seen to use against Goliath as a weapon. He is seen looking towards his left towards Rome as this is where the Medici’s are regrouping themselves before an onslaught on Florence. The statue is now situated outside the Pallazzo della Signoria for the public to view
Donatello David – c.1408 The sculpture of David was seen as a small state that was still able to defeat larger states such as Milan. This is shown through the young figure of David slaying the giant Goliath.
Bronzino
c. 1545 An Allegory with Venus and Cupid, Behind the nude figure on the right, who is holding flower heads, there is the head of a girl. This girls body however is on the boy of a serpent, with the legs of a lion and the tail of a scorpion. She holds a honeycomb which represents pleasure in one hand but the stinger tail of a scorpion which represents pain of sorts. This may suggest that pleasure has a price and will cause pain in someway. She may also be seen as the figure to represent deceit.
Venus is the women in the front, her son cupid is situated just behind her, kissing her on the lips. Venus holds a golden apple in her had which was a prize she had won in Paris as part of the Trojan war described in Ancient Greek mythology. She holds cupid arrow in her right hand which could be seen to be a way of disarming him. A dove is seen below cupids foot which is another attribute of Venus’ which signifies lovers. Two masks are seen in the bottom right corner just past Venus’ foot which are typically seen to represent deception. Mannerism : was an extension of some of the High Renaissance achievements in the depiction of human form, but it was exaggerated further
Chronos, the father of time is depicted above, shown by the time hourglass on his back. He seems to be either pulling the blue cloth towards him or trying to conceal the face on the top left, who he seems to be looking anxiously towards.
There is no symmetry in the painting which may suggest the painting is about disorder.
The overall meaning of the painting could be that if you take the pleasures of life, over time, they will turn to despair and anguish.
We were able to visit the National Gallery in London where we could see some of these painting in person.
An Allegory with Venus and Cupid
The Wilton Diptych
Jan Van Eyck - The Arnolfini Portrait Baptism of Christ
This painting depicts a young wealthy couple Robert and Frances Andrews. They chose Gainsborough as he was relatively unknown.
The painting depicts a married couple, Robert Andrews and Frances Carter.
The painting is set in Sudbury as St.Peters church is set in the background hidden between the trees.
There is an area of blank canvas around Mrs. Andrews’ hands. No one knows for sure what is mean to be there but some scholars believe that she is meant to be holding a dead game bird which would be result of her husbands successful hunting. There is another possibility that it may have been a baby that was intended to be placed there and this may be more likely as why would she hold a dead animal against her delicate dress and wouldn’t want it to be damaged by blood.
Thomas Gainsborough 1727 – 1788 Mr and Mrs Andrews - c. 1750 Oil on canvas, 70 x 119 cm
There is a couple on the left who seem completely oblivious to the experiment and are more interested in each other.
Joseph Priestley: scientist/ doctor/ inventor, philosopher, key leader of the Lunar Society He is higher within the pictorial space than any other participant. God like figure, who has the control over life or death. The figures are dramatically lit by a single candle, while in the window the moon appears. On the table in front of the candle is a glass containing a skull.
Age of Enlightenment
The bird is a rare white cockatoo, probably more expensive than the scientific equipment that is killing it. Young girls seem scared but also interested in the experiment with them hiding away.
An Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump 1768, Joseph Wright of Derby
The moon can be seen through the window where the boy seems to be closing the curtain on the view. This is also a reference to the Lunar society who met up the Monday before the full moon.
Was painted during the French revolution He is commemorating one of the heroes of the revolution here The revolutionaries in government asked him to produce 3 image that would create heroes of of new martyrs. A royalist, Charlotte Corday who believed in the monarchy, went to Marat, leader of the revolution, tricked him and then murdered him in his bath tub. The knife used can be seen slightly under the cloth at the bottom of the canvas. The letter she used to gain entrance to Marat is seen in his hand. May be used to show the manipulation this woman used and to picture him as innocent.
David-The Death of Marat 1793
He is positioned in a way that can be related to Christ having been taken down from the cross, again picturing him as a martyr. The revolution was to break down the monarchy and the church. Was created in the time period of enlightenment rather than religious superstition The plan background draws more attention to Marat’s body and all the other details that can be seen around him. It is quite stark interior wise, no decorative flourishes which is different to traditional rococo paintings
Ro m a n t i c i s m The figure in the painting dominates the landscape. He is directly central on the vertical axis and his waist hit the horizontal axis. The figure and the rock create a pyramid form and this also allows for the landscape to be angled symmetrically towards the viewing figure. It allows is to look with the figure and not just at a painting, as if we are experiencing it too. The paintings seems to have a slightly sad/solemn tone but also an adventurous one as it looks like he is looking out ready to explore. He also seem to have a powerful posture about him to as he stands proud on the rock looking out.
Friedrich explored man’s insignificance before God and nature in a transcendental and mystical approach to landscape, its meanings and associations. He seeks to convey an emotional response to the natural world Through this experience of endlessness Friedrich also expressed man's experience of his own inner depths when threatened by death.
Caspar David Friedrich Wanderer above the Sea of Fog (1818 oil on canvas)
In the bright sky in the background there could be hope of resurrection and the afterlife.