6/30/16 Art History II

Today's Class- I opened today with an overview of the world as it existed in Europe in the 14th century.  We discussed governments (Rome, Holy Roman Empire, Hapsburgs, Moors), movements of peoples (Vikings, international exploration) or the lack of movement (East Asia, Egypt), religious conflicts (Crusades, Catholic vs. reformation), technological advances (tempera versus oil, invention of paper, pigment sources), all of which had major effects of the world of art.  After the break, I started discussing specific works and artists of early 14th century Italian art, the beginnings of the renaissance.  

Important works- The Effects of Good and Bad Government (Lorenzetti), Baptistry doors (Pisano), Virgin and Child Enthroned (Cimabue, Giotto), Arena Chapel frescoes (Giotto)

Important terms- relief sculpture, fresco, ceramics, embroidery, genre painting, gilding, iconoclasm, oil painting, parchment, perspective, tapestry, tempera, vellum

Homework- More details to come on writing assignments, but the first current events art article will be due on Thursday, July 7, 2016.  I'll have more information at our next class meeting, but meanwhile if you find a good article, set it aside.

For next class Tuesday, July 5- Bring the first book (Volume 4, 5th edition) if you have it, though I am hoping to also have a functioning projection system by then.  I would suggest reading Chapters 18 and 19, which will likely get to that day.