Humanities Art and Architecture

Art work

Mesopotamian

 The Mesopotamian time period began around 3500 BC in Ur and lasted until about 1076 BC, this included the Sumerians, Assyrians and Babylonians. This time period has been cited as the beginning of civilization. During this time there was the first shift to agriculture and the first cited writing system, cuneiform. Mesopotamian art is survived mostly in the form of sculpture and architecture. Mesopotamian sculpture is usually depicted head on or from the side. Often important figures were depicted with beards. Art work such as figurines were used in religious services. Most of these votive figurines were depicted with big eyes, to symbolize innocence.

Stele of Hammurabi can be found in the Louvre museum in Paris. This is a sculpture from the Mesopotamian time. It embodies the time period. The Sumerians believed that their deities lived in the sky. This law code stands tall to allow all to see it and it asserts Hammurabi’s power as legitimate due to the God’s approval of him. The law code has the god Shamash depicted on it. It is used to show Hammurabi’s legitimization.

On Site:

This piece of artwork is amazing. It is not just art it is also a law code. It is the remanent of an ancient culture, their artwork and their law code. It is amazing to me that it is still around. This was around for the beginnings of civilization. and it is still well preserved today. I am amazed at the detail in the artwork. This must have taken a lot of hard work and patience to achieve this level of perfection. They did not have the modern tools that we had, and yet the were able to create such amazing works of art. It is inspiring. 

Source: http://musee.louvre.fr/oal/code/indexEN.html, http://www.essential-humanities.net/world-art/mesopotamian/ and Ilearn reading

On Site/Post Trip

Assyrian Palace Reliefs

The Assyrian Palace Reliefs were amazing to see. I was shocked at the detail in these pieces of the palace wall. You can see the muscle contractions in these lions that are being hunted. The artists take such care to capture the image, you can even see the muscle definition in the artwork. These pieces of the wall were from 635-645 BC and it is still in great shape. 
In Ancient Assyria, lion hunting was the sport of kings. That is why it was important enough to line the walls of the Nineveh palace. That is where these works of art once resided. They were carved between 645-635 BC. This particular piece depicts King Ashurbanipal driving as spear into the lions mouth. 
This art piece displays many qualities of Mesopotamian art. It is common in Mesopotamian art for those in power to be depicted with beards. This is how the Mesopotamians' showed power. The King of Assyria is shown in this work with a large beard, showing his rank. Also in Mesopotamian art the figures are often portrayed from the side view. All the people in this piece are showed this way as well. Even the lion is portrayed from the side. 
Source: British Museum art and website. 

Egyptian

 In the Egyptian culture artwork functions to embody life. The Egyptians were focused on life and preserving life. Portraits and Statues of deities were depicted and thought to bring fourth their essence. Often in paintings there were multiple perspectives. Often it can be seen that there are hierarchical proportions. This means that the Pharaohs are depicted as larger than everyone else. The Egyptian art had strict cannon of proportions. There were set rules for the sculptures proportions. Art was used often in tombs to help set up for the afterlife.

The Rosetta Stone can be found in the British Museum in London England. It is depicting a decree concerning Ptolemy V including three blocks of text: Hieroglyphics, Demotic, and Greek. This allows for all to understand the words of the king. Kings were often seen as Gods. It was carved into a granite like substance and those materials were often used in the sculptures during this time.

On Site:

I am amazed at this artifact. It is so old yet is has survived for so many centuries. This one artifact was able to give us a slice of life during the time it came from. This allowed us to translate hieroglyphics. The Egyptians were helping us understand their culture with out knowing that was what they were doing. It is amazing to me how much they accomplished. This one stone had such a huge impact on society. It was amazing to stand in front of it. 

Sources: I learn readings, British Museum    

On Site/ Post Trip
Book of the Dead:

I was always fascinated by the Egyptians and their outlook on life and life after death. Seeing this piece was interesting. I learned that they were not fixated on death, but rather on life and life after death. This was really interesting to see how much thought and work they put into this subject. There was so much on the book of the Dead in the British Museum it was amazing.
The Book of the Dead is a series of funerary texts. This book contained important information for the Egyptians. They used this text to record the spells required to help people pass on to the next life. It also helped judge their worthiness to receive new life. This book was taken very seriously during the time. It contained all the steps to help receive new life. 
This follows the Egyptian art style. The stories and facts in the Book was depicted mostly in vignettes. These Vignettes followed the strict cannon of proportions typical of Egyptian art. This Book also had a strong emphasis on Life which was common for the art of this time period 

       

Hellenic Greek

The Hellenic Period runs from 480-323 BC. The art work was typically sculptures in Marble and Bronze. During this time period the sculptures were of both male and females in their prime. Often the sculptures were nude. Other subjects were Gods, Heroes and Humans. The specific Characteristics of the art work were e motionless expressions. Sculptures were all set to ideal proportions rather than realistic. Hellenic sculptures were set up to emphasize Symmetry and perfect forms. Hellenic Greek sculptures helped set the standard for art for the present day.

There are Parthenon Sculptures located in the British Museums. These sculptures demonstrate the typical pattern of art for the Hellenic time period. You can find marble metope from the Parthenon. One in particular depicts a Centaur rearing triumphantly over Lapith. Lapith is a human and depicted in the prime of life which is typical for Hellenic Greek art. The sculptures are set up with ideal proportions as well.

On Site:

I am amazed at the detail in the sculptures. You can see the rib cages on the centaur and the man, the muscles that are being used in the actions they are taking. This work was an amazing architectural and cultural feat. The temple that it came from was a huge architectural feat, that became a  model that many architects followed. It is amazing the talent these artists had to create these images that convey so much in them. 

Sources: I Learn readings, British Museum website.

Hellenistic Greek

Hellenistic Greece culture began in 323 and went until 146 BC. Hellenistic Greek artwork still retained some of the same characteristics’ of Hellenic Greek art like the emphasis on human subjects. Hellenistic art focuses more on emotional style. The sculptures appeal to emotions through violence, realism and sensuality. Hellenistic artists placed strong emphasis on emotions. Temples and architecture was more ornate during this time, and that led to more ornate and larger sculptures than the Hellenic age had.

The Nike of Samothrace can be found in the Louvre. It is a statue of a winged female figure, the messenger goddess of Victory. There is great detail in the clothing of this sculpture. It is very life like in the draping of the garments. This statue appeals to the emotion of victory. Like the goddess the sculpture is depicted to show a victory. You can see the emotion in the posture of the statue. This statue appeals to humans pathos, like the art work of the time was intended to.

On Site: 

Due to the Nike of Samothrace being in restoration. I chose to review the Laocoon group. This statue is amazing. The artist had such detail. The emotions are really conveyed in the statues face. You cannot look upon this statue without feeling the pain that Laocoon is in. You can see the struggle. This piece follows the Hellenistic artwork pattern. It was an amazing piece that I am grateful that I had the opportunity to view.

Sources: I-learn reading, Louvre Museum site

On Site/ Post Trip

Venus de Milo 

This is a beautiful sculpture. It is amazing work. She really is beautiful. It is what I would really imagine the Goddess Venus to look like. I cannot imagine how much time and work it would've taken for the artist Alexandros of Antioch to get this sculpture to look as amazing as it does. I am fascinated at the fact that the statue looks so great still. It just surprises me how well preserved all these art pieces are. I'm glad this piece was saved. 
The artist for this work was Alexandros of Antioch. He was a largely unknown artist, his most famous work is the Venus de Milo. He is also assumed to have completed a statue of Alexander the Great, this also is on display in the Louvre. He is assumed to have been a  traveling artist that worked for commission. 
During this time period there was an increase in the emphasis on the emotion. While there is not huge emotion reflected in this piece, like anger or fear, There is definitely sensuality in this sculpture. It is a statue of Venus it could not be depicted without sensuality otherwise it would not be Venus. Art during this time had a sense of realism to them as well. This is seen in the Venus de Milo in the muscle definition and the care the artist takes in detailing her hair, face and the fabric she is wearing.
Sources: Louvre, Venus de Milo Wikipedia page

Roman

The Romans were influenced by the Greeks. Romans collected Greek statues and made their own after the Greek style in marble and bronze like the Greek’s statues. Roman art work was a lot more realistic. They depicted real people not idealized figures. They also created idealized official portraits of Roman Rulers and gods. They often had Mosaics and frescoes in homes. These often depicted landscapes, myths, architectural vistas, religious scenes and scenes of pastoral life.

In the British Museum there is a portrait bust of Hadrian. This bust is from the imperial Rome time. It is depicting the Emperor Hadrian. This would be an example of a more idolized statue. It is not of him in the prime of life. But it is not as realistic as the other works of art. This is because he was an emperor.

On Site: 

The bust of Hadrian was great to see. In this picture you see that he was an emperor. His features are portrayed as regal. It was an amazing piece of art work. I loved seeing the regal bust of Hadrian. It never ceases to amaze me the talent these artists have. The detail in this bust was amazing. Hadrian certainly was displayed as an important figure, in the stance and his facial expressions. 

Sources: I-learn readings, British Museum site

On Site/ Post Trip
Trajan's Column

Trajan's Column is a magnificent site. It was amazing to see how tall it is. I would like to have seen the artists working on it. There is such extraordinary detail involved with this feat. I am amazed at how detail oriented these people were. This one Column told of military feats. I couldn't see it as up close as I would've liked, but from where I was standing it still looked spectacular. 
Trajan's Column is recognizing the emperor Trajan and his military plights against the Dacians. Trajan happened to be successful in his plights against the Dacians. The Frieze shows the military victories. It even has the Goddess Victory represented among his troops. This was built to recognize the feats of Trajan and his army. I thought it was interesting to learn how precise the Romans were in building this Column. There are stairs inside that lead to the lookout. The stairs are still practically even and the pieces still fit together. This was well crafted. It has endured multiple earthquakes and still is only leaning by half an inch. This was an amazingly built architectural and art feat.   
Like the pattern the Roman art follows the military feats of Trajan. Military was very important to the Romans. This Column also represents the common soldier that fought with Trajan. This column had depictions of real people during a real event. 

Medieval

 Medieval art work was highly symbolic. All art was also created to set convention. Saints and deities are shown with halos to set them apart from ordinary people. The art work was highly religious. Religious meanings could be derived from almost anything in nature. The writers of the four gospels are depicted in art work by the lion, ox, eagle, and man. Apostles are depicted with bare feet. Human figures are distorted rather than represented realistically. There is a highly religious theme to most of the art work from this time period.

A great example of the art work of this time period can be found in the cathedrals that were built in this time. The Notre Dame Cathedral has many stain glass window that depict these art characteristics. They are littered with symbolism. You can use the symbolism to uncover who the saint is that they are depicting. While in Europe I will have the chance to look at these stain glass windows and use what I know about the art of this time to uncover what the message is behind the images shown.

On Site:

Medieval artwork focuses a lot of religion. It was amazing to look at these stain glass windows. The detail is amazing. It is amazing how much detail is put into the cathedrals. Religion was such a huge part of the Medieval times. These stain glass windows were marvelous to view. There was so many religious stories and symbolism with in them. I wished I was super tall so I could take a better look at all the stories in the stain glass. If you look closely you can see the religious symbolism in each panel of the stained glass. 

Sources: I-learn readings, Notre Dame Pictures

Architecture

Roman

The Romans excelled in architecture. They adapted the arch from the Etruscans and perfected the use of concrete. They were able to build structures like aqueducts, bridges, bath houses, forums, multi-level apartment houses, villas and amphitheaters. They used arches side by side to create an arcade that could support vast weight. Romans were able to place arches in a circle to create domes. They had a lot of architectural advances. They used arches to construct barrel or tunnel vaults.

Colosseum is a great example of Roman Architecture. It is an amphitheater in Rome. It is used for gladiator combat. It is designed as a large oval shape. It is an example of Roman Utilitarian architecture. It is in a dome shape like many of their other architectural feats. It could house 50,000 spectators, many modern sports stadiums are modeled after it.

On Site:

This was a spectacular to see as I hoped it would be. Being a history major, this is a building I have learned so much about. This one Structure had such an impact on the world. It was amazing to see it in person. The Romans favored the arch and that is seen in this structure. I wish I had enough time to have gone in to see the architecture closer up. It never ceases to amaze me how well preserved this structure has been. 

Source: I-learn Readings

Romanesque

The Romanesque style of the middle ages is modeled after Roman architecture. Many of the buildings were constructed using stone Barrels and Groin Vaults like the Romans did to help support the roof. Many Romanesque buildings looked like fortresses due to the thick walls and small windows. Churches began to be built with exterior decorations.

Baptistery of St. Giovanni is located in Florence Italy. It is set up in a dome like structure. There are arches set up circularly to allow for the Dome figure. This is built in a similar manner as the pantheon in Rome. There are few windows and they are quite small due to the nature of the building. It is decorated with many depictions of saints. Like the typical Romanesque architecture there are figurines on the exterior of the building depicting saints and bible stories.

On Site: 

I was amazed at the interior of this building. The mosaic artwork was spectacular. I was disappointed the outside was being renovated so I couldn't see the detail on the outside. But that did not take away from the amazing artwork on the inside. This was a spectacular building. The stories depicted in the artwork were wonderful.  

On Site/ Post Trip:
St. Paul's Cathedral

I fell in love with this cathedral. It is beautiful inside and out. The dome was a great architectural feat. The mosaics on the inside of the cathedral were magnificent. I really enjoyed looking at and around the cathedral. The audio-tour was extremely helpful and interesting. It was amazing to climb to the top of the dome and see all of London. 
This specific cathedral that I was standing in was not the original Cathedral. Due to certain circumstances this is the fourth cathedral to sit on that location. What touched me the most was learning about the conditions of the cathedral surrounding World War Two. St. Paul's was a symbol of hope for London during World War Two. There was a lot of worry about if the cathedral would be able to survive the bombings. Miraculously St. Paul's survived the Blitz. The Cathedral did sustain some damages in the Bombings the Dome remained intact.After that St. Paul's became a symbol of British resilience.

St. Paul's is a Romanesque Cathedral. It can be seen in the dome. Another feature is the thick walls and few windows. These are all key characteristics of the Romanesque architecture of this time period. Lined around the roof are some figurines, these were also common for the Romanesque period. 

Gothic

Gothic Architecture originated in France and spread to the rest of Europe. It is often distinguished by the pointed arches, stain glass windows, spires, flying buttresses and numerous sculptural decorations. Gothic churches are built with a vertical emphasis. There are vaulted ceilings and spires that reach high into the sky. Paintings and sculptures accompany the churches. They depict saints and bible stories and are often very symbolic in nature.

Notre Dame is found in Paris and is one of the most famous Gothic Architecture feats. It has all of the characteristics of Gothic Architecture. There are pointed arches, Large Stain glass windows, Spires, Flying buttresses and it is adorned with sculptural images. It has the vertical aspect that can be seen in many of the Gothic architectures of the time 

period.

On Site:

It was amazing to see the Cathedral that is the archetype for Gothic Architecture. It did not disappoint. I loved seeing the flying buttresses and the gargoyles posted all around the cathedral. This was a beautiful work of architecture. It was really neat to see this architectural feat. The inside didn't disappoint either. The stain Glass was fantastic. I love looking at the stories being depicted around the church. It really helps guide you through the bible stories. I think that is really neat. 

Sources: I-learn readings

On Site/ Post-Trip
Orvieto Duomo

The Cathedral was breath taking. The ornate front was beautiful, it was impossible to take it all in. I loved the stripes on the side of the cathedral. It was an amazing to see how much work is put into the cathedral. It really touched my heart. It is nice to see how important buildings like this are to the catholic church. This Gothic structure was inspiring.
Construction on this cathedral lasted almost 3 centuries. I was originally designed as Romanesque cathedral. This was because the construction began in 1290 and ended in 1590. During construction the design changed since it was under construction for so long. 
The cathedral was built under the Italian Gothic pattern. It has the tall spires reaching toward heaven as typical Gothic architecture dictates. There are ornate paintings on the inside. Another Gothic stand out is the gorgeous large stain glass windows.