WESTERN ART HISTORY

Woman from Willendorf, Austria (Prehistoric Period) Upper Paleolithic Period

24,000 BCE

The Upper Paleolithic Period is understood to be a time of hunter gatherers, living in small nomadic groups. This artifact helps us understand the people of that time. Perhaps an ideal vision of a woman, one that is fertile, healthy and voluptuous.

Bison, Le Tuc d’Audoubert Caves, France (Prehistoric Sculpture)

13,000 BCE

Le Tuc d’Audoubert is one of the prehistoric caves known for its rocks engraving, caving paintings and prehistoric sculptures. One of its best known pieces is a relief sculpture of a pair of bison. They’re made from clay and have been carved out, unlike most of the work from that time.

Catalhayuk, Turkey. Neolithic (Prehistoric Architecture)

7500 BCE

Catalhuyuk is the place where we can see the transformation of people from being primarily hunter gatherers to settling down. This lead to a growth in population, detailed (more permanent) building methods and an attention to detail. The Catalhuyuk housing also helps us understand how communal their lifestyle was, they were able to climb ladders and walk over the roofs of their neighbors, where there would be an oven, to cook together.

Carved Vessel or Warka Vase (Ancient Mesopotamia)

3300 BCE

The Warka vase is the oldest surviving narrative relief sculpture and was on of the many pieces that showed us the use of registers to narrate and segregate a story. It was made with Alabaster stone. This particular vase shows the people providing an offering to the Goddess, Inana. The registers help us understand the hierarchy of importance, like how the registers increase in height to signify the importance of the things in each of them.

Palette Of Narmer (Ancient Egypt)

3100 BCE

The Palette of Narmer uses hierarchal scale to narrate a story. While Egyptian imagery paid attention to the decorative aspect, the postures and forms were extremely intentional
One possible interpretation of the Palette is the unification of Lower and Upper Egypt, as the Pharaoh is seen wearing the crown of Upper Egypt on one side and the crown of Lower Egypt on the other side, suggesting the political inclination to unify the two sections of Egypt.

Cuneiform, Sumerians (Ancient Mesopotamia)

3000 BCE

The Cuneiform tablets were one of the earliest methods of writing. The inscriptions were drawn on damp clay tablets using a pointed tool. It was quicker to draw representations of things (like animals), instead of drawing them realistically.The written inscriptions originally contained information on the allocation of food and goods. The earliest writing language to have emerged may have been from Mesopotamia, where Sumerian was first written.

Menkaure and a Queen (Ancient Egypt)

2490 BCE

The Egyptians used art and architecture represent the ideal characteristics of men, women and an empire. With his broad shoulders, long and strong torso, fisted hands and approaching stance, Menkaure, the Pharaoh, is shown as a powerful, strong-willed and balanced man. Presumably his Queen, is shown as more feminine and supportive of her husband. With her breasts and pelvic region emphasized, the position of her hands, and the step in her feet suggest an almost equal respect for both.

Twin Figures (Ere Ibeji), Yoruba Culture (African Art)

1900 BCE

While death is often associated with twins, they are also a sign of good luck. This sculpture is kept by a mother, given by a diviner (the ​person who speaks to spirits), and is then passed onto the surviving twin so as to appease the spirit of the child. In case both the twins die, then both the sculptures remain with the mother. The formal qualities of the sculpture signify the bodily hopes for the unborn children.

Head of Sensuret III (Ancient Egypt)

1836 BCE

The sculpture is made from yellow quartzite during the Middle Kingdom. It has distinct features that distinguish it from Old Kingdom conventions like the way the skin is modeled very realistically (naturally) as opposed to the smooth and chiseled cheek bones of Menkaure's statue. The head piece has a lot more information, allowing us to determine the wealth and importance held by the person wearing it.

Masjid-i Jami, Isfahan, Iran (Islamic Architecture)

1700 BCE

During the 11th century, Persia was under no centralized power, thus, independent regional rulers existed. As Islam spread, it took on more cultures. This particular Masjid follows a Four Iwan Plan, with a large entrance. One of it's most prominent features is​ the Muqarnas, a form of ornamented vaulting that produces a cellular pattern and effect. (11th - 18th Century)

Woman Holding a Balance, Johannes Vermeer (Baroque Art)

1664 BCE

The subject matter is simplified by the title, however, the amount of detail with which the artist describes the scene suggests far more than meets the eye. The woman could possibly be a merchant from a slightly upper class, with the type of clothes she has on. Wealth is suggested even with the jewelry that lies on the table. The painting behind the woman is of the Day of Judgment, and she stands right at the center of it. This further emphasizes the ​balance between the blessed and the damned.

St. Teresa of Avila in Ecstasy, Gianlorenzo Bernini (Baroque Art)

1652 BCE

This is a narrative sculpture that depicts Saint Teresa's encounter with an angel. She is captivated by the love of God, through the pain. Baroque characteristics emphasize intense emotion and theatricality, as seen in this piece. The golden rays behind Saint Teresa signify the light of God, suggesting a spiritual connection, as well as highlights the sculpture itself. This sculpture allows the viewers to interact and experience the piece from multiple​ perspectives.

Bulls Leaping, Knossos, Crete (Ancient Greek)

1550 BCE

This was made in the Late Minoan Period, where the men are shown darker and the women are lighter. The postures and forms of the figures also suggest movement, especially with the man and the bull. Unlike in Egypt, paintings were shown in the homes in Greece, some suggesting social initiations and others depicting stories.

Hip Pendant Representing an Iyoba, Benin City, Nigeria (African Art)

1550 BCE

This art piece depicts the mother of an Oba (Isigi), with a detailed headpiece alternating between a mudfish and a Portuguese person (long flat hair and helmet). The mudfish represents duality (mudfish can live in water and on land) and the Oba's responsibility and ability to connect the two realms; a mediator between the human world and the deities. The Portuguese​ are significant as they were the ones who helped Isigi expand his kingdom through trade.

The Four Apostles, Albert Durer (Baroque Art)

1526 BCE

During the Protestant Reformation, iconoclasm spread far and wide, which led to the destruction of imagery from churches. However, some, like Martin Luther, believed that images may be helpful to those who were uneducated, enabling to learn the faith and its practices. It would also be beneficial for people to be pious in nature. The significance of the Bible held by John and Peter (left panel) is to show the shift from the practices and beliefs of the church to going back to the word of God.

David, Donatello, Florence (Early Renaissance Art)

1460 BCE

It was the first free-standing, nude sculpture made during this time. It stands at contrapposto, isn't as muscular as a warrior would be. And depicts David as young and rather small and scrawny, emphasizing the traits of an underdog. This sculpture narrates the story of David and Goliath, with David standing on Goliath's head. This symbolizes the victory of the underdog and is a symbol used by Florence for it's victory against Milan.

Dome of Florence Cathedral, Filippo Brunelleschi (Early Renaissance Architecture)

1436 BCE

It was built to showcase the strength and power of Florence, the dome wasn't built originally and was built later on. The architecture used to build this was one similar to what the Romans used, using a keystone as the final top piece to fit everything together. It follows an octagonal floor plan, due to the original floor plan having to be incorporated.

Jacob and Esau, Lorenzo Ghiberti, Florence (Early Renaissance Art)

1435 BCE

It's a square composition that depicts Isaac and Rebecca's twin sons. Lorenzo uses high and low relief with one point linear perspective to create this piece of art. He uses continuous narrative as a means to narrate multiple stories relating to the characters displayed. One such story is Esau coming back from hunting and Esau asks Jacob for food. Esau promises him food in exchange for his inheritance.

Crowned Head of a Ruler from Ife, Yoruba Culture (African Art)

1400 BCE

The Yoruba Kingdom was in present-day Nigeria, their people believed that Ife was the birthplace of humankind. It was a cosmopolitan wealthy city that indulged in trade between Europe and Portuguese. A variety of material was used for this sculpture; bronze, brass, copper, and stone. The style reflects naturalistic and refined skill.

Raising of Lazarus, back of the Maesta altarpiece, Siena Cathedral (Gothic Art)

1311 BCE

The altarpiece is painted back and front and blends Byzantine style with the French Gothic. The French Gothic focused on natural casual relationships and interactions. It was taken apart in 1711. The Raising of Lazarus is one of the pieces which narrates Jesus Christs raising a body from the dead. We see natural expressions like the man covering his mouth as if in awe or perhaps a stench (death)? Jesus is identified with a halo around his head, and a woman bowing towards him.

Chartres Cathedral, France (Gothic Architecture)

1155 BCE

The Chartres Cathedral is known for its flying buttresses, a prominent feature in Gothic architecture. The difference between the Romanesque and gothic style of architecture, is that while the Romanesque style uses thick walls to buttress the arches, the Gothic style uses thin walls supported by flying buttresses. Another prominent feature are the stained windows, the addition of the windows allows more natural light to come in and symbolize a more open and spiritual space.

Church of Saint-Denis, France (Gothic Architecture)

1144 BCE

The church has burial chambers for families. Relics are placed within chevettes, that are engineered in stone to remove the number of walls. This kind of architecture emphasizes a more open plan with fewer and thinner walls. The quinted arches use thin walls and rubbed vaults to enable a more open plan. There is a pointed arch, signifying a more spiritual place using the direction of natural light streaming in through the windows.

Cathedral of Saint James, Santiago de Compostela (Romanesque Architecture)

1122 BCE

It is reputed that this cathedral is the burial grounds of Saint James, who brought Christianity to the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal). The cathedral has the apse, the nave, the buttress and more. The additions revolve around the movement of people within the church, like the ambulatory. One of the prominent features is the barrel vaults, that are similar to the Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine, in Rome.

Cathedral of Saint-Pierre Tympanum, France (Romanesque Architecture)

1115 BCE

The tympanum emphasizes Jesus Christ's second coming, in the center, surrounded by the Mandorla. It depicts the desperation of mortals as the angels take their souls. There is a part where we see the devil (a monstrous being) weighing souls. There are monsters tipping over the scale so they could get more souls into hell and there are monstrous hands grabbing at the heads of people. This imagery also teaches those who are illiterate the beliefs and stories of Christianity.

Assurnasirpal II Killing Lions (Ancient Mesopotamia)

875 BCE

The Assyrian Empire changed their depiction of the Kings from a religious or spiritual one to a more military one. As seen in this carving, the King kills lions, furthering his strength, power and skill. We're able to distinguish the importance amongst the people portrayed in the carving with the uniform and military gear used by the figures. As well as the percentage of space occupied by a person, like the King shooting an arrow at a lion.

The Great Mosque, Kairouan, Tunisia (Islamic Architecture)

836 BCE

Early mosque architecture was inspired by the Prophet Muhammad's home. When we look at mosque's today, there are specific features that are universally common. The minaret, where we hear the call to prayer, the Abulations fountain, where we clean ourselves before praying. The qibla wall, which indicates the direction of prayer as it faces the Kaaba (the direction towards which all Muslims must pray). The Mihrab is a niche in the Qibla wall, while the Minbar is where the Imam addresses the people

Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem, Palestine/Israel (Islamic Art)

691 BCE

The Dome of the Rock is a shrine, not a mosque. It is said to either mark the site where Abraham prepares to sacrifice Ishmael or marks the journey of Muhammad. It follows a central plan with an ambulatory. It's three main architectural features are the walled panels, the arcade and the dome itself. It contains inlaid stone with engravings. The iconic blue ceramic tiles were added later by the Ottomans.

Barrel Vaults (Romanesque Architecture)

550 BCE

The barrel vaults are a prominent feature of the Romanesque period. It is fireproof, with the acoustics refined. These vaults were converted from originally being made in wood to stone. Made of thick walls and small windows, which emphasizes the solidity and largeness of the church itself.

Emperor Justinian and His Attendants, San Vitale, Italy (Byzantine Art)

547 BCE

In this era, the painting style shifted from three-dimensional depth to two dimensional flatness. However there is still unique details that add different value to the mosaic. The Emperor, Justinian, is centered, surrounded by his attendants. Strangely, his head is illuminated by what looks like a halo. We've seen holy people, like Jesus Christ, been depicted with a halo, but not an emperor. It's interesting to recognize the importance given to Justinian through this mosaic.

Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, Turkey (Byzantine Architecture)

532 BCE

Hagia Sophia translates to 'Holy Wisdom', It was originally built as a church, but the Ottomans converted it to a mosque. Today, it stands a a secular museum that is open to the public. Hagia Sophia has distinguishing features such as the four pencil minarets, the large dome (in the center) and its vivid colors. It combines a longitudinal basilica and a centralized building plan. It's an astounding architectural monument that synthesizes the Byzantine and Ottoman eras.

Apollo, from the temple of Minerva, Portonaccio, Veii (Ancient Rome)

500 BCE

While there are differences between the Romans and the Greeks, there are some similarities that can be seen in their art and architecture as well as their lifestyle and beliefs. This sculpture for example, has similar muscle definition and bodily proportions as seen in greek sculptures. More so, they share the 'Archaic smile', one that is sad yet peaceful. The differences were that the Romans clothed the sculptures and expressed movement by the sculpture being more open and angled.

Cubiculum of Leonis, Catacomb of Commodilla (Byzantine Art)

480 BCE

This catacomb holds images of Jesus Christ and fellow believers of Christianity. Two types of imagery are used, narrative and iconic. The narrative focuses on the story being depicted. While the iconic image symbolizes a greater belief and faith. The narrative images are drawn eye level, along the walls of the catacomb. The iconic image is drawn on the ceiling, also emphasizing the importance of the context drawn.

Sculpture from the West pediment of the Temple of Aphaia, Aegina (Ancient Greek)

470 BCE

The sculptures created in the Archaic Period (600-480 BCE) represented humanism, where the lifestyle and thought process of the people shifted from being God-centric to human-centric. This sculpture displays naturalistic human features and expressions. the famously termed, 'archaic smile' is seen on this man. A symbol of remorse, associated with death. These statues identified the 'ideal' human body that was muscular and strong, in the nude.

The Canon of Polykleitos, Copy after the Original (Ancient Greek)

450 BCE

The High Classical Period (480-450 BCE) focused on realism being portrayed in sculpture, while still creating the 'ideal' body image. The muscle formations and bodily proportions were precise and well cut. They even began following a grid system, where the human body was 7 times of the head. But what was truly emphasized in this 'new' style was the posture, contrapposto, where there is a slight shift in weight of one side for the body to show a more natural standing position.

Aulus Metellus, Perugia (Ancient Rome)

80 BCE

Similar to the statue of Apollo, this statue portrays a man with his arm help up, emphasizing strength, authority and knowledge. The Romans used a style termed 'verism' which depicts people as they were. Aulus Metellus was an Etruscan senator and was known as the Orator. Small details, such as his hair being short and combed to the left, suggesting a well-groomed and educated man or the way his mouth is slightly opened, making him look like he's speaking, bring the statue to life.

Augustus of Primaporta (Ancient Rome)

20 BCE

Augustus, or originally Octavian, marked the end of the republican period and this statue was used as a form of propaganda. Augustus had this built when he was older, but had himself be depicted as his younger self. This state resembles the Aulus Metellus, with the position of the arms and the posture of the body. The most interesting detail, is his armor, on which tales of the Gods and Goddesses, like Apollo, and his own fortunes are molded on.