History of Art

Byzantine Art (AD 330-1453)

1. Figures are stereotyped (repetitive) and removed from direct observation of nature (anatomy)

2. Human anatomy was not studied scientifically 3. Colours have a symbolic meaning (eg. Gold backgrounds were reserved for royal/ imperial or saintly characters). Red was also a royalty colour.

4. Size of characters portrayed their social status. Important figures were made larger than the others

5. Artistic techniques used were usually very expensive (eg. Mosaic technique)

6. Usage of symbols (eg. Haloes, attributes associated with specific saints or the imperial crown)

7. Human figures were usually represented frontally

8. Religious subjects frequently represented. Emperor and his court ranked only 2nd compared with religious themes 9. Relied on visual memory (copy and paste), lacking innovative verve (eg. Crucifix)

Gothic Art (Mid-12th Centaury 16th Centaury)

Human figure not represented realistic compared to High Renaissance 1. Main characters portrayed in courtly dresses

2. Rich attire of important characters made up for the lack of importance given to the study of human anatomy.

3. Sizes of figures portrayed how important and the social status (even who was the first born)

4. Colours had a symbolic value (eg. Gold represented temporal or divine power) 5. Religious subjects, political subjects, scenes from everyday life

6. Versatile. A good painter, sculptor, gilder, carpenter (eg. Simone Martini). 7. Little attention given to space (3D) 8. Despite lack of illusion of space and the flatness of the human form, Gothic artifacts were often splendid and aesthetically beautiful to look at.

Renaissance Art (c.1350 c. 1550)

Equivalent to todays photography. Renaissance means rebirth. 1. Linear/ Mathematical perspective create the illusion of 3D on a flat surface. Attempted by Giotto, Masaccio, Brunelleschi and Donatello.

2. Aerial/ Atmospheric perspective suggests depth of field with the change in the intensity of the colours used (trick painting)

3. True representation of nature: Figures and objects have volume Figures portrayed from nature through direct observation and not from memory

4. Idealization of man and nature perfected nature thus giving it perfect forms (eg. Jesus human body after he was crucified and Our Lady looking always young even though she was around 50)

5. Harmony through: Symmetry in artistic composition in architecture

Balanced composition

Figures encapsulated in perfect geometrical shapes (circles, semi-circles, equilateral triangles, squares, rectangles)

Rationalization of space and forms (eg. Michelangelos church painting like chapters from the bible)

6. Philosophy of Renaissance: Man is the measure of all things and beauty is the harmony and concord to all the parts so that nothing could be added or subtracted except for the worse. (Il-bniedem andu jkollu fiducja fih innifsu)

Modern Art (Late 19th and 20th Centauries)

1. Majority of subjects are profane/ secular rather than religious 2. Represents a reality removed from naturalism and realism

3. More formal, intellectual and individual freedom of expression

4. Experiment with many innovative techniques and materials to create their artifacts

5. Abdicate from their traditional role of carrying a clear message (eg. Abstract art)

6. Technically accomplished, but their message is cryptic or metaphysical