TLDR;
This video provides an overview of Western classical art traditions, focusing on famous paintings from different art periods. It covers prehistoric and Egyptian art, Greek and Roman art, and Byzantine, Romanesque, and Gothic art. The video also discusses various painting methods used during these periods, such as fresco, encaustic, and mosaic.
- Art is derived from the Latin word ARS which means skill.
- Prehistoric paintings were found inside caves and Egyptian paintings emphasize the importance of life after death.
- Greek paintings were commonly found in vases, panels, and tombs, while Romanesque art was largely placed Moses on the walls of the churches.
Introduction to Western Classical Art Traditions [0:00]
The video introduces a module on Western classical art traditions, focusing on famous paintings from different art periods. The module is divided into three lessons: ancient paintings (prehistoric and Egyptian), classical paintings (Greek and Roman), and medieval paintings (Byzantine, Romanesque, and Gothic). The timeline spans from 1.5 million BC to 1400 AD. Art is derived from the Latin word ARS which means skill. Art is important because it allows people to express feelings, gives satisfaction, and develops character.
Ancient Paintings: Prehistoric and Egyptian Era [1:50]
The lesson focuses on ancient paintings from the prehistoric and Egyptian eras. Prehistoric paintings, found in caves, may have served as communication or for religious purposes. Egyptian paintings aimed to make the afterlife pleasant, emphasizing life after death and preserving knowledge. Themes included journeys to the underworld and introductions to gods. Egyptian art is based on Perfect Balance because it reflects the ideal world of the Gods. Examples include the sarcophagus of Tutankhamun, paintings from the Cave of Lascaux (including the Hall of Bulls), and the painting of Maat and Isis.
Classical Paintings: Greek and Roman Era [4:46]
This section discusses paintings from the Greek and Roman eras. Greek paintings were commonly found in vases, panels, and tombs, depicting natural figures, battle scenes, mythological figures, and everyday scenes. The Romantic period saw imitations of Hellenic Greek paintings, using the fresco technique with brightly colored backgrounds and multipoint perspective. Common methods included fresco (water-based pigments on plaster), encaustic (pigments mixed with beeswax), panel painting (on flat wood panels), vase design (using the Kerch style), tomb or wall painting (frescos, tempera, or encaustic), and mosaic (assemblage of small colored pieces). Examples include frescoes from the Villa of Mysteries, the Pitsa panel, Kerch vases, and the Head of Alexander mosaic.
Medieval Paintings: Byzantine, Romanesque, and Gothic Period [9:51]
The lesson covers Byzantine, Romanesque, and Gothic art periods. Byzantine art blended Greek and Oriental styles for Christian subjects. Romanesque art, evolving in the 12th century, served religious and social functions, with mosaics on church walls following a strict frontal pose. The three main functions of Romanesque paintings are entertaining, moralizing, and educational. Gothic art, originating in northern France, emphasized symbolic meanings, with churches symbolizing the transcendence of the soul. Examples include the Shepherd David, the Lady and the Unicorn tapestry, and Christ in Majesty.
Activities and Summary [12:46]
The video concludes by listing activities for the module, including online Google Form links and answer sheet options. The activities include "Let's Try," "Let's Evaluate," "Let's Dig In," and "Let's Elaborate" from specific pages in the module.