Art Final
Question 1:
Islamic arts can be traced back to the seventeenth century. A majority of them were inspired by Byzantine, Christian arts, Asian styles, and other styles such as the Sassanian art (Gardner, and Kleiner, 2015). The everyday Islamic, and Byzantine architectural aspects that manipulate the design of mosques and churches include the five pillars of Islam, which heighten the religious and worship experience. The five pillars include the shahadah, the Sawm Ramadan, Zakat, the hajj, and Salat. Each pillar has a religious meaning. The Zakat represents charitable giving, Salat showcases prayers as a form of worship, while Shahadah represents confessions and belief of faith.s
Furthermore, the use of designs such as vegetable designs and geometric flooring. Designs such as the arabesque is a religious symbol that symbolize the invisible nature of God (Gardner, and Kleiner, 2015). The mistakes discovered in the representative nature of the designs symbolized the imperfection in human beings and the fact that only God is perfect. Another design is the calligraphy design used to decorate the walls, with religious inscription verses. Calligraphics were use to represent quranic verses, which are written in objects such as tiles, coins, and metals.
The Islam and Byzantine architectures are both a form of culture and religion. Byzantine art designs are used for religious expressions. These were developed early by the Basilica Church in Italy in the tenth century (Gardner, and Kleiner, 2015). The Byzantine architectures have inspired some religions including Islam. An example is the Byzantine Dome. The mosaics and the icons were used to decorate the inside of the temple. The use of mosaic was considered religious since the designs and architecture s represented the word of God, similar to the Islam use of calligraphy.
The approaches have several features in common. These include the use of nature and a similar sequence of innovation. Both the architectural designs were used to glorify God and meet the spiritual, cultural, and physical needs of the rulers. For instance, both the Islamic and Christian architectures represented power and faith (Gardner, and Kleiner, 2015). The Dome of the Rock is one of the architectures and approaches used in both Islamic and the Christian church. The iconography is however similar. For instance, the octagonal structure used in both religious architectures. Furthermore, despite the fact that there is a clear difference in the use of mosaic and tilling, the Islamic faith fails to use human figures since they believed that both animals and human figures are a form of idolatry, which is not acceptable among the Muslims.
Question 2:
The medieval European illuminated manuscripts were made of monasteries as a primary communication method between the nuns and the monks. Other arts in the medieval period include metalwork, stained glass, and ivory carvings (Gardner, and Kleiner, 2015). However, the illuminated manuscripts such as the iconography traditions of the Byzantine and Roman empires were inspired by religion. The manuscripts were written on pigments and vellum originating from Northern Europe. An illuminated script was used mainly for decoration and communication through miniature illustration and initials.
The manuscripts, however, were made from animal skin, such as goatskin, and painted by nuns and monks (Gardner, and Kleiner, 2015). Furthermore, the laminated manuscripts were used for missionary purposes. However, they were very expensive due to the materials used to make the pages. The high cost was also contributed to by the fact that printing an animal picture required a new page. The medieval European manuscript differs from those made in France and Germany. The medieval manuscripts were written on animal skin (Gardner, and Kleiner, 2015). They were created through a complex process, which required the materials to be soaked in a lime solution and dried.
The medieval manuscripts consisted of texts, such as illustrations, musical notations, and initials (Gardner, and Kleiner, 2015). France and the German manuscript used at least three specific aspects including astronomical tables and texts concerned with planets and historical initials. Examples of the initials were the Christian based such as the commentaries of the Psalms (Gardner, and Kleiner, 2015). The English manuscript is dated back to the 15th and 16th Centuries. In the German and French manuscripts, the texts were made of regular-sized book letters, where the texts are in two columns (Gardner, and Kleiner, 2015). In contrast, in the medieval illuminated manuscript, the text had no arrangement since every new page, and commentary was done separately. On a new page, and commentary was different in each section. The German and France manuscripts were printed in copper engravings and woodblocks, which is different from the illuminated manuscript (Gardner, and Kleiner, 2015). The illuminated manuscript was decorated using animals, women, and men in the wild. German manuscripts used very few words and more pictures in promoting the gospel, which was similar to the illuminated manuscript, which focused on decorative pictures (Gardner, and Kleiner, 2015). Furthermore, they both used light colors in painting and painted in a cursive hand.
Question 3:
The Gothic churches dominated between the one thousand to late one thousand three hundred century. The English Gothic Catholics and the french church have some differences based on the types of architectures used, which emphasize spatially. The difference is mostly evidence when it comes to height and other differences vertical and horizontal. The gothic cathedral is considered high, about eighty-two feet from the floor, while the french cathedrals are very long and high of about one hundred t two hundred feet from the ground (Gardner, and Kleiner, 2015). Another difference is that the french cathedrals were made of glass and flying buttresses, making the buildings lighter, which, compared to Gothic cathedrals. In addition, the France cathedrals use vault shafts, which Help in emphasizing the height.
The two churches are different in terms of tectonics, rationalism, and simplicity, where the french church is more simple than the Gothic catholic. The Gothic Catholics are considered complex and use some compositional lines and architectural decors. The french catholic is considered an inspiration of the English Gothic catholic architecture, hence carry several similarities despite the differences between the designs used and the structure.
Another difference between France and the Gothic cathedral churches was that the french churches were built in the center of the city, while the Gothic cathedral church was built in the grass and treed areas. Also, there was a difference like the entrance in the Narthex, where France churches used three charge doors with stone carvings, while Gothic cathedral used doors that are simple and not overemphasized and rose windows. Finally, the French churches were built with towers with pointed tops, different from the Gothic catholic churches that do not have towers but a bell tower.
Question 4:
The types of architecture in the Romanesque and Gothic periods were based on roman architectural designs and structures (Gardner, and Kleiner, 2015). The architectures were gothically inspired, where the houses made during this period were dark, haunted houses. Gothic and Romanesque architecture were used to built churches in France and Britain. For instance, the use of pointed anarchy is considered to have been inspired by Islam architecture.
The development involved the construction of the Romanesque churches, which used drum-like columns. The Gothic and Romanesque periods inspired the construction of churches, castles, fortifications, and some stone works. The Romanesque inspired designs of churches especially the Roman Catholic Church. However, the churches were inspired by the designs. For example, most churches used large windows designs developed on walls (Gardner, and Kleiner, 2015). Also, the use of the catenary circle instead of the classic la arch while constructing the churches. Also, Gothic architecture and Romanesque inspired the use of mortar and naves, which were to be used to tap more light, especially with the high medieval Gothic cathedrals. Also, the use of arches and vaults, which were circular in designing churches (Gardner, and Kleiner, 2015). Some of the Romanesque cathedrals include the impressive churches, the massive and solids made of architectures inspired by Romanesque and Gothic engineering, and geometrical logic.
Part Two
Throughout different cultures and time periods, those in power (kings, queens, emperors, warlords, etc.) have used art to legitimize their power and rule over others. Sometimes, they do this by using the artistic traditions of past rulers and cultures in their art. Discuss five different examples of rulers who have expressed their power in this way. Why do we see this trend repeating throughout time? Is this an effective method of expressing power? Why or why not? Use 5 specific examples, each from a different exam unit, in your answer.
1. ANSWER EACH PART OF THE QUESTION IN SEPARATE PARAGRAPHS
2. GIVE EXAMPLES FROM THE BOOK ATTACHED. INDICATE THE PAGE NUMBERS
Topic 1: Power and Legitimacy
Discuss five different examples of rulers who have expressed their power in this way.
Several rulers used art to legitimize power and as a service of power. Power was also used as a form of elitism. Images of the rulers were distributed in coins, medals, and several portraits representing their power. Some of the rulers include Maximilian, a Roman emperor, Franz Joseph, an Emperor from Australia, and Sun King. The Sun King image was drawn on the gates of a versatile and royal portrait of rulers such as Peter Paul Ruben and Anthony Van Dyk. Images of former presidents are also printed on currencies in the United States. Like in the past, royal portraits have been used as as a context for legitimizing politics (Gardner, and Kleiner, 2015). More so, the portraits represent dynasties, such as line kinship and lineage in leadership. In Ghana, the Komo Helmet Mask is a portrait used to glorify a ruler based on the characteristics of the portrait. The expression of power through art has been carried to the current age. Today, rulers are expressed through art via methods such as printing in offices, and business portrait, and also printing on coins, and clothing.
Over the years, rulers have used several methods to legitimatize power and claim authority among their subjects. Through various techniques, they have demanded for obedience from their audience and in turn provided effective leadership (Gardner, and Kleiner, 2015). Furthermore, they have also used religious powers and ideas to legitimize their subjects such as the divine right, the use of Safavid of the Shiism, and the proactive of human sacrifice. Many rulers expressed their powers in several ways. The Chinese Emperor used confusion rituals to legitimize their rule. Rulers such as Augustus of the Prima Portal, Prince Khurram, Qianlong Emperor, and Napoleon Bonaparte used various methods to remain in power. Napoleon Bonaparte was a French ruler who rose to the position by himself. The Bodhisattva Mafijusrt of the Qianlong Empire promoted Chinese values. Augustus of Prima Portal wanted to be in power to maintain the Patrician families. He used his powers at the expense of the Republicans. Augustus was only supported by the monarchists and lost the conservatives who felt uneasy with his mode of governance.
Why do we see this trend repeating throughout time?
The Repetition of trends has been evident due to the power of art to change the world, especially as a way of understanding the value and culture of the society. Art promotes public value, promote engagement and participation (Gardner,and Kleiner, 2015). Art in the twenty-first century has been used to express several concepts, including healing and promoting public health. The Repetition of art has been contributed by the development of technology, which has influenced the growth, and development of new ideas. Globalization of art has made art grow and become trendy in all generations, religions, and cultures. Contemporary art can be retrieved on the internet, for instance, Sao Paulo, Sydney, and shanghai. Om the other hand, the African tribal arts have increased, and other artistic illustrations in medicine, pornography, and fashion (Gardner,and Kleiner, 2015). Art has been used to express power and expression of identity, gender, politics, consumer culture, religion, medicine, science, and spirituality, which is mainly represented in visual form.
Is this an effective method of expressing power?
Yes, use of art is the best way of expressing power, representing loyalty, and making legacies. Additionally, it is very significant in developing patriotism and creating a deep connection between religion, culture, and leadership. Paintings are a form of national themes that creates a patriotic feeling among the public. The use of art motivates the public and envokes a feeling of belonging and love for the country. On the other hand, art is the best form of expressing power because the act represents the power of illumination and creates fascinating imageries that represent the eternal nature of America and its greatness (Gardner,and Kleiner, 2015). Also, the use of arty in the expression of power creates curiosity. It stimulates several thoughts, such as the emotions that are created when viewing Salvador Dali’s art. Art is power, hence the best tool used by leaders in expressing power (Gardner,and Kleiner, 2015).
Reference
Gardner, H., & Kleiner, F. S. (2015). Gardner’s Art through the ages: A global history. Nelson Education.
