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Gavin Walton
- October 4, 2024
Welcome to the new fascinating world called Art 103: History of Western Art I on study.com! If you are here you must be willing to see the beautiful progress of Western art from prehistoric to the Gothic period. This class will help you understand the basic premise of Western civilization, and how different cultures used art to speak. From the Paleolithic cave paintings and the Roman structures to Byzantine mosaics, this course is a rich experience of the history of arts that has given the contemporary artistic world.
Now, I know what you might be thinking: “You mean the history of art, right? Well, it might sound a little heavy.” But you’ll be surprised; this is perhaps one of the most interesting courses one can attend. This means it’s actually one of the most eye-popping classes in schools nowadays.” Starting from sculptures to cathedrals we will learn how art is a mirror of a society’s values, religion, politics, and technology. If you want to prepare for an exam and potentially gain more knowledge in this area or improve your aesthetic perception and decide to choose art as an object of your attention, you will be here. Let’s get started- buckle up; this is a ride that will be edutaining!
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What to Expect from Study.com Art 103 Class 📖
Art 103: History of Western Art I look at an enormous time frame, from the Paleolithic art in Lascaux and Altamira to Gothic cathedrals. The purpose of this class is to familiarize you with periods and movements in Western art so that you are able to understand the artistic accomplishments of different world cultures. In the end, what does Anne of Cleves know about the Romanesque Arch, Gothic spire, or even the different techniques artists used in the different periods?
In this course, you will learn about the basic techniques of art of the Ancient Near East; discover what Mesopotamian ziggurats are and their importance; and discover the grandeur of Pyramids and sculpture in Egypt. However, it is now time to turn to the sophistication of the Greek pottery and the dramatic flair of Roman mosaics, along with the religious conversion that came with the change from early Christian and Byzantine art We have so much to talk about, it’s a good thing that each of these topics is linked. Therefore, when it comes to the art and the architectural style in the later period such as the medieval period, what you learn about the ancient civilization will be quite helpful in determining the next phase of the art and architecture.
If you’re aiming to ace the exam, here’s a little tip: Remember such topics as types of art, the impact of religion on architecture, or the development of art movements throughout history. These areas are covered a lot and if you are good in them there is no reason you should struggle. Also, you will be able to understand how certain events affected art in general, for example, how the Black Death affected the Gothic sculpture. Therefore, don’t memorize the facts only – get to know the fantastic stories behind all the masterpieces!
Week-by-Week Study Plan to Ace Study.com Art 103 Exam📝
Now, let’s divide your study process of Art 103: History of Western Art I according to the weeks. This plan will help you to study without losing your orientation while offering enough time for you to revisit the material without getting overwhelmed.
Week 1: Foundations of Western Art
The first week is more about an introduction to art history and why people make art in the first place; thus, make sure to spend time on this material. Submerge yourself in the history of art starting with the Paleolithic and Neolithic art with fine attention paid to Paleolithic cave paintings and Neolithic sculptures.
- Key topics: rt forms, art from the Paleolithic period and Neolithic period, sculpture of the Upper Paleolithic period.
- Resources: Check out this Quizlet flashcard set on prehistoric art, and this YouTube video on cave paintings.
Week 2: Ancient Near Eastern & Mesopotamian Art
This week learn more about Mesopotamian art and architecture such as ziggurat functions, the Mesopotamian relief sculptures including palace reliefs, and the development of writing in Mesopotamia. It is worth focusing on the religious and political aspects of the art.
- Key topics: Most Sumerian art includes ziggurats, cylinder seals, relieves, and Sumer and Akkadian arts.
- Resources: For extra help, visit this Khan Academy article on Mesopotamian art and Quizlet’s Mesopotamian art flashcards.
Week 3: Ancient Egyptian Art and Architecture
This week is chock full of Ancient Egypt, so this week you’ll want to really hone in on pyramids and tomb art and the religious concepts tied to mummification. Learn about the pharaohs in terms of their support towards the artists and about art in Egypt which remained quite stable for ages.
- Key topics: Pyramids, mummification, pharaohs as patrons, symbolism in art.
- Resources: Watch this YouTube video on Egyptian pyramids and their symbolism, and go through this Quizlet flashcard set.
Week 4: Greek & Roman Art
Explore the beauty of Greek pottery and sculpture as well as how Romans borrowed and developed from Greek civilization. Learn about the Greek temple architecture especially the Parthenon and Roman architecture especially the arch, the vault, and concrete.
- Key topics: Greek and Roman styles of buildings, the posture in the Greek sculptures, and the use of the Roman arch.
- Resources: Here’s a YouTube playlist on Greek and Roman art, and this Quizlet on Greek pottery.
Week 5: Early Christian & Byzantine Art
For this week’s session, emphasis should be on the change of styles from pagan Rome to Christian arts and more specifically, the growth of Byzantine mosaics. Learn about the usage of icons in churches such as Hagia Sophia and the meaning of Religious symbolism.
- Key topics: Symbolism of early Christianity, Byzantine period – mosaics and icons in art, Holy Wisdom or Hagia Sophia.
- Resources: For additional material, use this flashcard set on Christian and Byzantine art, and check out Khan Academy’s video on Hagia Sophia.
Week 6: Islamic Art & Art of the Middle Ages
This week learn more about Islamic geometric patterns, calligraphy, and mosque architecture. After that, tell more about the Romanesque city and Gothic architecture particularly cathedrals and stained glass images.
- Key topics: Islamic geometric patterns, Romanesque vs. Gothic architecture, stained glass.
- Resources: Study this YouTube playlist on Gothic architecture and Quizlet flashcards on Islamic art.
Week 7: Review & Mock Exam
Dedicate this week to reviewing all the flashcards, videos, and notes you’ve compiled so far. Do a mock exam to gauge your readiness. Focus on the areas where you feel least confident.
- Resources: Review all the Quizlet flashcards and watch this YouTube crash course video on Western art history.
This week-by-week plan will guide you step by step to master the content and ensure you’re well-prepared for the exam. Make sure to mix study sessions with some self-testing for the best results!
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Brush Up Your Skills: Free Art Resources to Explore 📂
While you’re already using study.com, there are plenty of free online resources that can help you deepen your understanding of the topics covered in Art 103: History of Western Art I. These resources can provide extra support, visual examples, and study tools to make challenging concepts easier to grasp.
- YouTube Channels & Playlists
- Khan Academy – Art History
- This playlist covers various key topics from prehistoric to Gothic art, featuring clear explanations and illustrations.
- Smarthistory
- One of the best YouTube channels for art history, offering bite-sized videos on key periods and styles, including ancient Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and medieval art.
- Focuses on making complex art history topics easy to understand. They have videos on Byzantine, Romanesque, and Gothic art that align with Art 103.
- Educational Websites
- A free, comprehensive resource covering major periods of Western art. The site includes articles, images, and short video lessons.
- The Met’s Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History
- An extensive guide to art through the ages and around the world with exceptionally clear, photos and detailed essays on areas of interest such as Greek sculpture and Gothic architecture.
- BBC History: Art & Culture
- Offers well-researched articles on different periods of art, from ancient Egypt to Gothic cathedrals, giving you a historical context for understanding the artworks.
- Podcasts
- Covers a range of topics from ancient art to the Renaissance in a way that’s accessible and easy to follow. Great for learning on the go!
- Offers fascinating stories behind art history’s greatest moments. It’s a fun and engaging way to reinforce what you’ve learned in class.
- Practice Quizzes & Exams
- Study.com Practice Quizzes
- Don’t forget that study.com also provides practice quizzes and tests. Use these to test your understanding after each major topic.
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Artistic Foundations: Key Concepts to Prioritize🔑
When it comes to the concepts likely to feature on the exam in Art 103: History of Western Art I there are some that stand out as being particularly critical. So to simplify it, let’s divide four major concepts into parts with clear explanations and comparisons for a better understanding.
- Prehistoric Art: Paleolithic vs. Neolithic
Cave art belongs to the Paleolithic and Neolithic epochs but art types and their functions in those epochs are different.
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Feature
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Paleolithic Art
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Neolithic Art
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Time Period
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40,000 - 10,000 BCE
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10,000 - 2,000 BCE
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Art Style
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Naturalistic cave paintings, engravings, and sculptures
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Geometric designs, pottery, and permanent stone structures
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Purpose
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Ritualistic or magical (e.g., animal depictions for hunting success)
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Symbolic or decorative, representing settled agricultural life
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Examples
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Lascaux Cave Paintings, Venus of Willendorf
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Stonehenge, Catalhoyuk wall paintings
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Takeaway: Prehistoric art is divided into Paleolithic, Mesolithic, and Neolithic Periods and the art themes differ complementary as well; the Paleolithic art is hunting art and Neolithic is the start of domestication and farming art.
- Egyptian Pyramids vs. Mesopotamian Ziggurats
As mentioned earlier, both the Egyptians and Mesopotamians constructed huge structures to pay homage to their gods and leaders but pyramids and ziggurats served different purposes and were constructed in different manners.
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Feature
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Egyptian Pyramids
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Mesopotamian Ziggurats
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Purpose
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Tombs for pharaohs, designed to ensure a smooth afterlife
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Religious temples believed to connect earth with the heavens
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Structure
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Triangular shape with smooth sides, burial chambers inside
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Stepped, tiered structure with a temple at the top
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Material
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Limestone and granite
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Mud bricks and bitumen (asphalt-like material)
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Example
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The Great Pyramid of Giza
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Ziggurat of Ur
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Takeaway: Though pyramids were tombs used for burying the dead bodies and important personalities, ziggurats are the worshiping places.
- Romanesque vs. Gothic Architecture
Medieval architecture is dominated by two distinct styles: Romanesque and Gothic were the two that stood out with authority from the other types of structures. The interrelation of these two concepts is useful to know; therefore, it is essential to distinguish them.
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Feature
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Romanesque Architecture
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Gothic Architecture
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Time Period
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9th - 12th century
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12th - 16th century
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Style
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Thick walls, rounded arches, small windows
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Pointed arches, ribbed vaults, large stained glass windows
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Feeling
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Heavy, dark, fortress-like
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Light, airy, upward-reaching
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Example
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Abbey Church of Sainte-Foy
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Notre Dame Cathedral
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Takeaway: The Romanesque architecture is more earthbound and … the load-bearing walls are larger while the Gothic architecture is soaring into the heavens where light and spaces seem to form a greater entity.
- Byzantine Icons vs. Islamic Art
These two most prominent styles of Byzantine and Islamic art served in their religion, yet depicted the divine in rather differing manners.
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Feature
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Byzantine Icons
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Islamic Art
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Subject Matter
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Religious icons, primarily of saints and Christ
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Geometric patterns, calligraphy, arabesques (no human figures)
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Purpose
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Objects of worship believed to hold spiritual power
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Decoration for mosques, manuscripts, and other objects
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Material
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Painted wood panels, gold leaf
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Tiles, ceramics, intricate mosaics
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Example
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Icon of Christ Pantocrator
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Dome of the Rock mosaics, Quranic calligraphy
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Takeaway: Byzantine icons target religious images for worship while Islamic art deems figural images of Haram relying on geometrical shapes and writings.
With the help of these major concepts and knowing how you are going to contrast and compare them, you are going to be armed and ready for more complicated questions that might occur during your Art 103 exam. Knowledge of these fundamental distinctions will also facilitate the recognition of the large patterns in Western art history.
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Study.com Art 103 FAQ❓
Q: Is there a lot of memorization involved in Art 103?
A: Yes, memorization is key, especially for identifying art pieces and their historical contexts. Using flashcards can make it easier to recall key details.
Q: How do I study for the exam if I’m not a visual learner?
A: Try listening to podcasts or audio descriptions to engage with the material differently. Watching videos that explain art movements through stories can also help.
Q: Will I need to know the exact dates for every artwork?
A: No, but understanding general time periods and the order of art movements is important. Focus on key events and time frames to structure your study.
Q: Is there a particular section that is heavily tested?
A: Yes, expect to see a focus on major civilizations like Ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, and Gothic Europe. Architecture and the role of religion in art are common exam topics.
Q: Are there any tricky concepts I should pay extra attention to?
A: Yes, concepts like “Iconoclasm” in Byzantine art and “Aniconism” in Islamic art are important. Make sure you understand the cultural reasons behind these terms.
Q: Can I get away with cramming the night before?
A: It’s not recommended since art history builds on earlier movements. Stick to the study plan and break the material into manageable chunks for better retention.
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Painting the Final Stroke: Wrapping Up Your Learning📄
Art 103: History of Western Art I is one of the best art courses because it is an enlightening tour through history while following how civilizations affected art and how art impacted civilizations from prehistoric times to the Gothic period. If you adopt the timetable, use other materials, and concentrate on concepts, do not only pass the exam but also gain appreciation for the visual arts. Art history is not simply an endeavor of setting a timeline, or even a chronicle of historical events, but rather an analysis of the cultural implications of the several identified movements and works. So, do not be in a hurry to complete it, just savor each little bit of it, and let the artwork`s enchanting beauty and its ability to tell history enhance your academic experience!
