Study Exams Blog

Art 104
  • Gavin Walton
  • August 5, 2024

Welcome, future art historians! If you are submerging yourself into study.com Art 104: History of Western Art II, welcome to interesting centuries of art, culture, and evolution. This course serves as your ticket to understanding the different art periods that defined art in the Western world from the Renaissance all the way to the present. It is perhaps the closest thing to a ‘time machine’ that makes it possible to tread through the history of art and human society. 

Here you will journey through epochs considering such directions as Baroque – the realism painted in dramatic shades, and Rococo – the joyful frivolity of the colorful world. Every chapter is full of illustrations and numerous riveting episodes of the artists and their works of art. For the person who has never really explored art or its significance or for those who already consider themselves art enthusiasts, this course will be a gold mine in terms of knowledge and understanding of the art that steers our reality. Furthermore, it is all presented in a way that is easily digestible and entertaining, for when you are learning it should not be a chore. Okay then, fasten your seat belts, and let me take you on this artistic ride!

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Introduction to Art 104📖

Well, what do you expect in store for you in study.com ART 104: History of Western Art II? Let’s break it down. This subject includes all the possible significant movements and styles of art from the early Renaissance in Italy to now American and European contemporary art. Every chapter covers a particular epoch and style, and they are informative as they allow one to get an overall idea of art’s progress throughout the centuries. 

It will start right from the Early Renaissance in Italy and identify the factors that marked the cultural and artistic changes to the Renaissance. Then, you will move to the High Renaissance and enjoy such masters as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael. The course then shifts to Northern Europe and Spain and focuses on the particularisms of the regions such as Flanders, France, Germany, and Spain. 

As you advance, there is the Dark and dramatic Baroque period; then follow the Light and playful Rococo. Neoclassicism and Romanticism will demonstrate how art reacted to the Enlightenment as well as the industrial revolution. You will also learn about Realism and Impressionism and see how artists painted life as it was and moments in time. 

A major concentration will be placed on the various methods as well as the media that artists employed during these periods. It will be possible to get acquainted with the types of painting such as oil painting and fresco, and printing such as lithography and sculpting. Knowing these methods is going to assist you not only comprehend the art more profoundly but also enhance your possibility of answering questions that you are going to be given on the exam. 

Ready to be quizzed extensively on basic movements and their characteristics, major artists and their works, and the cultural, political, and religious frameworks that shaped Western artwork. Clark also concentrates on the evolution of styles and comparisons of the styles as the major agenda of the quiz and the final examination. With this laid down base, you will be so equipped to excel in the proctored final to earn your college credits.

Art 104: A Week-by-Week Study Plan📝

Alright, let’s get you organized with a study plan that will help you master the content and ace the final exam for study.com Art 104: History of Western Art II. Here’s a week-by-week guide to keep you on track.

Week 1: Introduction and Early Renaissance

  • Tasks: Watch video lessons on Pre-Renaissance Italy and the Early Renaissance in Italy.
  • Quizzes: Take quizzes on these topics to reinforce your understanding.
  • External Resource: Check out Khan Academy’s Renaissance Art overview for additional insights.

Week 2: High Renaissance

  • Tasks: Focus on lessons about the High Renaissance, including Italian society, major patrons, and key artworks.
  • Quizzes: Complete quizzes related to these lessons.
  • External Resource: Watch this YouTube video on Michelangelo’s David.

Week 3: Northern Europe & Spain Renaissance

  • Tasks: Study the lessons on the Renaissance in Northern Europe and Spain.
  • Quizzes: Take the corresponding quizzes to test your knowledge.
  • External Resource: Explore the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s section on Northern Renaissance Art.

Week 4: 16th-Century European Art

  • Tasks: Dive into the art styles of the 16th century, focusing on Mannerism and the impact of politics and religion.
  • Quizzes: Complete the quizzes for these topics.
  • External Resource: Read Smarthistory’s article on Mannerism.

Week 5: Baroque Art

  • Tasks: Cover the Baroque period, including painting, sculpture, and architecture.
  • Quizzes: Finish quizzes related to Baroque art.
  • External Resource: Watch this video on Baroque Art.

Week 6: Rococo Art

  • Tasks: Study Rococo art in Western Europe and America.
  • Quizzes: Take quizzes on Rococo characteristics and famous paintings.
  • External Resource: Check out Rococo Art on Khan Academy.

Week 7: Neoclassicism & Romanticism

Week 8: Realism & Impressionism

  • Tasks: Focus on Realism and Impressionism, noting key artists and their works.
  • Quizzes: Take quizzes related to these movements.
  • External Resource: Explore Impressionism on Smarthistory.

Week 9: Post-Impressionism

  • Tasks: Study Post-Impressionism and its key figures like Van Gogh and Gauguin.
  • Quizzes: Complete the quizzes for these lessons.
  • External Resource: Watch this video on Post-Impressionism.

Week 10: Early 20th Century Art

  • Tasks: Learn about the early 20th-century movements like Cubism, Dada, and Surrealism.
  • Quizzes: Finish the quizzes on these topics.
  • External Resource: Check out Cubism on Khan Academy.

Week 11: Art Between the Wars

  • Tasks: Focus on the art movements influenced by WWI and WWII, such as Dada and Abstract Expressionism.
  • Quizzes: Take the corresponding quizzes.
  • External Resource: Read Smarthistory’s article on Dada.

Week 12: Contemporary Art

  • Tasks: Study contemporary art, including Pop Art, Conceptual Art, and Digital Art.
  • Quizzes: Complete the quizzes for these lessons.
  • External Resource: Watch this video on Contemporary Art.

Week 13: Review & Practice Tests

  • Tasks: Go back through any topics you found challenging. Take practice tests on study.com to simulate the final exam.
  • External Resource: Use Quizlet flashcards for key terms and artists.

Week 14: Final Preparation

  • Tasks: Finalize your study notes, review all quizzes, and take a full-length practice test.
  • External Resource: Watch this final review video.

Stick to this plan, and you’ll be well-prepared to ace your study.com Art 104: History of Western Art II exam. Happy studying!

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External Study Materials for Art 104📂

While study.com provides comprehensive materials for the Art 104 course, supplementing your study with additional free resources can enhance your understanding and help clarify complex concepts. Here are some great external resources to aid your learning:

YouTube Channels and Playlists

1. Khan Academy

  • Khan Academy’s Art History playlist covers many of the periods and styles you’ll study in Art 104.

2. Smarthistory

  • Smarthistory offers insightful videos on various art movements, artists, and historical contexts.

3. The Art Assignment

  • This channel explores modern and contemporary art through a series of creative assignments.

Online Articles and Websites

1. The Metropolitan Museum of Art

  • The Met’s Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History is an excellent resource for detailed essays on different art periods and styles.

2. Smarthistory

  • Smarthistory’s website offers extensive articles and videos on a wide range of art historical topics.

3. Khan Academy

  • Khan Academy’s website provides comprehensive lessons and practice questions for various art history topics.

Quizlet Flashcards

1. Art History Flashcards

  • Search for flashcards on specific art movements, artists, and periods to help reinforce your memory.

Online Image Collections

1. Google Arts & Culture

  • Explore high-resolution images of artworks from museums around the world. This resource is great for visual learning and analysis.

Podcasts

1. The Art History Babes

  • This podcast covers a variety of art history topics in an engaging and accessible way.

2. ArtCurious

  • ArtCurious delves into fascinating stories behind art and artists, making art history intriguing and relatable.

These resources will complement your study.com materials, providing diverse perspectives and additional content to deepen your understanding of Western art history. Happy studying, and remember, the more you explore, the more fascinating connections you’ll uncover!

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Critical Topics in Art 104🔑

In Art 104, certain key topics will likely feature prominently on your quizzes and exams. Understanding these concepts thoroughly will help you excel. Here are four essential topics to focus on, along with explanations and comparisons to make them easier to grasp.

  • Renaissance vs. Baroque Art
Feature
Renaissance Art
Baroque Art
Time Period
14th to 17th century
17th to 18th century
Characteristics
Balanced composition, calm, harmonious
Dramatic, emotional, dynamic
Techniques
Linear perspective, chiaroscuro
Chiaroscuro, tenebrism, movement
Famous Artists
Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo
Caravaggio, Bernini, Rembrandt
Examples
The Last Supper by da Vinci
The Calling of St Matthew by Caravaggio

The Renaissance was most concerned with humanistic attempts to mimic Greek and Roman art and architecture and were farther from the Gothic and Baroque in the simplicity and harmony they tried to create in their art.

  • Impressionism vs. Post-Impressionism
Feature
Impressionism
Post-Impressionism
Time Period
Late 19th century
Late 19th to early 20th century
Characteristics
Light, color, everyday scenes
Structure, order, emotional depth
Techniques
Short, quick brushstrokes, plein air
Vivid colors, thick application, distinct forms
Famous Artists
Claude Monet, Edgar Degas
Vincent van Gogh, Paul Cézanne
Examples
Impression, Sunrise by Monet
Starry Night by van Gogh

Impressionism was about evoking the feeling of a particular moment and about illumination, while Post-Impressionism enlarged upon the principles of the Impressionists but tried to make their expressive and scientific side.

  1. Humanism in Renaissance Art

One of the aspects of Renaissance art was humanism which postulated the worth and meaningfulness of life in humans. Some of the excellent Italian artists of the Renaissance were Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo who painted realistic human figures, a kind of reducing the theme of art to aspects of individual capability and worldly vivaciousness.

Aspect
Description
Philosophy
Emphasis on human potential and achievements
Techniques
Realistic human anatomy, perspective, use of light and shadow
Impact
Shift from purely religious themes to include portraits and classical mythology

Example: David by Michelangelo – This sculpture exemplifies humanist ideals by focusing on the beauty and potential of the human form.

  1. Modernism and Abstraction

Modernism in art broke away from traditional forms and embraced new techniques and perspectives. Abstract art, a major component of Modernism, focuses on shapes, colors, and forms rather than depicting recognizable objects.

Aspect
Modernism
Abstraction
Philosophy
Breaking away from tradition, embracing innovation
Focus on visual elements rather than representation
Techniques
Diverse styles including Cubism, Surrealism, and Abstract Expressionism
Use of shapes, colors, and forms to convey meaning
Famous Artists
Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse
Wassily Kandinsky, Piet Mondrian
Examples
Les Demoiselles d'Avignon by Picasso
Composition VIII by Kandinsky

Modernism meant the understanding of the new practices of perceiving the world and depicting it, while abstraction was about shifting the viewers’ attention to the essence of art rather than its subject matter.

Now that you have a systematic approach to these key topics, you’ll be well-equipped in Western art history and ready for your exams. Moving on, it is possible you wish to know some details about this course, and that is why I will answer the frequently asked questions.

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Frequently Asked Questions about English Art 104❓

Q: How do I best prepare for the proctored final exam?

A: Review all chapter summaries and practice with quizzes on study.com. Focus on the main art movements, their characteristics, and key artists.

 

Q: What if I struggle with remembering art terminology?

A: Use flashcards from Quizlet and watch explanatory videos on YouTube. Visual aids can help reinforce your memory.

 

Q: How do I approach writing assignments for this course?

A: Ensure you understand the key concepts and themes. Apply critical thinking and analysis to relate these concepts to the artworks you discuss.

 

Q: What are some good strategies for taking quizzes?

A: Take advantage of the three attempts per quiz. Review your mistakes after each attempt and focus on the areas where you lost points.

 

Q: Are there any tips for managing study time effectively?

A: Follow the weekly study plan provided earlier. Break down your study sessions into manageable chunks and use external resources to reinforce your learning.

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Final Thoughts on Art 104📄

Art 104: History of Western Art II is a wonderful course that explores the progress of Western art starting from the Renaissance up to the modern period. It is comprehensive with regards to the different movements and styles as well as the important artists in art history and at the same time, intense. When adhering to a weekly plan of study, using all available sources, and working with the notions listed in the syllabus, you will be ready for quizzes, assignments, and, especially, the proctored final exam. It is crucial for you to understand that art history is not all about the information one is supposed to learn by heart but about the historical and cultural processes behind these masterpieces. To ensure that one masters the concepts and ideas presented in the course, one should make proper use of the study tools provided, participate actively in the course, and not shy from seeking other resources to enhance knowledge and comprehension. Happy studying the history of art, may you succeed at the exam! Conservatory might be tough, but if you put in the time and effort, plus the proper method, you won’t just make it through the course but you’ll even come to appreciate the works of Western art. Happy studying!

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