Study Exams Blog

  • Gavin Walton
  • October 4, 2024

study.com Art 103: History of Western Art I

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! — 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! Click here for exam support 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

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