Mesopotamian- Assyrian
Period
In
ancient Mesopotamia, Assyria grew out of Ashur and became a large empire. They were in power from 1170-612 BC. The Assyrians conquest Babylon first in their
series. Later, their monarchy conquered Palestine, Syria, portions of the
Middle East, Armenia, and south Mesopotamia. This was an oligarchical system with
division of power between the ruler, assembly of elders, and the high priest. During
this Assyrian period, the people’s religion was polytheistic with some belief
in anthropomorphic gods. Art had existed
in Mesopotamia for a while and began around 1500 BC and lasted until 612
BC. These ancient people used their art
to tell detailed narrative stories made from alabaster and stone. These art
pieces were almost always painted for the display on palaces. Through friezes
and sculpture they recorded war, royalty, and hunting expeditions. Animals were used as symbols and depicted as
beasts. Mostly horses and lions were carved and painted. The humans were minutely detailed and
static. Scenes indicated they were
involved in battles, combat, and sieges of triumph.
The Assyrian
Palace reliefs are shown to have detailed story-telling descriptions of lion
hunts and kings, such as Assurnasirpal II and Assurbanipal. Since Assyrians focused highly on power and
war these reliefs show specific battles, various kinds of weaponry, and
warriors riding horses. These reliefs were
carved onto stone and painted for the decoration on palace walls.
There are a few rooms full of many Assyrian reliefs in the British Museum. They were all very detailed with important things like strands of hair in the lions mane, blood shatters, and punctured wounds through the lions skin. There was also important detail in the people's clothing and jewelry. Looking closely the muscles were beginning to be recognized in the people figures and the animals like the horse and the lion. In the detail of wings when they were placed on people or birds the feathers were wispy- the strokes were brushed lighter than some of the other chiseled work. Most of the reliefs were in good shape without very many broken pieces that have chipped away and some were a lot older and tattered. The differences in seeing them up close is definitely the detail and the attention the artists gave to expression within the lions faces. The people are direct and are stiff. The animals, especially the lions are the most interesting to view. They almost seem more humanlike because of how expressive their facial features and body language is for us to see. Even though these creatures are in pain for the most part, sometimes their faces look relieved and hopeful. This reaction is interesting because of the intensity of how important the lion hunt was for the people. I would've assumed the lions to look more sad or even less emotional.
There are a few rooms full of many Assyrian reliefs in the British Museum. They were all very detailed with important things like strands of hair in the lions mane, blood shatters, and punctured wounds through the lions skin. There was also important detail in the people's clothing and jewelry. Looking closely the muscles were beginning to be recognized in the people figures and the animals like the horse and the lion. In the detail of wings when they were placed on people or birds the feathers were wispy- the strokes were brushed lighter than some of the other chiseled work. Most of the reliefs were in good shape without very many broken pieces that have chipped away and some were a lot older and tattered. The differences in seeing them up close is definitely the detail and the attention the artists gave to expression within the lions faces. The people are direct and are stiff. The animals, especially the lions are the most interesting to view. They almost seem more humanlike because of how expressive their facial features and body language is for us to see. Even though these creatures are in pain for the most part, sometimes their faces look relieved and hopeful. This reaction is interesting because of the intensity of how important the lion hunt was for the people. I would've assumed the lions to look more sad or even less emotional.
Located at the British Museum
Gathered information from: The Metropolitan Museum of Art,
Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History www.metmusuem.org/toah/hd/assy/hd_assy.htm
The Ancient History Encyclopedia www.ancient.eu.com/assyria/
Egyptian Period
The
Egyptian period created a rich traditional artistic atmosphere. Artwork was used to embody life and was not
used for aesthetic appeal. The Egyptians
were intrigued with death and focused their lives around receiving eternal life. The qualities of Egyptian artwork are formal
stiff poses for aristocrats, strict canon of proportions, use of multiple
perspectives, a less restricted form for workers and slaves, and hierarchal
proportions. They would create small
statues as gifts to the gods during ceremony and we still have thousands of
them today. Architecture was especially
big for them because they made tombs, pyramids, and temples. Tombs were called the Houses of Eternity,
which held rooms of inscription, a chapel for offerings, mummies, and mortuary
objects. The pyramids were constructed as
burial places for the pharaoh. These
were symbols of the mountain of creation, the sun god, and a stairway into
heaven. Temples were used as the House of God and symbolized the universe and
eternity. This was a place of ritual
where priests would take care of the god, purify themselves, reenact the
creation and soul’s progression, they would be endowed with knowledge and power
with signs and tokens, and lastly, teach one another about the At-one-ment with
the god.
The
Obelisk is in Paris, France at one of the public squares. This piece is decorated with hieroglyphs
which exalt the pharaoh Ramesses II. It
was given to France in the 19th century, that is why it is in France
and not in Egypt. This once used to mark
the entrance to the Luxor Temple. This
obelisk dated back to being 3,300 years old.
It’s material is made from yellow granite, which is 75ft high and weighs
over 250 metric tons. In 1998 the French
government added a gold-leafed cap to the top because it was believed the cap
once was stolen in 6th century BC.
This embodies the Egyptian period because it doesn’t appeal
aesthetically first handedly, but exalts Ramesses II. In history, Ramesses II was highly
influential in Egypt and represents a lot of the people’s culture.
Approaching the Luxor Obelisk in Paris I was astonished with how tall it was and how it was moved from Egypt to France. It was gated off by a fence all around the piece so nobody could get close enough to touch it. Beneath the Obelisk, there was a construction of how they assembled and disassembled it in gold lettering. The characters were all in Egyptian and not lined with gold, but just carved into the stone. On the top was the gold colored triangle. I noticed this because it sparkled with the sunlight. Since it was on the very top, it was hard to take pictures off. This is a common spot for tourists to gather and test drive sports cars or take wedding photos. I do not see it as a romantic spot because it's surrounded with a round about. It was a great experience to see it in person because I understood how hard it must've been to reassemble this piece from Egypt to France.
Approaching the Luxor Obelisk in Paris I was astonished with how tall it was and how it was moved from Egypt to France. It was gated off by a fence all around the piece so nobody could get close enough to touch it. Beneath the Obelisk, there was a construction of how they assembled and disassembled it in gold lettering. The characters were all in Egyptian and not lined with gold, but just carved into the stone. On the top was the gold colored triangle. I noticed this because it sparkled with the sunlight. Since it was on the very top, it was hard to take pictures off. This is a common spot for tourists to gather and test drive sports cars or take wedding photos. I do not see it as a romantic spot because it's surrounded with a round about. It was a great experience to see it in person because I understood how hard it must've been to reassemble this piece from Egypt to France.
Located in Paris, France
Information found: www.ancient-egypt.org/index.html
Notes from class
Okamoto-shoji.jp/paris.htm
Early/Greek Hellenic Period
The
Hellenic period of Greece is also called Classical Greece. This period starts
in 507 BC and ends with the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC. When
scholars refer to ancient Greece, they mean these years. There are many
thinkers, writers, scientists, warriors, doctors, and artists which make
significant contribution to Western society and civilization for years to come.
It was an inspiring time which changed the course of Western culture. Today, we
still refer back to The Iliad and the
philosophies of Plato, Socrates, and Aristotle. These ancient Greeks built
temples in honor and glory to the gods. These gods played a very special role
in their culture. They focused their lives around them and the values and
lessons taught by them. Democracy came to be in Athens, but their art still
didn’t focus on individual lives of the people of Athens, unless they were
highly influential, but remained focused around the gods and Greek
mythology.
The Portrait Bust of Sophocles is a very
important piece of sculpture for Hellenic Greece. During this period the
artists strived for perfection and realism. This was a hard achievement because
before that they would reach for idealism and sometimes parts of the sculpture
would be incorrect in comparison to real life. This sculpture represents the
importance and high value they placed on philosophy and ways to live as an
individual in Greece. The culture of ancient Greece looked up to the new ideas
given by great men such as Sophocles. We know they were favored because the
artists to took time to sculpt them out as the “thinkers” of ancient Greece.
It didn't occur to me that this was a replica of the original Portrait Bust of Sophocles. I was a little disappointed at that fact, but once I got past that I could see the beauty of this sculpture. Since it was practically only his head I found it interesting that there was so much focus on the expression and muscles on his face. I could see the ridges on his forehead, the eyebrow hairs, and the cheeks sag a little bit. He looked so concerned, maybe at me, maybe at all of humanity? I really did love the expression given to us by his eyebrows. It almost looks like he's about to say something to his grandchildren. He appears wise and full of interesting things to say. I'd like to hear him speak, because I don't think I could carry on an intelligent enough conversation with him.
It didn't occur to me that this was a replica of the original Portrait Bust of Sophocles. I was a little disappointed at that fact, but once I got past that I could see the beauty of this sculpture. Since it was practically only his head I found it interesting that there was so much focus on the expression and muscles on his face. I could see the ridges on his forehead, the eyebrow hairs, and the cheeks sag a little bit. He looked so concerned, maybe at me, maybe at all of humanity? I really did love the expression given to us by his eyebrows. It almost looks like he's about to say something to his grandchildren. He appears wise and full of interesting things to say. I'd like to hear him speak, because I don't think I could carry on an intelligent enough conversation with him.
Located at the British Museum
www.Britishmuseum.org
Hellenistic Greek Period
The
Roman Empire stretched it’s rule to Greece, Asia, Egypt, and the Persian empire
during 334 and 323 BC which engulfed many of the cultures in Roman art and
culture. This led exposure to exotic artistic styles which were seen through
Roman creations. Traditionally, Alexander the Great marks the beginning of the
Hellenistic period. Royal families lived in palaces with lavish displays of
wealth. Kings became a major mark of wealth and taste in society. This royal
influence stretched throughout culture and spread what was developed. The
development of new diverse subject matter was characterized by history.
Hellenistic art are representations of Dionysis, Aphrodite, Hermes, and Eros.
But this began to change from just sculpture of gods and goddesses to everyday
people. Homes were strengthened in design with luxury goods made from bronze, stone,
and pottery. The Hellenistic period ended during the battle of Actium in 31 BC.
Although the period ended this new age of creation lasted as tradition for much
longer.
During
the Greek Hellenistic period the Nike of
Samothrace (or also known as Winged
Victory of Samothrace) was created and is now admired by many because of
the marks and characteristics it represents in this period. This sculpture was created somewhere between
220-185 BC out of grey white-veined marble quarried from Lartos on the island
of Rhodes. This sculpture represents the Hellenistic period because of the
powerful and impressive manner of technical skill achieved by Hellenistic
sculptures. There is deep, intricate carving and dynamic movement that captures
victory for all to see. For the Greeks the goddess represented victory in
battle that were won by the Rhodians.
But in a more modern day sense it represents the victory of beauty,
because she symbolizes the ideals and perfection which the ancient Hellenistic
artists aspired to. Since the sculpture has so many wonderful exemplifications
of the Hellenistic period we study and admire it today.
Nike of Samothrace was not available to see at the Louvre. It was under construction until the summer of 2014.
Nike of Samothrace was not available to see at the Louvre. It was under construction until the summer of 2014.
Located at the Louvre
The Louvre website Muse.louve.fr/oal/victoiredesamothrace/
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/hath/hd_haht.htm
Roman Republican Period
The Roman Republic formed in
509 BC. The government consisted of
patricians, popular assemblies, and plebeians. Later, Rome became a metropolis
and the expanse of the territory acquired through conquest and diplomacy. The
series of civil wars, political crises, and other things led to the
assassination of Julius Caesar in 44 BC. The art during this time had moved
toward a political propaganda agenda. They had friezes, sculptures, and coins
with politicians and their positions on them about laws and how to govern.
The Portland Vase in the British Museum was
created in about AD 5-25 out of cameo-glass. This vase holds depictions of
historical and mythological references. It could be referring to the emperor
Augustus and the foundation and glory of Rome or it could show the myth of
Peleus and Thetis. These figures on the
vase are not just stationary, but they are part of a drama or a story on the
vase. The Romans would’ve connected these scenes to the fall of Troy, because
without it Rome would have never existed and the rein of Augustus would not
have happened. A theory about the Portland Vase is that it is a statement about
the destiny of Augustus and Rome.
Surprisingly it was a lot smaller than I pictured the vase to be. It was only 24 cm in height and in diameter 17.7 cm. I am still uncertain what the story entails, but it was amazing to know that it was made out of glass. The glass was almost transparent and cloudy at parts that made it look more blue instead of black or white. Since there was so much depth and lackness of depth it made the image appear more three dimensional. I wondered how much time and it took to create this out of glass rather than carving it from stone because it was so detailed and tiny. As far as the vase I thought the style of it was very Roman inspired. It imagine it to be perfect size for pouring water into a basin or bowl of some kind to wash faces with.
Surprisingly it was a lot smaller than I pictured the vase to be. It was only 24 cm in height and in diameter 17.7 cm. I am still uncertain what the story entails, but it was amazing to know that it was made out of glass. The glass was almost transparent and cloudy at parts that made it look more blue instead of black or white. Since there was so much depth and lackness of depth it made the image appear more three dimensional. I wondered how much time and it took to create this out of glass rather than carving it from stone because it was so detailed and tiny. As far as the vase I thought the style of it was very Roman inspired. It imagine it to be perfect size for pouring water into a basin or bowl of some kind to wash faces with.
Located in the British Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art online at
www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/romr/hd_romr.htm
Notes from class
Corning Museum of Glass online at www.
Cmog.org/article/Portland-vase-iconography
British Museum in London, England online at www.britishmuseum.org/explore/hightlights
Early Christian/Medieval Period
The
Early Christian period was during the very beginning of the medieval ages. This
time was full of monasteries, feudalism, monks, friars, manuscripts, and
cathedrals. This medieval era covered the fall of the Roman Empire in AD 476 to
1330. It was not as dark as some have referred to it as but was a time that the
people went from many gods to one god, the flourish of Christianity. During
this period, art took on a new turn and became centered on Christianity.
Although it was a controversial topic among many, especially influences from
the east, art flourished in monasteries, cathedrals, and such churches to make
artwork reflecting the life of Jesus Christ or biblical stories and revelations
given from older prophets. Mosaic pieces were most popular inside buildings.
Depictions of saints, Jesus Christ, his mother Mary, and other biblical
characters covered the walls. Wealthy people would donate money to uphold
impressive art and literature in the cathedrals, palaces, and monasteries.
The
Archangel Michael ivory leaf was created in about AD 525-550 from
Constantinople. The inscription on the top says, “Receive the suppliant before
you, despite his sinfulness.” The angel could be giving an orb to the emperor
Justinian in AD 527. The master carver probably was still working in the
traditional classic tradition because of the drapery, facial type, and some other
indications. Although, some of the features do not comply with natural
representation, because the angel’s feet are on 3 steps at once and the arms
are in front of the column shaft when the rest of his body is behind. This
shows the three-dimensional world that artists tried to convey because the
figure seems to be floating in front of the architecture.
I was not able to see this piece.
I was not able to see this piece.
Located in the British
Museum
Information came from: The British Museum at
www.britishmuseum.org/explore/highlights
Smart History at www.smarthistory.khanacademy.org/early-christian-art-in-the-2nd-and-3rd-centuries
Part 2:
Greek Period
Venus De Milo
Venus de Milo was a very beautiful and interesting piece to see in the Louvre. I wasn't planning on going out of my way to find it but I was with a group that wanted to see it. As I walked into the room my initial response was, "Wow, I guess having arms would be awkward. What would she be doing with them?" I tried to think of what they would be doing. Would one be extended into the air, would one be on her hip or across her body somehow? The point is, is that it's wondrous not knowing and it gives you a sense of security after awhile. The proportions of her body seemed a little odd and I noticed that it was just because the covering on her lower half was so low. The curves of her body are actually quite nice and proportionate. It was seen as beautiful to have women more full, especially in the hips. I found that to be done very beautifully by the sculptor.
It is also known as Aphrodite of Milos. There is no known sculptor for this piece because it was found by a peasant named Yorgos Kentrotas, inside Milos, the current village of Tripiti. It was found in two pieces, along with several other pillars with heads on the top and fragments of the upper left arm and left hand holding an apple. It dates back to 100-130BC. The peasant told an explorer about the piece and his name was Oliver Voutier.
During this era, it was unheard of to carve into only one piece of marble or stone. So the artists would piece together many parts to their statues. This does not make Venus de Milo's loss arms hard to believe. It was so common for even artists to never finish their products. Although, it is believed that the left hand is holding an apple and other arms direction have been figured out closely. This is a great depiction of Greek art because of the detail and accuracy of the female body. It is said that during this time of the statue it was a decline from Greek art to Hellenistic, which didn't produced as much.
Roman Period
Young Girl
In the Louvre there was a statue of a young girl that caught my attention. This girl was fiddling with her drapery clothing. She was in a walking forward position looking downward at her hand which was feeling the drapery cloth that she was covering herself with. There wasn't much to her face as far as expression. I don't know if that was intentional or the artist just didn't pay much attention then to facial features. The way she innocently looked downward with almost no expression makes me think if she was just complacent in being young and carefree in thought.
It seemed like I didn't see many children in sculpture until I looked in more deeply into Roman art. This statue was done in the late 1st century BC or early AD 1st. It's made out of marble and pieced together quite nicely. The statue is 56 3/4 x 20 7/8 x 21 5/8 in. So it was relatively large in size. I think it also goes by the name of Statue of Polymnia but I can't find much information on that. I can't even find who the artist was or where it was found. It's not a well-known piece as far as I could tell. It must've just been one of those survivors without a story.
Roman art wanted to capture everyday life of all kinds of people. This embodies this time period for that very reason. The same with the action (or lack of action) of the child. The young girl is not posing, so it's not a portrait, but it's conveying an action from everyday living and I like that.
Egyptian Period
Rosetta Stone
Since I had already seen the replica of the Rosetta Stone in our school library I wasn't as impressed about the real thing, but it was the real thing and it was bigger. As I was looking at it I thought about why it was such an interesting piece and why it's so important to world culture. I was looking at the different languages on the stone. Not really knowing which ones they were or how to read any of it but later I found that this piece was the key to transcribing Egyptian hieroglyphics. Because we knew some of the languages we could figure out the ones we didn't know. The languages were Greek, Demotic, and Ancient Egyptian.
The Rosetta Stone was made around 196 BC and was found in 1799. This was a helpful piece in learning Ancient Egyptian so we could discover more about the ancient culture, because before we didn't know much. There wasn't a particular artist of this piece. It's more of a historical artifact than a work of art. Although the historical context is rather interesting. Soldiers from Napoleon's army discovered the Rosetta Stone in 1799. They found it while digging the foundations of a fort near the town of el-Rashid (Rosetta). Which was why it's called the Rosetta Stone, because of where they found it. The stone became property of the British and has been at the British Museum since 1802. There was a period of time during the end of the First World War in 1917 that for two years they hid important things from bombings in the Postal Tube Railway 50 feet below the ground at Holborn.
I have no idea why this would be important during ancient times to transcribe the same piece of information on stone in three languages. Maybe the people knew more than one language and wanted to record that knowledge, or maybe people started coming into Egypt with those languages and wanted to learn ancient Egyptian. The ancient Egyptians honored eternal life and knowledge so perhaps language was important to learn to obtain eternal life and a sense of spirituality. I don't know if we can know why they made the Rosetta Stone for themselves. I see the use it was to us to help us be able to translate their hieroglyphs, so perhaps it was so generations after them could find more out about who they were.
Architecture Essay #1
Part 2:
Greek Period
Venus De Milo
Venus de Milo was a very beautiful and interesting piece to see in the Louvre. I wasn't planning on going out of my way to find it but I was with a group that wanted to see it. As I walked into the room my initial response was, "Wow, I guess having arms would be awkward. What would she be doing with them?" I tried to think of what they would be doing. Would one be extended into the air, would one be on her hip or across her body somehow? The point is, is that it's wondrous not knowing and it gives you a sense of security after awhile. The proportions of her body seemed a little odd and I noticed that it was just because the covering on her lower half was so low. The curves of her body are actually quite nice and proportionate. It was seen as beautiful to have women more full, especially in the hips. I found that to be done very beautifully by the sculptor.
It is also known as Aphrodite of Milos. There is no known sculptor for this piece because it was found by a peasant named Yorgos Kentrotas, inside Milos, the current village of Tripiti. It was found in two pieces, along with several other pillars with heads on the top and fragments of the upper left arm and left hand holding an apple. It dates back to 100-130BC. The peasant told an explorer about the piece and his name was Oliver Voutier.
During this era, it was unheard of to carve into only one piece of marble or stone. So the artists would piece together many parts to their statues. This does not make Venus de Milo's loss arms hard to believe. It was so common for even artists to never finish their products. Although, it is believed that the left hand is holding an apple and other arms direction have been figured out closely. This is a great depiction of Greek art because of the detail and accuracy of the female body. It is said that during this time of the statue it was a decline from Greek art to Hellenistic, which didn't produced as much.
Roman Period
Young Girl
In the Louvre there was a statue of a young girl that caught my attention. This girl was fiddling with her drapery clothing. She was in a walking forward position looking downward at her hand which was feeling the drapery cloth that she was covering herself with. There wasn't much to her face as far as expression. I don't know if that was intentional or the artist just didn't pay much attention then to facial features. The way she innocently looked downward with almost no expression makes me think if she was just complacent in being young and carefree in thought.
It seemed like I didn't see many children in sculpture until I looked in more deeply into Roman art. This statue was done in the late 1st century BC or early AD 1st. It's made out of marble and pieced together quite nicely. The statue is 56 3/4 x 20 7/8 x 21 5/8 in. So it was relatively large in size. I think it also goes by the name of Statue of Polymnia but I can't find much information on that. I can't even find who the artist was or where it was found. It's not a well-known piece as far as I could tell. It must've just been one of those survivors without a story.
Roman art wanted to capture everyday life of all kinds of people. This embodies this time period for that very reason. The same with the action (or lack of action) of the child. The young girl is not posing, so it's not a portrait, but it's conveying an action from everyday living and I like that.
Egyptian Period
Rosetta Stone
Since I had already seen the replica of the Rosetta Stone in our school library I wasn't as impressed about the real thing, but it was the real thing and it was bigger. As I was looking at it I thought about why it was such an interesting piece and why it's so important to world culture. I was looking at the different languages on the stone. Not really knowing which ones they were or how to read any of it but later I found that this piece was the key to transcribing Egyptian hieroglyphics. Because we knew some of the languages we could figure out the ones we didn't know. The languages were Greek, Demotic, and Ancient Egyptian.
The Rosetta Stone was made around 196 BC and was found in 1799. This was a helpful piece in learning Ancient Egyptian so we could discover more about the ancient culture, because before we didn't know much. There wasn't a particular artist of this piece. It's more of a historical artifact than a work of art. Although the historical context is rather interesting. Soldiers from Napoleon's army discovered the Rosetta Stone in 1799. They found it while digging the foundations of a fort near the town of el-Rashid (Rosetta). Which was why it's called the Rosetta Stone, because of where they found it. The stone became property of the British and has been at the British Museum since 1802. There was a period of time during the end of the First World War in 1917 that for two years they hid important things from bombings in the Postal Tube Railway 50 feet below the ground at Holborn.
I have no idea why this would be important during ancient times to transcribe the same piece of information on stone in three languages. Maybe the people knew more than one language and wanted to record that knowledge, or maybe people started coming into Egypt with those languages and wanted to learn ancient Egyptian. The ancient Egyptians honored eternal life and knowledge so perhaps language was important to learn to obtain eternal life and a sense of spirituality. I don't know if we can know why they made the Rosetta Stone for themselves. I see the use it was to us to help us be able to translate their hieroglyphs, so perhaps it was so generations after them could find more out about who they were.
Architecture Essay #1
Roman Period
The Romans used concrete in their massive building projects and it was a huge breakthrough for everyone. They saved money by mixing concrete and just layering a top layer of stone or marble over it. Another architectural feature is the arch and vault which they had found on Fortuna Primigenia. As you can see the Republic Roman period was all about forming a Republic, a governing society with power and wealth.
The Pantheon is a huge example of a Republican Roman piece of architecture during that period in history and has been admired and awe inspiring to engineers, artists, and architects for decades. The Pantheon was created in 125 CE and was a temple dedicated to all the gods. This place was also where the emperor of Rome would make appearances in equal status to the other gods of the pantheon and his deified emperor predecessors. There are two main parts of the Pantheon- the Classical Greek porch and the Roman circular main building. The circular building is made up of concrete and brick and faced with marble stucco. The dome is covered in sheets of bronze and underneath is concrete, although the bronze was stolen off of the structure. The porch has eight Corinthian columns and the pediment suggests that there was something above.
Outside, in the back of the Pantheon the opposing brick had lots of grassy moss and greenery growing in between the bricks. One could tell the structure was a lot more solid than imaginable. As I walked through the doors and looked up the Corinthian columns were so tall and rose up to meet the arched concrete ceiling. The doors were also heavy, solid, and thick. The pediment structure from the outside front, continued throughout the inside on top of square or rectangular openings all around the dome of the building. The dome's opening in the top center was a lot smaller looking than I thought it would be. But the ceiling is very tall, so it might've just appeared small because of the distance. The flooring was hard to believe how tightly the different colors of marble fit together so perfectly. I didn't notice very many cracks or spaces in between the shapes. Raphael's tomb was inside, as well as many others. It's been used as a tomb for important and notable people.
Outside, in the back of the Pantheon the opposing brick had lots of grassy moss and greenery growing in between the bricks. One could tell the structure was a lot more solid than imaginable. As I walked through the doors and looked up the Corinthian columns were so tall and rose up to meet the arched concrete ceiling. The doors were also heavy, solid, and thick. The pediment structure from the outside front, continued throughout the inside on top of square or rectangular openings all around the dome of the building. The dome's opening in the top center was a lot smaller looking than I thought it would be. But the ceiling is very tall, so it might've just appeared small because of the distance. The flooring was hard to believe how tightly the different colors of marble fit together so perfectly. I didn't notice very many cracks or spaces in between the shapes. Raphael's tomb was inside, as well as many others. It's been used as a tomb for important and notable people.
Located in Rome, Italy
Ancient history encyclopedia at www.ancient.eu.com/pantheon
The metropolitan museum of art at www.metmuseum .org
www.History.com/topics/ancient-history/ancient-rome
Architecture Essay #2
Romanesque Period
The
rise of Romanesque architecture happened during the 9th century
through the 12th. Romanesque architecture has many distinct characteristics
such as the semi-circular arches which are over doorways, windows, and solid
pillars. Churches were the center of Romanesque architecture and most churches
had thick, buttressed walls which supported the weight of the stone. The dome
parts would cover over a square tower at the western end. This symbolized the
circle in the square which meant heaven on earth. Most of the doors and
porticos would have sculpture which had biblical characters or ghoulish demon
figures.
The
Baptistery of S. Giovanni in Florence, Italy is Romanesque in style. It was
built in the 11th century, probably AD 1059. This building was used
twice a year for baptisms and is dedicated to John the Baptist, the patron
Saint of Florence. The art in the baptistery reflects the importance of teachings
and adornment in the holy areas of the buildings. Located on the Door of
Paradise are 10 panels which tell the stories in the Bible. Since the building
is Romanesque the building is octagon and covered by a dome. It is made from
white marble and green marble. The
floors are inlayed with animals and designs. The dome has a mosaic of the Last
Judgment, with Christ as the center. The picture has many angels, stories from
Genesis, the Virgin Mary, and stories of St. John the Baptist, and the story of
Joseph. This mosaic is very beautiful and tells important, spiritual aspects of
the period of history and the importance Christianity had on the people.
The outside of the S. Giovanni Baptistery in Florence was covered in scaffolding. But I was able to see the Gates of Paradise in the museum nearby. The gate was in ten door panels of gold. Under the glass I could see the minute details in the carving of these stories. The bodies were smooth and the trees were defined by each branch and leaf. My favorite panel was panel number 9 with David and Goliath because of the sword going directly through the neck of Goliath so intensely. The octagonal structure of the Baptistery was interesting and different from a lot of the religious buildings we had seen in Italy. One thing I admired very closely was the flooring inlay at the north door. The entire thing was made of marble with the sun in the middle and zodiacs all around it to show how important the sun is to life and how it controls the zodiac path.
The outside of the S. Giovanni Baptistery in Florence was covered in scaffolding. But I was able to see the Gates of Paradise in the museum nearby. The gate was in ten door panels of gold. Under the glass I could see the minute details in the carving of these stories. The bodies were smooth and the trees were defined by each branch and leaf. My favorite panel was panel number 9 with David and Goliath because of the sword going directly through the neck of Goliath so intensely. The octagonal structure of the Baptistery was interesting and different from a lot of the religious buildings we had seen in Italy. One thing I admired very closely was the flooring inlay at the north door. The entire thing was made of marble with the sun in the middle and zodiacs all around it to show how important the sun is to life and how it controls the zodiac path.
Located inside in
Florence, Italy
Information found at: www.spainthenandnow.com
Architecture Essay #3
Gothic Period
Gothic
architecture came out of the styles and similar structural manners of
Romanesque architecture. In the 12th century Romanesque building
styles started to develop and change because of the heavy structural supports
of the craftsmanship. The pointed arch, ribbed vault, and the flying buttress
made the building less heavy and lighter. This style is mostly developed in
great churches, castles, universities, private homes, and palaces around
Europe. This style lasted through the 16th century, but quickly made
a comeback in 18th century through the 20th. The type of
change from Romanesque to Gothic made it possible to construct larger and lighter
buildings. They added more stained glass
to let in natural light. This was important because God encompassed light,
which brought in more warmth and color to the cathedrals. The heights of these
buildings were important because it showed economic power and social status as
well as reaching toward the heavens.
The Cathedral
in Florence was completed in 1434. This is the fourth largest church in the
world and the most important landmark in Florence. The Campanile is the Bell
Tower connected to the Cathedral. This tower is 278 feet high and is made from
white, green, and pink marble like the cathedral was. The stained glass windows
were made from famous artists like Donatello, Andrea del Castagno, and Paolo
Uccello in 1434 and 1455. There are two detached frescoes by Paolo Uccello and
Andrea del Castagno in 1436 and 1456. The sculptures like the large Pieta by Michelangelo have been removed
but it was made for this cathedral. These art pieces and the architecture
represent in the Gothic period because the large vastness of this cathedral is
perfect representation of what the people of this time was trying to achieve
with the new structural advances from the Romanesque period.
The Cathedral was a fantastic experience. Probably one of my favorites because I got to climb up to the top and see an amazing view of the city of Florence. The stairs were steep and narrow. Some people were afraid of heights and felt a little claustrophobic, but it just felt like hiking into some caves. On the way up the lighting was dim and reminded me of times when they only had candle or torch light, along with the natural light. Once I got to the top of the dome I could see the structure of the dome better. The beams were showing on the way up. You could see some of the framing uncovered with the material they used for the dome. But on top I only saw the brick red colored roofing. The inside painting in the dome was intense. The scary demons eating humans and then the middle there was light. This is common for a lot of Catholic paintings in cathedrals, to have both evil and good in their art. I also climbed the Bell Tower, which was a little less impressive than the dome because the size wasn't as grand, but it still had a bell on top that many people could sign. The marble colors were beautifully decorated on both buildings. It was such as amazing experience.
The Cathedral was a fantastic experience. Probably one of my favorites because I got to climb up to the top and see an amazing view of the city of Florence. The stairs were steep and narrow. Some people were afraid of heights and felt a little claustrophobic, but it just felt like hiking into some caves. On the way up the lighting was dim and reminded me of times when they only had candle or torch light, along with the natural light. Once I got to the top of the dome I could see the structure of the dome better. The beams were showing on the way up. You could see some of the framing uncovered with the material they used for the dome. But on top I only saw the brick red colored roofing. The inside painting in the dome was intense. The scary demons eating humans and then the middle there was light. This is common for a lot of Catholic paintings in cathedrals, to have both evil and good in their art. I also climbed the Bell Tower, which was a little less impressive than the dome because the size wasn't as grand, but it still had a bell on top that many people could sign. The marble colors were beautifully decorated on both buildings. It was such as amazing experience.
Located in Florence,
Italy
Information found at:
www.princeton.edu/gothic_architecture
www.museumsinflorence.com/musei/cathedral_of_Florence
Architectural Essay #4
Gothic Period
Notre Dame
I was told Notre Dame was a lot smaller than many people suggested it to be, but it was about as big as I pictured. The grandness of this cathedral was a little overwhelming, especially because I don't see churches this elaborate being from a small area in America. Once I walked inside I was taken back in time. The stone walls were grey in color and very thick. If I was alone the echoes in the hall would go on forever. The arches were curved just perfectly from every side to meet directly in the middle. I was impressed how many people were gathered inside during this time. I wasn't able to walk up the middle of the cathedral because of all the people crowded together. There was decoration of statues, stained glass, and paintings all along the walls. These art pieces told various stories and events from history surrounded with the Catholic culture.
Notre Dame de Paris' ground broke in 1163 and wasn't finished until around 1345. The Nave vaults neared completion in 1208. The western façade completed in 1225. And the western towers and north rose window were completed in 1250. There were a variety of restorations, alterations, and recoveries throughout the years, namely after the French Revolution.
This massive cathedral embodies the essence of Gothic Architecture aside from either Romanesque style before the Gothic arrived or the Renaissance which happened afterward. Gothic Architecture wanted the buildings to embody more light than before. The structure was made thinner to allow more light and less material in the ceilings and walls of the structure. Columns became more slender and narrower, as well as taller. The stonework carvings were more ordinate as well. On Notre Dame there are many flowers in the windows and on walls and doors in the cathedral. These geometric shapes were a big indicator on which time period the buildings were constructed.
Architectural Essay #5
Roman Period
Colosseum
My biggest amazement was the fact that I didn't think through where the entrance for the crowd would've come through. After walking around half way I discovered that two ends of the Colosseum never even met. The entrance was huge and to imagine all those people going into a theater for entertainment way back when is not actually surprising at all. I guess it's hard to imagine our history with so much of the everyday modern kind of a lifestyle that we have. The people still had the same kind of desires and needs. The people amazingly enough can build great places such as the Colosseum. I enjoyed the column differences on each level. They started in order of which column came first, ending with the Corinthian column on top. The arched doorways were very Romanesque feeling and gave the place a lot more character and beauty. Rather than lots of heavy and thick walls of stone.
The Colosseum, was completed by Emperor Vespasian's sons in the first century, AD70-82. This arena began various forms of blood bathing Roman entertainment. The day would first start out in wild animal matches, during midday were public executions, and Gladiator matches finished into the evening. It took 15 minutes to fill up the entire stadium with people. Each person had a designated spot for there class. If one was a wealthy person they would obviously be in a different place than a poorer person. Through the development of the Christian empire, leaders ensured that humans were no longer executed within the Colosseum's great walls. The animal hunts still took place until around 524. Much of the Colosseum's destruction was due to four earthquakes. That's why we see one half of the place down. By the Middle Ages, the Colosseum was converted into a military fortress, before finally being relegated to existing as the world's largest rock quarry.
This beautiful and strong Colosseum embodies the Romans in every sense. Their people were noble and powerful. I think the architecture shows through the Colosseum's characteristics. Some of the characteristics that make it undeniably Roman are the arched doorways, doric, ionic, and Corinthian columns, concrete and marble materials, and the sources of entertainment made available for 60,000 people to join and participate. This time period fed off of the human desires and appetites that have made other time periods very uncomfortable. The Roman Empire was influential and technologic and this building proves it.
Architectural Essay #4
Gothic Period
Notre Dame
I was told Notre Dame was a lot smaller than many people suggested it to be, but it was about as big as I pictured. The grandness of this cathedral was a little overwhelming, especially because I don't see churches this elaborate being from a small area in America. Once I walked inside I was taken back in time. The stone walls were grey in color and very thick. If I was alone the echoes in the hall would go on forever. The arches were curved just perfectly from every side to meet directly in the middle. I was impressed how many people were gathered inside during this time. I wasn't able to walk up the middle of the cathedral because of all the people crowded together. There was decoration of statues, stained glass, and paintings all along the walls. These art pieces told various stories and events from history surrounded with the Catholic culture.
Notre Dame de Paris' ground broke in 1163 and wasn't finished until around 1345. The Nave vaults neared completion in 1208. The western façade completed in 1225. And the western towers and north rose window were completed in 1250. There were a variety of restorations, alterations, and recoveries throughout the years, namely after the French Revolution.
This massive cathedral embodies the essence of Gothic Architecture aside from either Romanesque style before the Gothic arrived or the Renaissance which happened afterward. Gothic Architecture wanted the buildings to embody more light than before. The structure was made thinner to allow more light and less material in the ceilings and walls of the structure. Columns became more slender and narrower, as well as taller. The stonework carvings were more ordinate as well. On Notre Dame there are many flowers in the windows and on walls and doors in the cathedral. These geometric shapes were a big indicator on which time period the buildings were constructed.
Architectural Essay #5
Roman Period
Colosseum
My biggest amazement was the fact that I didn't think through where the entrance for the crowd would've come through. After walking around half way I discovered that two ends of the Colosseum never even met. The entrance was huge and to imagine all those people going into a theater for entertainment way back when is not actually surprising at all. I guess it's hard to imagine our history with so much of the everyday modern kind of a lifestyle that we have. The people still had the same kind of desires and needs. The people amazingly enough can build great places such as the Colosseum. I enjoyed the column differences on each level. They started in order of which column came first, ending with the Corinthian column on top. The arched doorways were very Romanesque feeling and gave the place a lot more character and beauty. Rather than lots of heavy and thick walls of stone.
The Colosseum, was completed by Emperor Vespasian's sons in the first century, AD70-82. This arena began various forms of blood bathing Roman entertainment. The day would first start out in wild animal matches, during midday were public executions, and Gladiator matches finished into the evening. It took 15 minutes to fill up the entire stadium with people. Each person had a designated spot for there class. If one was a wealthy person they would obviously be in a different place than a poorer person. Through the development of the Christian empire, leaders ensured that humans were no longer executed within the Colosseum's great walls. The animal hunts still took place until around 524. Much of the Colosseum's destruction was due to four earthquakes. That's why we see one half of the place down. By the Middle Ages, the Colosseum was converted into a military fortress, before finally being relegated to existing as the world's largest rock quarry.
This beautiful and strong Colosseum embodies the Romans in every sense. Their people were noble and powerful. I think the architecture shows through the Colosseum's characteristics. Some of the characteristics that make it undeniably Roman are the arched doorways, doric, ionic, and Corinthian columns, concrete and marble materials, and the sources of entertainment made available for 60,000 people to join and participate. This time period fed off of the human desires and appetites that have made other time periods very uncomfortable. The Roman Empire was influential and technologic and this building proves it.
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