Vocab
Define “tenebrism” and name the artwork/artist associated with the term
Intense contrasts of light and dark, creating a spotlight effect.
The Calling of St. Matthew, but also Caravaggio by large
Who painted Woman Holding a Balance?
What is the Biblical story of David and Goliath?
A young shepherd, David, defeats a 9-foot Philistine giant, Goliath, using only a sling and stone.
Name 3 continents that the Spanish had a colonial presence in during the 17th century
Both Americas
Asia
Africa
Define “baroque” (what is the connotation/when was the term was ascribed to the movement)
misshapen pearl // irregular, bizarre
negative connotation, term used after the period
Define “contrapposto” and name the artwork associated with the term
a sculptural technique where a figure stands with more weight on one leg creating a natural, asymmetrical, S-curved posture
Michelangelo’s David
Which artist painted The Presentation of the Portrait of Maria de Medici to Henry
Peter Paul Rubens
What is the Biblical narrative of The Creation of Adam as it is represented on the Sistine Chapel ceiling?
We see the moment after God has created the first man (Adam) in Christian theology. God has just breathed life into Adam out of clay. Eve floats behind God (She is in his mind)
What are the “arms” of the Piazza of St. Peters supposed to represent?
The arms of the church reaching out and embracing her children
Define Salon
Showcased works by members of the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture, it was designed to establish artistic standards based on classicism, favoring history painting, mythological scenes, and portraits
Later became associated with intellectual/social gatherings in the 18th cent.
Define “fresco” and name the artwork associated with the term
Painting onto wet plaster. When the plaster dries, the painting becomes permanently affixed to the surface.
Sistine Chapel Ceiling, Michelangelo
What 2 artists painted renditions of Judith Slaying Holofernes?
Caravaggio and Artemesia Gentillesci
Who was St. Matthew? What was his profession? What narrative is represented in The Calling of St. Matthew by Caravaggio
One of the twelve apostles of Jesus. Formerly a hated tax collector. He is “called” by Jesus while engaging in some kind of elicit gambling.
What characterized mannerism? What two “movements” is it situated between?
Elongated, disproportional human forms. An interest in style, not realism
Between the Renaissance and Baroque
What is a Solomonic column? Where did we see one?
Twisty column - thought to derive from the temple of Solomon in Jerusalem. A very early Christian space
Bernini, Baldacchino of St. Peter,
Explain the difference between portrait, group-portirat, self-portriat, and state portriat
Portrait = depicts one sitter
Group = multiple sitters (las meninas)
Self = the artist painting themselves
State = sitter is a monarch, head of state, etc. how the person embodies their position
Explain some of the characters/complexities depicted in Velazquez’s Las Meninas
What is the narrative depicted in The Surrender at Breda by Diego Velazquez?
We’re seeing the fictionalized aftermath of a battle. The mayor of Breda (Dutchman) hands the key to the city in to a Spanish military commander.
Explain the significance of Diego Velázquez’s portriat of Juan de Pareja
Pareja = mixed race + an enslaved painter in Velázquez’s studio
A rare example of people of color being presented in a respectful way (the reality of his enslavement isn’t presented here, art as historical, and physical, illusion)
What is a camera obscura? What artist do we think used one?
optical tool that artists used that allows light to travel through a small hole into a dark space. It then projects an inverted image of the object that the artist can trace onto glass or paper.
Jonannes Vermeer (woman holding a balance)
Define “sfumato”
softening the transition between colours, mimicking an area beyond what the human eye is focusing on, or the out-of-focus plane
What is the difference between the two Chairs of St. Peter we discussed?
1st one = wood, from 6th century AD. thought to be a relic (St. Peter sat on the chair)
2nd = reliquary sculpted by Bernini. Located in the apse of St. Peters Basilica. From mid 17th century.
What happened with the Catholic and Protestant split? Be as detailed as you can (approximate years, regions involved, vocab)
16th-century religious upheaval in Europe. Marked by a split in Western Christianity (Protestantism vs Catholic) begun by Martin Luther in 1517.
South Europe = primarily catholic, North = primarily protestant
Catholics launched a counter-reformation (the Baroque art we studied comes out of that)
What was The Manila Galleon?
Trade routes linking the “East” and “West.” Brought silver and gold to Asia and luxury goods such as spices, silks, porcelain, and ivory to Europe and the Americas. They are often credited with allowing trade to be conducted on a global scale.
Define “marquetry”
Cutting pieces of wood, bone etc. into shapes then puzzle piece them together (discussed in relation to the desk and bookcase from the 1700s created in Puebla, Mexico.