Terms 1
What is Tenebrism?
Dramatic light and dark contrast in a painting
What does the term Oba refer to in Benin Culture?
King, traditionally primary patron for all artwork in bronze and ivory
What is Dutch Delftware based off of?
Chinese Porcelain
List two traits to help you identify a Catholic Baroque artwork?
Strong diagonals, Muscular figures, Richness of coloration, Tenebrism, Sense of physical exertion, Use of Foreshortening, Figures push past the boundaries of the picture plane and into the space of the viewer
How did the Mughal Emperor Jahangir utilize portraiture?
to showcase his desires of how he wants his rule to be/how he wants to be shown?
What is repatriation in an art historical context?
the return of the cultural property, often referring to ancient or looted art, to their country of origin or former owners (or their heirs)
What is a Mirhab in Islamic art/architecture?
a niche in the wall which indicates the direction of Mecca, towards which Muslims pray
What is the hierarchy of paintings subjects in the French Academy?
1. History Painting, 2. Portraiture, 3. Genre, 4. Landscape 4. Still Life
What are two traits seen in Safavid manuscripts like the Great Shanemah of Shah Tahmasp?
Luminous pigments with colorful expression, Fine detail with complex imagery and naturalism in the figures, Vertical access, a scene dense with details meant to absorb and enchant the viewer through contrasting patterns and textures, Breaking the borders, suggests a self-conscious awareness of the manufactured nature of the picture plane, Multiple points of perspective
What types of images are represented in the Benin Bronzes?
images of proper courtly behavior, the Oba, and people honoring the Oba. Some history
What is an Odigba in Benin Culture?
High coral collars worn in the court that signal one’s elite rank. Coral collars are given by the king and indicate a courtier’s position and status in the court
What is a Noaidi in Sámi culture?
a shaman or mediator who uses a drum to communicate between the worlds with ancestors, gods, and for divination.
Why was Elisabeth Vigée LeBrun's 1783 portrait of Marie Antoinette considered so scandalous the public threatened to tear it off the walls of the salon?
she was in her chemise, often considered undergarments at the time. Not queenly representation
What are two things that differentiate the Rococo Style from the Baroque?
What was the political goal of court artist Liu Jun's The First Song Emperor Visiting His Prime Minister Zhao Pu on a Snowy Night from the Ming dynasty.
showcase Confusion ideals of the new Ming governing body: humble, know the limits of their knowledge, respect their court officials. This was an attempt to lure people to return to working for the government in a time of instability.
What is the Taj-i Haydari?
Emblem of rule in the Safavid Empire, also referred to as Haydar’s crown, white turban with twelve folds wrapped over a felt cap with a baton
What is the Shahnameh?
the Book of Kings, recounting the mythic origins of Persian kings, originally composed in the 11th century by poet Firdausi
What are two reasons people usually state in favor of repatriation, and two reasons people state against repatriation?
PRO: moral, self identity for culture, to not perpetuate colonialist power dynamics, museums with international collections in global north, it is right to do so.
Against: not illegal often at time taken, museums might be empty, universal museums are good in allowing people to see lots of stuff, ancient kingdoms no longer exist, or unclear of who to return to, many museum items acquired legally
What visually differentiates Iznik Ceramics (Fritware) from Chinese Blue and White Porcelain?
often seen with additional colors, like green and red. Less luminous
What previous architectural feat does the Süleymaniye Mosque reference? Why?
Hagia Sophia via Similar plan, gathering materials from across empire to showcase control over materials.
Why: Showing relationship to Justinian, leader of last great emperor of the Byzantine empire, and his ability to transcend and go bigger
What is a Hybrid Object?
a reflection of two or more distinct cultural motifs coming together and therefore showcasing their interconnected histories. OR or fuses disparate cultural elements, styles, or mediums, blurring traditional boundaries of style
What does the Shi'ification of the Prophet refer to in Safavid Art?
In Safavid art, fashioning the Prophet in the garb and attire of Safavid rulers to create a lineage between the Prophet and Safavid dynasts
Why are there multiple layers of pigment on Sámi Drums? And what makes these objects difficult for art historians to study?
List four pieces of iconography to help you identify the the OBA in Benin Bronzes
Mudfish, Leopards, Highest Odigba, Oba Projection, Bead of Rule
Who is Gayumar? And why is he important to Safavid rulers?
mythical first king on the Iranian Plateau. Gave up divinity to become human and in doing so brought cultivation and civilization. Helps them create a dynastic lineage to the land.