Art & Meaning
What is the difference between denotation and connotation?
Denotation refers to the literal meaning of an image, while connotation refers to the cultural and emotional associations tied to it.
Who conceived the Panopticon, and in what century?
Jeremy Bentham in the 18th century.
What are the three levels of iconographic analysis?
Pre-iconographical description, iconographical analysis, and iconological interpretation.
What was one major urban change caused by Haussmannization?
The creation of wide, well-lit streets replacing medieval neighborhoods.
Why is describing an image difficult using language alone?
Words are often too general and rely on interpretation, whereas images provide immediate, visual impact.
Define semiotics.
Semiotics is the study of how people read and understand signs and codes based on their socio-historical context.
What is Haussmannization, and who led this transformation?
Haussmannization was the modernization of Paris (1853-1870), led by Georges-Eugène Haussmann under Napoleon III.
What does semiotics add to art analysis that iconography does not?
Semiotics examines how meaning fluctuates across cultures and historical contexts, emphasizing how viewers interpret signs beyond their original intent.
How did Haussmannization impact social interactions in Paris?
It led to greater mixing of inhabitants from different backgrounds due to the new urban layout.
Define demonstrative description in art analysis.
It points directly to elements in an artwork, helping connect verbal explanations to visual details.
What is iconography, and how does it differ from formalism?
Iconography studies the subject matter and symbolic meaning of artworks, whereas formalism focuses on visual elements and structure without considering historical context.
What was the purpose of broadening Parisian streets during Haussmannization?
To prevent barricades, create a unified space, and modernize the medieval town into a contemporary city.
Who is a key theorist associated with semiotics, and what are the two primary components of a sign?
Charles Peirce; the two components are the signifier (reference) and the signified (meaning).
How did Haussmannization affect the artistic representation of Paris?
Artists like Renoir and Manet depicted the transformed cityscape, capturing modernity and urban leisure.
What role does comparison play in analyzing an artwork?
Comparison bridges the gap between emotional effects and material elements, helping to analyze resonance and technique.
Define phenomenology in relation to art interpretation.
Phenomenology studies how individuals experience and perceive art based on their subjective interactions with the artwork.
Name two artists who depicted Paris after Haussmannization.
Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Édouard Manet.
Define dominant-hegemonic reading in media interpretation.
It occurs when a viewer accepts the intended meaning of an image or text without questioning it.
What artistic movement was most influenced by Haussmannization?
Impressionism, as it captured the light, movement, and everyday life of modern Paris.
What is the significance of cause words in art analysis?
Cause words help infer why an image evokes certain emotions, linking technical and formal elements to interpretation.
What is myth/ideology in art?
Myth/ideology refers to the broader, often subconscious, cultural narratives and systems of belief that shape how art is created and understood.
What major event did Renoir, Manet, and Morisot depict in their artwork?
The Exposition Internationale of 1867.
Name and define the three ways audiences interpret media.
Dominant-hegemonic reading (passive acceptance), negotiated reading (partially agreeing with modifications), and oppositional reading (rejecting the intended meaning).
How did the urban transformation of Paris relate to the political climate of the time?
Haussmannization was partly intended to prevent revolutionary uprisings by making it harder to build barricades.
How do Sturken and Cartwright explain the relationship between the producer and the audience of an image?
They argue that meaning is not solely controlled by the creator but is also shaped by how and when audiences engage with the image.