AP Art History: David-- #69

Saturday, November 27, 2021

 


David by Donatello 


Bio of the work: 
Title: David
Date: circa 1440
Medium: Bronze
Museum: Museo Nazionale de Bargello, Florence


Analysis: 
    A master work from the Italian Renaissance (click to learn about this movement), David by Donatello was commissioned by the Medici family (click the link for more about their role in the Renaissance). It is a bronze statue depicting the biblical scene of David after defeating the giant, Goliath. At David's feet lies his head, and David is holding the sword that was used to cut off Goliath's head after he slayed Goliath with the stones. Donatello's depiction of David was unique due to his showing him as the young boy that he was in the Bible. Earlier depictions showed David as his much older self as the king. By depicting him as an immature teen boy, Donatello dramatized the sheer miracle from the Bible. 


"Donatello's David." Italian Renaissance, www.italianrenaissance.org/donatellos-david/. Accessed 27 November 2021.

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Holiday Gift Guide 2021

Saturday, November 20, 2021

 As the holidays swiftly sneak up on gift-givers, here is a list of some ideas for the art lovers on your list (or for yourself to suggest to others perhaps). For reference CLICK HERE for last year's Gift Guide. 


Room Decorations: 
    As an art lover, one of my favorite gifts to receive is art history posters! I have four different posters in my room. The two shown up above are from Etsy. The subject of the posters can depend on the person's interests. For example, I am a big fan of Abstract Expressionism, so I have a Kandisky and Rothko. 




Museum Merch: 
    While I cannot vouch for others, I love having clothes, bags, and other items that show my support for my favorite museums. Last year I received a few of these items and love them so much. This merch can be from any museum. Here are a few suggestion museums (click for the link): 



Pins From Pin Museum: 
    While the least expensive, probably my favorite gifts are art history pins for jackets, backpacks, and tote bags. The Pin Museum has so many art works to choose from! I love them so much!




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Art History Terms to Know: Greek Mythology Guide

Saturday, November 6, 2021

     The subject of Greek mythology is millennia in art and many other media. Knowing these figures and their symbology can make understanding and viewing art much more meaningful. 



    While Greek gods, goddesses, and their myths are very complex, they can be split and simplified down. For example, the 12 'main' gods and goddesses are known as the Olympians, named for their home on Mount Olympus. While the Olympians are important, according to myth, they were not the first. The first gods being Uranus, the original sky god, Gaia, his wife and the personification of the earth. Gaia had many children by Uranus, but the most notable being Kronos. Kronos went on to marry Rhea (his sister) and have many children including Zeus and other brothers and sisters. The Olympians include: 
  1. Zeus: the Chief among all gods (he came to this position by drawing lots with his brothers)
    1. always depicted with beard
    2. sometimes with a thunderbolt
    3. Roman name- Jupiter
  2. Poseidon: the god of the sea
    1. Roman name- Neptune
  3. Hera: goddess of women, childbirth, family, and marriage
    1. also the wife of Zeus, making her the Queen of gods
    2. Roman name- Juno
  4. Demeter: the goddess of agriculture and the harvest
    1. Roman name- Ceres
  5. Athena: the goddess of war strategy and wisdom
    1. the patron god of Athens 
    2. Roman name- Minerva
  6. Aphrodite: the goddess of love, beauty, and passion
    1. Roman name- Venus
  7. Apollo: the god of music and poetry
    1. depicted with the lyre
    2. twin to Artemis
    3. Roman name- Apollo
  8. Artemis: goddess of the hunt, animals, and the wilderness
    1. twin to Apollo
    2. depicted with bow and wild animals
    3. Roman name- Diana
  9. Ares: the god of warfare, bloodshed, and violence
    1. Roman name- Mars
  10. Hephaistos: the god of blacksmithing and metalworking
    1. Roman name- Vulcan
    2. depicted with short tunic and axe
  11. Dionysus: the god of wine
    1. Roman name- Bacchus
    2. depicted with a wreath or vines
  12. Hermes: the messenger god
    1. depicted with winged shoes
    2. broad-rimmed hat
    3. caduceus- special staff
    4. Roman name- Mercury
    The depictions of these figures and myths also are seen in Roman art. They all have traits and depictions specific to them. Some notable works include Bacchus by Caravaggio, Venus and Mars by Sandro Botticelli, and Venus de Milo. There are so many more myths and gods! 






Citation: 

    Burn, Lucilla. Greek Myths. 6th ed., Austin, U of Texas P, 2002.


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AP Art History: The Birth of Venus-- #72

Wednesday, October 20, 2021


 The Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli


    Arguably the most iconic Renaissance masterpiece, Botticelli's Birth of Venus depicts the ancient mythological scene, but rather than a true birth, Botticelli's Venus majestically rises from the seafoam in a scallop shell. 

Bio of the work: 
Title: The Birth of Venus
Date: 1483 - 1485
Medium: Tempura on canvas
Museum: Uffitzi Gallery, Florence, Italy 

Analysis: 
   At this point in this point in the Renaissance, artists were mostly working on wood panels, making Botticelli's choice of canvas unusual and progressive.  According to Greek mythology, the goddess Venus was born of the sea on to the island of Cyprus. The bystanders include Zephyrus, the god of the wind and breeze, holding a nymph, Chloris, and the goddess Hora waiting to give Venus a lavish, rose cloak.  While totally nude, Venus modestly covers herself with her own hair. Click this link to learn about the Renaissance as a whole including Botticelli and his contemporaries. 


Sources: 

https://artsandculture.google.com/asset/the-birth-of-venus-sandro-botticelli/MQEeq50LABEBVg?hl=en

http://www.italianrenaissance.org/botticelli-birth-of-venus/
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Zooming In: Giovanni Battista Piranesi

Sunday, October 10, 2021

 


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