OMG THIS ART THO WOWOWOW SUCH ART MUCH LEONARDO (DiCaprio)

RANDOM PICTURE OF 20 CENTURY ITALIAN-BASED ART BC FUNNY

 

 

Greek Art

 (a maenad was a raving lunatic madwoman)

 

     Classical Greek art has been extremely influential in all types of art around the world. It is categorized into three periods: Archaic, Classical, and Hellenistic. A few experts add another period before Archaic, called Geometric. The golden age of art in Greece began when Greek started blossoming philosophically and when famous playwrights such as Aristophanes first showcased. The defeat of Persia, and Athens' newly established democratic government caused Athens to dominate, so it's no surprise that Athenian art had a huge influence. Magnificent temples and buildings were commissioned in hopes of gaining money for tourism. The Parthenon was one of the best ever built, and many very famous Classical Greek art were created in the Parthenon, such as the "Birth of Athena" and "A Battle Between Poseidon and Athena." In Early Geometric period, ceramic vessels were mostly used for funerary purposes. They had geometric shapes and patterns on them, as well as stick figures. Later, vessels became decorative and utilitarian. In the Archaic period, vase painting became very popular, and the technique of incision scratching was used. It was called the black figure technique, in which a black silhouette was formed out of scratching out an orange clay background. This was later replaced by red figure painting, in which a black background was painted using a 3 step complex fire process. In the Classic Period, Greek pottery became very important because they were windows into Greek life. There were many scenes of mythology, daily life, and 5th century comedians. Bronze sculptures also became very popular, and sculptors started moving away from the tradition of sculpting glorified men and women. More realistic sculptures were made, and the Contrapposto pose was used (weight on one leg, torso turned to one side, gave off a relaxed and dynamic vibe). Architecture during the Classic Period involved fancy Corinthian columns that were more decorative than any type of column before. In the Hellenistic period, unflattering features were added onto still-perfectly-proportioned sculptures. These sculptures were often used for propaganda purposes. It was during this period that the two most famous pieces of Greek art came into existence: the "Venus de Milo" and "Winged Victory."

 

 

Roman Art

 

     The most significant aspects of Roman art was the architecture, with many different types of columns as well as busts of famous people. However, there was much more to Roman art; they put an artistic touch to almost everything they made: coins, walls, sculpture, metalwork, glasswork, and jewelry. It was during this time that authors such as Cicero and Virgil created a legacy of philosophical thought and influential ideas. They drew much of their influence from the Greek style, as well as the Etruscan style (centered around funerary purposes because of firm belief in the afterlife). Clay sculpting and bronze work were specialties of Roman, and the Romans were extremely realistic with their sculptures, while still being able to make the subject look dignified despite physical shortcomings. Although Greek art did get more realistic as time went on, they still kept their sculptures idealized. This was a huge difference between the two styles. Augustus realized art could promote his position as a powerful ruler, as a representative of the gods, and he had many reliefs made of him interacting with gods and of memorable scenes of his rule. The discovery of concrete in Rome made the widespread construction of arches, domes, and vaulted ceilings possible. The Pantheon was constructed by Emperor Hadrian to honor all the gods, and it had one of the most impressive domes in Rome. The dome was constructed with more than 5,000 tons of concrete, and it had an oculus  (opening in the center of the dome) that drew attention towards the heavens and illuminated the marbled material of the Pantheon. It is known as an architectural wonder even to this day. The Colosseum, the greatest amphitheater ever built in Rome, showcases the three styles of columns: Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian. The Doric columns were the most basic, the Ionic columns had scroll designs, and the Corinthian columns were the most complex. It had trap doors, drainage doors, a retractable room, and underground passages. A lot of Roman art from later times, such as the 3rd century, has been found in the underground catacombs of Nero's palace; there many scenes of battles and punishment. Roman art began to decline with the fall of Rome the city in significance, as Constantine shifted the capital to Istanbul. More than 800 years later would influences from Roman art resurface in the Italian renaissance (whoot Leonardo DiCaprio jk)

 

 

Early Christian Art

     Early Christian art started after the death of Christ and lasted until 313 A.D. when it changed styles. Christianity spread, as Rome declined, and early Christian art emerged. There was rule in Christianity that did not allow representational imagery of the divine. All religious images were not prohibited; only the most idolatrous art forms were prohibited. There was a flexible interpretation with this idea, so Christian artists had a variety of material and ideas to work with. Christian art was highly diverse, with several different styles such as Roman, Greek, and Jewish, because the artists came from a large range of cultures and backgrounds. The first examples of Christian art were found in the Roman catacombs. Christian converts buried their dead in separate Christian catacombs after non-Christians started burying their dead instead of cremating them. Artists decorated the catacombs, providing the first glimpse of Early Christian art. Frescoes gave an impressionistic style rather than realistic, with quick brush strokes one on top of the other without blending. Many Christian symbols, such as the Good Shepherd, were painted. A famous mural of Jesus teaching his disciples is painted in one of the catacombs. Sarcophagi were covered with depictions of Biblical scenes representing salvation and traditional Roman symbols on all four sides. No crucifixion art was found however; most early Christian art was lighthearted and allegorical. Although the art was detailed and proportional, some figures had different sizes according to status. Big figures were the important ones, and they were placed towards the top. Less important figures were smaller and near the bottom. Due to intolerance of monotheism, the cross symbol was often hidden into the paintings as an anchor or Egyptian ankhs. Early Christian art is divided into two periods: before and after the Edict of Milan, which legalized Christian worship. After this legalization, there was no need for disguising Christian material in art. Many churches were built with a 5-isle design, and colorful mosaics depicted scenes of guiding the faithful to righteousness. Despite struggles and limitations during the beginning, the early Christian artists managed to express themselves and make a huge impact on art in coming years.







Confucianism

     Confucius, known in China as Kong FuZi, was a scholar and a teacher who lived during a period of time where people were looking for new ideas to absorb. He traveled around, teaching his ideas to people. These ideas attracted many people who became his disciples, and they wrote down his teachings on education and how people functioned. These writings helped root Confucius's teachings, allowing them to stay strong and steady throughout the ages. When Confucius died, his ideologies were finally accepted by the goverment, until they were banned by the Qin. Confucianism was not brought back till the Han brought it back and combined it with Legalism. Confucianism was a big part of the people's lives, blending with some aspects of Buddhism and showing up in art and literary works, such as The Book of Songs. The decline to Confucianism began when other religions began to rise in popularity.

Main Beliefs of Confucianism:
1) There is a natural order in the universe.
2.) Each person has a place in society. 
3) Society works better if everyone fulfills their role.
4) There are five major relationships (ruler-subject, father-son, husband-wife, elder brother-younger brother, and friend-friend).
5) Education is vital for government officials to govern effectively.

5 Summaries of Different Religions bc much ridiculousness, for why asdfghjkl;

Judaism

Judaism originated far back a long time ago in the Middle East, founded by Moses. However many people say that their roots go farther back than that, all the way to Abraham. They had one covenant with God, and they spent years looking for the Promised Land. They found it and lived there in isolation, until the Romans saw, came, and conquered. Although peace was initially kept, as long as taxes were paid, the Jews soon came under persecution by the Roman government. They were exiled, and, after a failed revolt, they were banned. The religion of Christianity separated from Judaism.

 

Zoroastrianism

 

Zoroastrianism is the world's oldest known monotheistic religion. It was founded by Zoroaster, a prophet who emphasized the battle between the two forces of good and evil. The god he believed in manifested itself in the force of goodness, and Zoroaster believed the good would always win. Although the religion was moderately popularity, it dwindled as time moved on, and today there are only a few Zoroastrian

 

 

Christianity

Christianity is a religion that split from the original Judaism, the cause of the split being the birth of a baby boy name Jesus. Jesus was claimed by the Christians to be the Son of God, as well as the Messiah, or Savior. He was charismatic, and many people agreed with his ideas, causing a large following. The Jews didn't like what was going on, and they made a big fuss over it. The Romans, who feared an uprising, did what the angry people wanted, and Pilate condemned Jesus to his death. However, on the third day, some believe He resurrected. Afterwards, His apostles and disciples spread out across the earth to teach His message. Paul was the most successful apostle, reaching Gentiles and Jews. Persecution of the Christians stopped when Constantine converted to Christianity.

 

Buddhism

Buddhism was founded by a rich prince named Siddhartha Gautama who grew tired of his rich, luxurious life. The prince ran away and meditated under a tree until he reached enlightenment. He believed that the way out of suffering was to get rid of desire, and the way to live without desire was to live by the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. After his death, Buddhism spread. Two strains were established: one (Theravada Buddhism) was similar to the original teachings of the prince, and the other (Mahayana Buddhism) deified Siddhartha into a god named Buddha.

 

Hinduism

Hinduism was a Vedic religion that evolved into what it is today. It ran by the caste system, moksha, and karma. Karma was achieved by dharma, and the goal was to reach moksha and end reincarnation. It was a polytheistic religion, and the priests (Brahmins) were on top, with all the literacy powers. It is considered the oldest living religion in the world.

 



Spread of Buddhism

     
     The history of Buddhism in the steppes is fragmented, but it leaked into Hun culture in the 2nd century BC. Conversion to early stages of Buddhism started with the Xiongnu, but other nomadic lives were greatly affected by Buddhism. One nomadic tribe in the steppes converted to Buddhism and stopped its barbaric and rough soldierly qualities. They eventually lost their idea and dispersed into the cultures of their civilized neighbors.
     China was at a chaotic stage at the end of the Han dynasty, and the people were very open to the arrival of a new religion. Kumarajiva was a Buddhist from Central Asia who created the best translation bureau China had ever seen, spreading the religion throughout China. He translated more than 90 works into Chinese, causing more people to convert to Buddhism. Great monasteries and temples were built, and the translation of texts was worked on harder than ever. Buddhism in China reached its climax in the Sui and Tang dynasties. Buddhism left a lasting impact on Central Asian art. There was a fusion between eastern and western cultures, and the Buddha image was developed. It went through changes in style, originating with a Greek flair and altering into an Indian fashion.
     After the collapse of the Tang dynasty, Buddhists came under persecution due to the influence of Arabian invaders from the west, with many temples being destroyed, and monks and nuns being defrocked. Central Asia started converting to Islam, and Buddhism's statues and wall paintings were turned to ruin. Temples and stupas were abandoned, and they became buried under the sand. Soon, all of the Central Asian basin had been converted to Islam. People are such fickle things.

Tour of Classic Rome

       Rome reached its peak of architectural development in 320 A.D. It was divided into two parts by the Tiber River, and on one side, the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus was a grand temple, the main temple of the state cult, on top of the Capitoline Hill, one of the seven canonical hills of Rome. The imperial palace of the emperor was located on the Palatine Hill, another one of the hills. Nearby was the Circus Maximus; the emperor was fond of the circus games, such as chariot racing and animal hunts, as well as parades. The Colosseum was built on top of a lake in Nero's old palace, and the best seats were closest to the arena, reserved for the emperor, top office-holders, and the priests. The very top was for women, slaves, and foreigners. The most popular things to watch at the Colosseum were the gladiator fights, the animal hunts, and the colorful executions of criminals.
      The aqueducts were a great achievement of Roman architecture, as well as a necessary component to keep the huge city running properly. They were able to keep the water flowing at a constant, gentle speed, from the mountains to the city by using the right amount of gravitational pull and calculating a slope of one foot every two thousand feet. The water from the aqueducts was used for drinking, cooking, fountains, such as the Meta Sudans, and public baths. The Baths of Trajan was a block of bathing buildings in a garden area, limited by a wall. The public baths were examples of the emperor's benevolence. The Temple of Venus and Rome was interesting because it was two temples built back to back. One part was dedicated to worship for Venus, facing the Colosseum, which represented fun and leisure. The other part was dedicated to worship for Rome, facing the Forum, which represented work and business.

Alexander the Great

 

In western perception, Alexander the Great is marveled as a legendary conqueror and a military genius. Greek influence and bias, as well as the lack of insight from the Persians, has caused this reputation in the Western world. However, from the Persian perspective, he's really not as great as his title makes him sound. Persepolis, the city of the Persians, was razed to the ground by a drunk Alexander, with a Greek courtesan egging him on. It was supposedly for revenge on Xerxes, a Persian ruler, who burned the Acropolis down. Alexander the Great's conquest is seen by the Greeks as the first of many other conquests  to civilize Persia and bring it culture, but in reality, Persia was a sought-after conquest, not because it needed to be civilized, but because of the vastness of its riches and its empire.  It was the greatest the world had ever seen. In the Peloponnesian War, Persians gained an advantage when they found out they could set the Greek city-states up against each other. Persia financed Sparta's victory against Athens, and more than 10,000 Greek mercenaries were recruited for Persia. The Persians portrayed Alexander as a reckless, young man, a "destroyer," although Alexander did end up having a great amount of respect for the Persians.