This study guide contains content for Exam 1.

It will narrow down the key concepts,

artworks, and terminology that you will need to study. For each item, consider what
information is in the textbook.

Introduction

Abstract art (term)---

Abstract art is art that does not attempt to represent an accurate depiction of a
visual reality but instead use shapes, colours, forms and gestural marks to
achieve its effect. Wassily Kandinsky. Cossacks 1910–1. Tate. Strictly speaking,
the word abstract means to separate or withdraw something from something
else.

Relief sculpture (term)---

Relief is a sculptural technique where the sculpted elements remain attached to a
solid background of the same material. The term relief is from the Latin verb relevo, to
raise. To create a sculpture in relief is to give the impression that the sculpted
material has been raised above the background plane.

Foreground/foreshortening---
The area of the picture space nearest to the viewer, immediately behind the
picture plane, is known as the foreground. An understanding of perspective
developed in the early 15th century allowing painters to divide space behind the
picture plane into foreground, middleground and background.

Foreshortening refers to the technique of depicting an object or human body in

a picture so as to produce an illusion of projection or extension in space.

Circa (term) review the “How Dates Work” link in Introduction Chapter Learning
Activities. This is a short webpage to review but very helpful for two exam questions.---
Often dates will be preceded with a "c." or a "ca." These are
abbreviations of the Latin word "circa" which means around,
or approximately. We use this before a date to indicate that
we do not know exactly when something happened, so c. 400
B.C.E. means approximately 400 years Before the Common
Era.
Chapter 1

The Paleolithic sculpture of the Venus of Willendorf-----

Goddes of love, beauty and sexuality. The name Venus has been used
mockingly for the immodest depiction of sexuality compared to the classical
depiction of Venus.
Style/Period: Paleolithic
Time Period: 23,000 BC
Country: Austria

The Neolithic structure, Stonehenge---

the neolithic period was the 'new stone age'
It began later in the North because the glaciers were slowly melting.
Neolithic 8000-3000 BC

Stonehenge. Wiltshire, UK. Neolithic Europe. c. 2500-1600 B.C.E. Sandstone.----

Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument in Wiltshire, England, two miles (3 km) west
of Amesbury. It consists of a ring of standing stones, each around 13 feet (4.0 m) high,
seven feet (2.1 m) wide, and weighing around 25 tons. The stones are set
within earthworks in the middle of the most dense complex of Neolithic and Bronze
Age monuments in England, including several hundred tumuli (burial mounds).[1]
Archaeologists believe it was constructed from 3000 BC to 2000 BC. The surrounding
circular earth bank and ditch, which constitute the earliest phase of the monument, have
been dated to about 3100 BC. Radiocarbon dating suggests that the first bluestones were
raised between 2400 and 2200 BC,[2] although they may have been at the site as early as
3000 BC.[3][4][5]

Meaning and purpose of cave paintings---

Cave art is significant because it was what people in prehistoric times did in
order to record history and culture. But, prehistoric cave art was also significant
because it also served as a warning to people who were to come later. For
example, they could show the way to kill a beast or warn them of a beast.

Sculpture in the round—

The figure is presented in complete 3D form, no backround
a type of sculpture in which the figures are presented in complete three-
dimensional form and are not attached to a flat background (unlike relief). The
principal types of sculpture in the round are statues, busts, and sculptural
groups.

Lintel (term)—
a horizontal architectural member supporting the weight above an opening, as a
window or a door.
Chapter 2

Lamassu- what is it?---

Lamma or Lamassu is a Sumerian protective deity. Initially depicted as a female deity in
Sumerian times, when it was called Lamma, it was later depicted from Assyrian times as a
hybrid of a human

Ashurbanipal Hunting Lions---

The royal Lion Hunt of Ashurbanipal is shown on a famous group of Assyrian palace reliefs
from the North Palace of Nineveh that are now displayed in room 10a of the British Museum.
They are widely regarded as "the supreme masterpieces of Assyrian art".

The discovery of the Standard of Ur---

Sir Leonard Woolley's excavations in Mesopotamia in 1927–28 uncovered the
artifact in the corner of a chamber, lying close to the shoulder of a man who may
have held it on a pole.
Discovered: Royal Cemetery
Material: shell, limestone, lapis lazuli, bitumen

Cuneiform (term)---
 is a type of writing that was used in ancient Mesopotamia and Persia. ... From
the shape of the characters, we get the adjective cuneiform, which means
"wedge-shaped," like a cuneiform platter. Cuneiform also describes wedge-
shaped bones, like those found in the lower leg.

Apadana, Persepolis---
Apadana is a large hypostyle hall in Persepolis, Iran. It belongs to the oldest building phase
of the city of Persepolis, in the first half of the 6th century BC, as part of the original design
by Darius the Great. 

Stele of Hammurabi---
The Hammurabi code of laws, a collection of 282 rules, established standards
for commercial interactions and set fines and punishments to meet the
requirements of justice. Hammurabi's Code was carved onto a massive, finger-
shaped black stone stele (pillar) that was looted by invaders and finally
rediscovered in 1901
Victory Stele of Naram-Sin---
The Victory Stele of Naram-Sin is a stele that dates to approximately 2254-2218 BC, in the
time of the Akkadian Empire, and is now in the Louvre in Paris. The relief measures six feet
in height and was carved in pink limestone. Wikipedia
Material: Limestone
Period/culture: Akkadian Empire
Present location: Louvre Museum
Height: 200 centimetres (79 in)
Width: 150 centimetres (59 in)
Place: Sippar, later moved to Susa

Artistic significance of the Warka Vase---

The Warka Vase as a whole depicts a religious ceremony in which offerings are
being presented to Inanna, the Sumerian goddess. The lowest register of
the vase depicts crops along a wavy line. These crops will be given to the
goddess

Chapter 3

The continuity of Egyptian art.---

the political and cultural stability under the Egyptian dynasties

The Old Kingdom Great Pyramids of Gizeh----

The Giza Pyramids, built to endure an eternity, have done just that. The
monumental tombs are relics of Egypt's Old Kingdom era and were constructed
some 4,500 years ago. Egypt's pharaohs expected to become gods in the
afterlife

The discovery of the model bust of Queen Nefertiti---

Nefertiti has become one of the most famous women of the ancient world and an icon of
feminine beauty.A German archaeological team led by Ludwig Borchardt discovered the bust
in 1912 in Thutmose's workshop.[3] It has been kept at various locations in Germany since its
discovery, including the cellar of a bank, a salt mine in Merkers-Kieselbach, the Dahlem
museum, the Egyptian Museum in Charlottenburg and the Altes Museum.[3] It is currently on
display at the Neues Museum in Berlin, where it was originally displayed before World War II.
[3]
The Nefertiti bust has become a cultural symbol of Berlin as well as ancient Egypt. It has
also been the subject of an intense argument between Egypt and Germany over Egyptian
demands for its repatriation, which began in 1924 once the bust was first displayed to the
public. Egyptian inspectors were not shown the actual bust before they let it out of the
country.
The Palette of Narmer---
The Narmer Palette, also known as the Great Hierakonpolis Palette or the Palette of Narmer,
is a significant Egyptian archeological find, dating from about the 31st century BC, belonging,
at least nominally, to the category of cosmetic palettes. It contains some of the earliest
hieroglyphic inscriptions ever found. Wikipedia
Material: Siltstone
Present location: The Egyptian Museum

The Seated Scribe----

The sculpture of the Seated Scribe or Squatting Scribe is a famous work of ancient Egyptian
art. It represents a figure of a seated scribe at work. Wikipedia
Location: Louvre Museum
Medium: limestone, quartz, copper
Accession No: E 3023
Dimensions: 53.7 cm (21.1 in) × 44 cm (17 in) × 35 cm (14 in)
Year: 2600s BCE

Imhotep (architect)---
Imhotep was an Egyptian chancellor to the Pharaoh Djoser, probable architect of the
Djoser's step pyramid, and high priest of the sun god Ra at Heliopolis. Very little is known of
Imhotep as a historical figure, but in the 3,000 years following his death, he was gradually
glorified and deified. Wikipedia
Born: Memphis
Died: Ancient Egypt
Known for: architect of Djoser's step pyramid (probable)
Burial place: Saqqara (probable)
Parents: Kanofer, Kheredu-ankh

Review the portrayal of pharaohs throughout Egyptian history---

The Egyptians believed their pharaoh to be the mediator between the gods and
the world of men. ... As a divine ruler, the pharaoh was the preserver of the god-
given order, called maat.

King Tutankhamun’s inner coffin---

Tutankhamun's mummy rested in the innermost coffin, which is made of solid
gold and weighs approximately 110.4 kilos (242.9 lbs.). His body was wrapped in
linen and over his face was placed an exquisite gold mask. Three models of
luxury ships (left) were found in Tutankhamun's tomb.
Portrait Head of Queen Tiye with a Crown and Two Feathers period---
Steven Zucker in front of Portrait Head of Queen Tiye with a Crown of Two
Feathers, c. 1355 B.C.E., Amarna Period, Dynasty 18, New Kingdom, Egypt,
yew wood, lapis lazuli, silver, gold, faience, 22.5 cm high (Egyptian Museum and
Papyrus Collection at the Neues Museum, Berlin). Created by Beth Harris and
Steven Zucker.

Amarna period stylistic characteristics. Why does it look that way?---

in several sculptures of Akhenaten, if not most, he has wide hips and a visible paunch. His
lips are thick, and his arms and legs are thin and lack muscular tone, unlike his counterparts
of other eras in Egyptian artwork. Some scholars suggest that the presentation of the human
body as imperfect during the Amarna period is in deference to Aten. Others think Akhenaten
suffered from a genetic disorder, most likely the product of inbreeding, that caused him to
look that way. Others interpret this unprecedented stylistic break from Egyptian tradition to
be a reflection of the Amarna Royals' attempts to wrest political power from the traditional
priesthood and bureaucratic authorities.

the Egyptian art style underwent a drastic change from its

traditional style. ... During the Amarna Period, art moved towards a more
relaxed, realistic portrayal and away from the traditional stylized and rigid
formality of the previous dynasties.

Temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel building type---

A rock-cut temple

Hypostyle hall---
Hypostyle hall, in architecture, interior space whose roof rests on pillars or
columns. The word means literally “under pillars,” and the design allows for the
construction of large spaces—as in temples, palaces, or public buildings—
without the need for arches. In luxor

Menkaure and Khamerernebty portrait sculpture---

Serene ethereal beauty, raw royal power, and evidence of
artistic virtuosity have rarely been simultaneously captured
as well as in this breathtaking, nearly life-size statue of the
pharaoh Menkaure and a queen. Smooth as silk, the
meticulously finished surface of the dark stone captures the
physical ideals of the time and creates a sense of eternity
and immortality even today.
Sumerian style of art (what are the characteristics of art from this time?)---
Overall, the architecture, as well as the sculpture of the Neo-Sumerians,
presented a strong theme of serene majesty and intense religious fervor. Other
themes that were characteristic of Neo-Sumerian art are the themes of force
and power, the creation of a strong capital, and religious ceremonial artifacts.

SHORT ANSWER ESSAY BANK

Two of these topics will appear on the exam. Study all three of them. Responses should
use specific examples and terms. Avoid vague sentences like “Art from this time period
had a lot of angels.” Instead, “During the Renaissance, scenes from the bible and
religious themes dominated painting.”

1. Analyze the formal characteristics of an Egyptian tomb mural using visual

elements and design principles. Be prepared to discuss the art using at least 3 visual
elements and 3 design principles.

Talk about the stylistic changes to art that occurred during the Amarna Period in Ancient
Egypt. Be prepared to discuss at least 3 ways the art was different from before the
Amarna Period.
During the Amarna Period, art moved towards a more relaxed, realistic
portrayal and away from the traditional stylized and rigid formality of the previous
dynasties. It focused on showing nature, the pharaoh, and his subjects in natural
poses and personalized images of family, daily life, and domestic scenes

2.
3. Examine the changes that took place in art between the Paleolithic and Neolithic
era. You might want to address how shifting social systems contributed to these
changes. Be sure to address at least 3 changes and use specific examples of the art to
make your argument.