Medieval Literature and Culture: Society, Art, and Thought
Medieval Literature and Culture
Literature is defined as a fine art that uses the word as its primary tool. It is a historical product, and its purpose should be to teach and delight.
The Middle Ages: Society and Economy
The Middle Ages refers to an extended period of a thousand years, from the 5th century until the late 15th century. During this time, Western Europe was socially organized according to an economic and political model known as feudalism.
- Production relations were based on a natural and
Major Art Styles: 18th and 19th Century Transformations
18th Century Art Movements
The Persistence of the Baroque
During the 18th century, Baroque art persisted, particularly in Spain. In Architecture, there was a compilation and profusion of ornamentation, especially on facades and interior elements. Notable works include those by Churriguera and Pedro Ribera. In Sculpture, Francisco Salzillo‘s works are significant. His pieces moved away from drama, already hinting at the new Rococo and Classical aesthetics of the second half of the 18th century.
From
Read MoreCaravaggio’s Masterpieces: Realism and Dynamic Composition
In the profound darkness, where one must imagine the depth, we encounter *Caravaggio’s Head of Goliath*. The depiction focuses on the back of Goliath’s head, still retaining some semblance of life. David is represented almost like a child, while Goliath is portrayed as a vulgar person. This naturalism is evident in details like black nails and dirty clothes. Caravaggio masterfully blends reality with unreality, creating a sense of depth and ambiguity.
Caravaggio’s Head of Goliath
The painting’s stark
Read MoreGender in Anthropology: Historical Roles, Feminist Movements, and Identity
Early Theories: Matriarchy and Social Power
Historically, the distinction between men and women was very marked. In the nineteenth century, evolutionists formulated certain approaches, now much discussed. For instance, Johann Jakob Bachofen, author of Das Mutterrecht (The Matriarchy), argued that ancient societies lacked organization and were highly promiscuous.
Bachofen’s Matriarchy Theory and Ancient Societies
These early groups hunted collectively as a team, and this, combined with their intelligence,
Read MoreErechtheum and Discobolus: Ancient Greek Art and Architecture
Erechtheum
Erechtheum: A Classical Athenian Temple
Author: Mnèsclies
Date: 421-406 BC
Relation: Situated at the edge of the cliff bordering the north of the Acropolis.
Type of Edifice: Temple
Style: Classical
Location: Athens
Space: Urban
System of Living: Architrave
Apparatus: Isodromic
Brief Description: A temple forming part of the Acropolis, featuring Ionic columns and caryatids.
Material Constructed: Pentelic marble
Material Decorating: Pentelic marble
Structural Elements
Continuous Support: Walls,
Read MoreSpace Perception and Semiotics in Modern Culture
Perception of Space: Visual, Auditory, Gustatory, Olfactory, and Virtual
Space is defined as the extensive property of bodies, encompassing their size, capacity, volume, and the area in which these bodies are located.
Visual Space
Visual space is constructed through the relationships between addresses, sizes, and shapes, and the coordinates provided by vertical and horizontal directions within our field of vision.
- Binocular vision allows for the perception of depth in relation to objects.
- The sense of