Roman Sculpture: Portraits and Historical Reliefs – A Comprehensive Guide
Sculpture in Rome: The Portrait and Historical Relief
Introduction: General Characteristics
Roman visual arts, particularly architecture and painting, held a distinct realistic quality. This stemmed from Etruscan artistic contributions, known for their realistic funeral portraits and tomb paintings, and the practical nature of Roman society, which favored recognizable depictions of individuals. Furthermore, the Romans’ interest in commemorating their historical achievements fueled the development
Read MoreItalian Renaissance Architecture: A Comprehensive Guide
Italian Renaissance Architecture
Introduction
The Renaissance, while impacting all of Europe, originated in Italy. This period saw a return to Greco-Roman influences, with architects reviving classical constructive and decorative elements.
Characteristics of Italian Renaissance Architecture
- Emphasis on mathematical perfection in plans and structures.
- Reintroduction of columns and pilasters.
- Frequent use of the semicircular arch.
- Revival of triangular and semicircular pediments as decorative elements.
- Use
Mass Media: Influence and Functions in the Information Age
Mass Media (MCM)
The Information Age
Our era is defined as the “Information Age,” not only because information has become a commodity, but also because of the diverse media disseminating it.
Functions of Mass Media
Mass media serve several key functions:
- Reporting: Presenting facts as they occur.
- Educating: Shaping cultural understanding.
- Shaping Opinion: Fostering shared perspectives.
- Entertaining: Providing amusement and enjoyment.
Mass media connect people, offering multiple viewpoints on the same event
Read MoreRomanesque and Gothic Architecture: Styles, Features, and Evolution
General Characteristics of Romanesque Architecture
Romanesque architecture is characterized by its massiveness and solidity, with sculpture and painting playing a secondary role.
Almost all Romanesque architectural elements (ashlar walls, columns, pillars, arches, barrel vaults) existed in previous styles, but they take on a new significance in the Romanesque, prioritizing spatial formality.
Most Romanesque buildings are religious structures—churches, cathedrals, and monasteries—though civilian
Read MoreThe School of Athens by Raphael: A Masterpiece of Renaissance Art
The School of Athens
Chronology
1510-1511
Style
High Renaissance, Cinquecento
Author: Raphael
Technique: Fresco
Support: Wall
Location: Stanza della Segnatura (Vatican City)
Characteristics of the Period:
- Consolidation of oil painting techniques and the introduction of new media like canvas, influenced by Flemish artists.
- Emphasis on figures’ expressiveness through the use of eyes and hands.
- Use of chiaroscuro to define the contours of figures and create a sense of depth.
- Influence of Leonardo da Vinci’s sfumato
Renaissance Humanism and the Scientific Revolution
Renaissance Humanism
Some historians link the start of the Renaissance to the fall of Constantinople in 1453, but it arguably began in 14th-century Italy, lasting beyond the 16th century. The Renaissance was a diverse cultural and philosophical movement. A key aspect of this era was Humanism, originating as an educational program focused on poetry, rhetoric, history, and philosophy. Humanism involved rediscovering Greco-Roman literature and thought, evolving into a broader philosophical movement
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