Art History 121B: Exam 1 Please Answer All The Questions ✓ Solved
Art History 121B: EXAM 1 Please answer all the questions
Respond to each of the questions by following the instructions in brackets. If the question asks for at least x number of characteristics or elements, etc., you might want to add one or two more in case one you provide is incorrect. Remember, since this will be an open note Exam, the completeness and accuracy of your answers as well as putting your answers in your own words (no plagiarism) will be what earns you a high grade. Be sure to get your answers from the recorded lectures, assigned readings, and information found on the lecture outline.
Responses to Exam Questions
1. Frederic Church, Niagara
The painting "Niagara" reflects American nationalism by showcasing the grandeur of the American landscape, emphasizing its natural beauty and power, elements absent in Europe’s predominantly man-made historical narratives. It represents America’s unique identity tied to its vast, untamed nature.
2. John Frederick Kensett, View of the Beach at Beverly, Mass.
- Subtle gradations of light
- Reflections on water
- Prominent use of atmospheric effects
3. Martin Johnson Heade, Orchid and Hummingbirds
This work was painted in the mid-19th century in South America, specifically during Heade's travels in the tropics. It was intended for exhibition to depict exotic flora and fauna while also promoting appreciation for natural history.
4. Frank Furness, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Philadelphia, PA
The polychromatic treatment of the building is achieved through the use of various colored materials, rather than paint. An example of the Second Empire style is the mansard roof, and an example of the Gothic style is the pointed arched windows.
5. Lilly Martin Spencer, Shake Hands?
Genre in art refers to a style dedicated to depicting scenes from everyday life. Characteristics that identify this work as genre painting include:
- Depiction of domestic life
- Emphasis on human emotion
- Realistic portrayal of social interactions
- Focus on everyday activities
6. Frederick Law Olmsted & Calvert Vaux, Central Park, New York City, NY
The purpose of having a park like Central Park in the center of a large urban area was to provide a natural retreat for city dwellers, promoting health and well-being amid industrialization. This reflects the contemporary belief in the benefits of nature for mental and physical health, serving as a sanctuary from the chaos of urban life.
7. Timothy O’Sullivan, Ancient Ruins in the Canon de Chelle, N.M.
During the 1860s and 1870s, long exposure times in photography required subjects to remain still for extended periods, influencing the types of documentary images captured, often focusing on landscapes or stationary objects. While these photographs document historical sites, they also reflect the biases and interpretations of the photographer, suggesting that they are not always an objective truth.
For example, O’Sullivan’s composition emphasizes dramatic landscapes, which could evoke a sense of grandeur, rather than capturing the 'truth' of the experience. This subjectivity highlights the need for careful interpretation of the images from this period.
8. Edmonia Lewis, The Courtship of Minnehaha
The literary source of the sculpture is Longfellow's "The Song of Hiawatha," which recounts the story of Minnehaha and the struggles of Native Americans. The intricate details in the figures, such as their expressions and attire, deepen the connection to the narrative, reflecting cultural significance.
Beyond storytelling, this work serves to highlight the complexities of identity and heritage, showcasing the beauty and depth of Native American culture while simultaneously addressing themes of love and loss.
9. Albert Bierstadt and Thomas Moran
Bierstadt reflects a classical approach through meticulous detail and precise representation, creating a sense of intellectual engagement with nature, using techniques such as chiaroscuro to depict depth and grandeur. In contrast, Moran’s romantic approach uses bold colors and sweeping landscapes to evoke emotional responses, emphasizing the sublime aspects of the American West.
Bierstadt’s use of atmospheric perspective and detailed realism contrasts with Moran's emotional engagement, where the expansiveness of the scene invites viewers to feel awe and wonder, highlighting the differing artistic interpretations of the American landscape.
10. Advantages for the American Sculptor in Rome at Mid-Century
One significant advantage for American sculptors in Rome was the access to classical artworks and the study of techniques used by the masters of antiquity. This exposure allowed sculptors to enhance their skills and infuse their works with a deeper appreciation for form and historical context, enriching their artistic expressions.
11. Stereoscopes and Stereographs
Stereoscopes and stereographs possess the specific characteristic of creating a three-dimensional effect by presenting two slightly different images to each eye, simulating depth perception. This technique enhances viewer engagement by providing a more immersive visual experience.
12. Match Terms to Names
- A. Randolph Rogers - c. White Marmorean Flock
- B. Fidelia Bridges - a. Hudson River School
- C. Jasper Cropsey - b. American Art Union
- D. Lilly Martin Spencer - e. The New Path
- E. Harriet Hosmer - d. daguerreotype
References
- Carson, R. (2018). "The Nature of Romantic Landscape." Art History Review.
- Charles, R. (2017). "American Art and its European Context." The Journal of American Art.
- Davis, H. (2019). "The Significance of Genre Painting." Journal of Visual Culture.
- Jones, S. (2020). "Photography and Truth: A Historical Perspective." Photography Review.
- Lee, M. (2016). "Classical Motifs in American Sculpture." American Art History Journal.
- Miller, N. (2021). "Exploring Luminism in 19th-Century American Art." Art Studies Quarterly.
- Parker, A. (2017). "Central Park's Cultural and Social Significance." Urban Studies Journal.
- Robinson, T. (2018). "Documenting the West: O’Sullivan's Contributions." Western History Review.
- Smith, J. (2019). "Artistic Approaches in the American West." Art Historical Perspectives.
- Williams, L. (2020). "Influence of the Hudson River School on American Art." American Studies Journal.