Assignment Two Unit 2 Student Name

Assignment Twounit 2student Name

Explain what makes Giotto an important artist and why many historians consider him important in history. Why is Giotto considered a “transitional” artist? (SLO2: ULO 2.3) (EXPLAIN WHAT MAKES HIS WORK SIGNIFICANT IN YOUR TWO ANSWERS FOR #1)

Distinguish what subject matter the artist, Johannes Vermeer, painted during the Baroque Period in Holland. Refer to textbook appendix for visuals. (SLO 1: ULO 1:3; SLO 2, ULO 2.2) You should also write about what you think about his paintings. EXPLAIN WHAT HIS PAINTINGS WERE ABOUT SUCH AS WHAT WAS IN HIS PAINTINGS?

Pieter Brueghel’s work is unique for his time. Examine the cultural heritage of the people in his paintings. Refer to textbook appendix for visuals. (SLO 2: ULO 2.2, 2.4; SLO 3: 3.2) EXPLAIN WHAT HIS PAINTINGS WERE ABOUT SUCH AS WHAT WAS IN HIS PAINTINGS?

Leonardo da Vinci’s painting known to us today as the Mona Lisa is his most famous work, however, he was active in many other fields. Give examples of how his background influenced his productivity. (SLO 3: 3.2, 3.3) EXPLAIN SOME TYPES OF INVENTIONS

Review the types of work that Michelangelo Buonarroti (Michelangelo) created and describe a minimum of two of his major works and how they fit into the Renaissance period. Refer to textbook Unit 2 (and Unit 3, p. 129) and the appendix for visuals. (SLO 1: ULO 1.3; SLO2: 2.2; SLO3, 3.3) He usually went by just Michelangelo. Please be thorough in your descriptions of his work.

Major Works

1. A major work (Title): Description of the work:
2. A major work (Title): Description of the work:

Francisco de Goya’s health conditions and the political pressure at his time influenced the subjects for his prints, paintings, and the etchings. Summarize what you learned about his etchings, “The Disasters of War,” and/or the painting about the execution scene, titled “The Third of May 1808”. (Refer to textbook appendix for visual or look it up in the internet). ( SLO 2: ULO 2.4; SLO3: ULO 3.2) EXPLAIN ANSWER FULLY

Jackson Pollock’s art style is referred to as Abstract-Expressionism. Explain his use of elements such as line and color in his artwork and explain how he was able to express strong emotional responses to his audience. (SLO2: ULO 2.3) EXPLAIN ANSWER FULLY

At age 27, when Vincent van Gogh left Holland to stay with his brother in Paris, his color palette changed from his early dark brown tones to very bright intense colors (such as bright yellow and blue). What did you find interesting about his life and write about some of the factors that you think may have had an impact on his artworks? (SLO 2: ULO 2.4) For example, when he went to Paris, he saw new paintings by Impressionist artists who used pure colors. These artists did not add brown and mix it with green, orange or blue. (You may use other sources also but if you do you must give your source or sources other than the text.)

Identify the main four types of printmaking processes discussed in the text and define each. There are four processes (methods) mentioned. (SLO2: ULO 2.3) Directions for his questions: Name of a process of how the artist does the print in their studio and name the artwork (which the product is). (For example, Intaglio is a process or method and the product is an etching). Name each of the 4 processes mentioned in the book. Explain what they are by reading information from the text and/or study guide. List the types of prints and the define the process and name the product or artwork below: a. b. c. d.

Information about Printmaking: *If you want to invest in prints you want to buy the first or the last. For example, 25/25, 1/25, 1/25, 1/50, 50/50, 1/500, 500/500, 1/200, 200/220. Important Information about PRINTS: (An edition is either 5 or 15 or 25 or 100 etc. pieces of all the same. In other words, the artist makes the prints all of the same quality. They all must be the same in the edition).

Identify a minimum of 3 major factors that influenced the lives of the following individuals while they did their work. Discuss what affected them and what influenced their work. (SLO 2: ULO 2.4) You may use other sources but if you do then give source/s.

• Rembrandt Van Rijn
• Katsushika Hokusai
• Louis Armstrong

For each, identify the influence(s) and explain what you think influenced this artist or musician, including possibly the names of their works.

Matching: Select the correct artist or architect. Write in the correct name of the artist in the blank below the work: (SLO 3: ULO 3.5)

1. Figure 1: Landscape scene with cypresses, a city in blue tones, swirling sky with yellow blotches and circular sun, painted with flowing broad strokes. _____________________________________________________
2. Figure 2: Grayscale war scene with bull’s head, human faces, and multiple body parts, including a horse’s head with open mouth. _____________________________________________________
3. Figure 3: Building over a waterfall with terraced levels, surrounded by greenery, with symmetrical planes. _____________________________________________________
4. Figure 4: Painting of six men in dark robes with white collars, some with broad-brimmed hats, in a room with wood paneling. _____________________________________________________
5. Figure 5: Woman holding a baby with delicate features, detailed and soft painting with a green background. _____________________________________________________
6. Figure 6: Park scene mural with many people, including a couple, balloon, and background building. _____________________________________________________
7. Figure 7: Feudal landscape with town on a green hill, bridge over a river, storm clouds. _____________________________________________________
8. Figure 8: Sculpture of a woman in drapes holding a dead man, classical style. _____________________________________________________
9. Figure 9: Large mural of thirteen men at a table, discussing, with windows and landscape in the background. _____________________________________________________

Choose from the following artists/architects:

• A. Frank Lloyd Wright
• B. Vincent van Gogh
• C. Pablo Picasso
• D. Sir Peter Paul Rubens
• E. Raphael Sanzio
• F. Michelangelo
• G. El Greco
• H. Diego Rivera
• I. Leonardo da Vinci

Paper For Above instruction

Within this assignment, students are asked to explore key figures of art history, including Giotto, Vermeer, Brueghel, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Goya, Pollock, Van Gogh, and others. The purpose is to analyze their significance, cultural context, and influence on art and society. Thorough, well-cited responses incorporating textbook information, personal opinions, and external sources are essential for a comprehensive academic discussion.

Giotto’s Significance and Transitional Role

Giotto di Bondone (c. 1267–1337) is widely considered a pioneering figure in Western art, marking the transition from medieval to Renaissance styles. His importance is rooted in his revolutionary approach to realism in the depiction of human figures and space. Unlike the stylized forms of earlier medieval graffiti and illuminated manuscripts, Giotto introduced a three-dimensional quality, understanding human anatomy, and expressive emotion in his figures. This shift significantly influenced subsequent artists, paving the way for the Renaissance masters (Addis, 2014).

Many historians regard Giotto as a “transitional” artist because he bridged the gap between Byzantine-influenced medieval art and the more naturalistic techniques of the Renaissance. His frescoes in the Scrovegni Chapel exemplify a move towards perspective, spatial depth, and emotional expression, which became foundational for Italian Renaissance art (Pound, 2012). His innovative techniques set the stage for artists like Masaccio and Michelangelo, who expanded upon his groundwork and propelled Western art into a new era of realism and humanism.

Johannes Vermeer and Baroque Subject Matter

Johannes Vermeer (1632–1675), a Dutch painter of the Baroque period, is famed for his masterful treatment of domestic interior scenes. His works often depict women engaged in everyday activities, illuminated by natural light filtering through windows. Notable paintings such as “Girl with a Pearl Earring” and “The Milkmaid” reflect the quiet dignity of common people during the Dutch Golden Age (Lipsey, 2013).

Vermeer's paintings often include detailed interior settings, subtle color palettes, and a focus on light interplay. They reveal a society attentive to domestic labor, leisure, and the emerging middle class. In my opinion, Vermeer's works evoke a sense of calm and contemplation, emphasizing the beauty in ordinary moments. His skillful use of light and composition enhances the realism and intimacy of his scenes.

Pieter Brueghel and Cultural Heritage

Pieter Brueghel the Elder (c. 1525–1569) was known for his vivid genre scenes, landscapes, and depictions of peasant life that reflect the cultural heritage of Northern Europe. His paintings often contain allegorical content, humor, and social commentary on everyday life, such as “The Peasant Wedding” and “The Tower of Babel” (Newman, 2009).

Brueghel’s work vividly portrays the customs, clothing, and activities of ordinary people, emphasizing community, tradition, and social hierarchy. His detailed landscapes and lively scenes serve as cultural records of 16th-century Flemish life, blending folklore and religious symbolism. I find his paintings fascinating because they provide insight into the socio-economic realities and cultural values of his time, serving both artistic and documentary purposes.

Leonardo da Vinci’s Multifaceted Genius

Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519) was not only a master painter but also an eminent scientist, inventor, anatomist, and engineer. His diverse background directly influenced his artistic productivity; his detailed anatomical studies, for instance, improved realism in works like “The Last Supper” and “Mona Lisa”.

His inventive mind led to numerous sketches of flying machines, hydraulic systems, and military devices, exemplifying curiosity and innovation. Some of his notable inventions include conceptual designs for helicopters, armored vehicles, and anatomical dissections. His scientific pursuits enriched his artistic techniques—anatomical accuracy and an understanding of perspective—which helped elevate Renaissance art to new levels of realism (Capra, 2007).

Michelangelo’s Major Works

Sistine Chapel Ceiling

The Sistine Chapel ceiling (1508–1512) is a monumental fresco project that embodies High Renaissance ideals. Michelangelo’s portrayal of biblical scenes, from the Creation to the Great Flood, showcases his mastery of composition, anatomy, and perspective. The dynamic figures and vibrant color work exemplify Renaissance humanism and divine inspiration.

David

Michelangelo’s David (1501–1504) is a marble sculpture symbolizing strength, courage, and human potential. Depicting the biblical hero before his battle with Goliath, Michelangelo captured physical realism and emotional intensity, reflecting Renaissance ideals of humanism and individualism. Both works exemplify the Renaissance’s focus on classical themes and the potential of human achievement.

Francisco Goya and Social Commentary

Francisco de Goya (1746–1828) experienced personal health issues and was deeply affected by political upheaval. His “The Disasters of War” etchings depict the brutal realities of war, violence, and human suffering, reflecting his disillusionment and moral outrage (Schaffer, 2019). The vivid, raw imagery condemns tyranny and chaos.

Similarly, “The Third of May 1808” captures the massacre of peaceful civilians by Napoleonic troops under dark skies and stark contrasts, emphasizing horror and moral indictment. Goya’s work was politically charged, aiming to awaken conscience and critique injustice. His artistic style combined Romantic emotion with a realistic approach, making his works powerful tools for social commentary.

Jackson Pollock and Abstract Expressionism

Jackson Pollock’s style, characterized by “drip painting,” used elements such as dynamic lines and contrasting colors to convey intense emotion. His method involved laying canvases on the ground and pouring or splattering paint, allowing freedom of movement and spontaneity (Karmel, 2010). The chaotic and energetic compositions evoke feelings of angst, passion, and raw emotion, engaging viewers on a visceral level.

This innovative technique broke away from traditional representational art, emphasizing the act of painting itself as a form of emotional expression. Pollock’s work aimed to communicate subconscious feelings, enabling viewers to interpret his paintings through their own emotional lens. His use of line and color thus became tools to evoke psychological depth and emotional response.

Vincent van Gogh’s Life and Artistic Impact

Vincent van Gogh’s move to Paris at age 27 marked a pivotal change in his artwork, shifting from dark, muted tones to vibrant, expressive colors. Influenced by Impressionists and Post-Impressionists, he experimented with color theory, using bright yellows, blues, and contrasting hues to express emotion and atmosphere (Naifeh & White Smith, 2011). Factors such as mental health struggles, intense personal experiences, and exposure to new artistic ideas played roles in his development.

His emotional life, marked by periods of despair and fervent religious and artistic passion, deeply informed his style. The emotional intensity and vivid color palette of works like “Starry Night” reflect his inner turmoil and spiritual search. Studying his life reveals how personal experiences can profoundly impact artistic expression, transforming grief and hope into timeless visual poetry.

Printmaking Processes

The four major printmaking processes discussed are:

1. Woodcut: A relief process where the image is carved into the surface of a wooden block. The raised areas are inked and pressed onto paper. Example: Albrecht Dürer’s “Knight, Death, and the Devil”.
2. Linocut: Similar to woodcut but done on linoleum, allowing finer detail. The artist carves into linoleum, inks the surface, and prints onto paper. Example: Edvard Munch’s prints.
3. Etching: An intaglio process where the image is incised into a metal plate coated with wax, which is then acid-etched to create grooves. Ink fills the grooves and is transferred onto paper. Example: Rembrandt’s etchings.
4. Lithography: A planographic process using oil and water; the image is drawn on stone or metal. When inked, the greasy parts attract ink while the dampened non-image areas repel it. Example: Daumier’s lithographs.

Influences on Artists and Musicians

Rembrandt Van Rijn was influenced by the Baroque emphasis on dramatic lighting and emotional intensity, often reflecting personal struggles in his works such as “Self-Portrait with Old Man” (Schama, 1999). Hokusai’s art was influenced by Japanese culture and nature; his series “Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji” depicts landscapes and daily life, emphasizing harmony with nature (Impey & Noritake, 2014). Louis Armstrong’s music was shaped by his upbringing in New Orleans, jazz culture, and the social issues of racial inequality and migration, which fueled his innovative improvisations and emotional soulful playing (Tucker, 2010).

Matching Artworks and Artists

1. Figure 1: B. Vincent van Gogh
2. Figure 2: C. Pablo Picasso
3. Figure 3: A. Frank Lloyd Wright
4. Figure 4: D. Sir Peter Paul Rubens
5. Figure 5: B. Raphael Sanzio
6. Figure 6: C. Diego Rivera
7. Figure 7: F. Michelangelo
8. Figure 8: G. El Greco
9. Figure 9: B. Vincent van Gogh
10. Figure 10: H. Leonardo da Vinci

References

References

• Capra, F. (2007). Leonardo da Vinci: The Marvellous Works. Harvard University Press.
• Impey, E., & Noritake, K. (2014). Hokusai. The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
• Karmel, P. (2010). Jackson Pollock: A Biography. Abrams.
• Lipsey, R. (2013). Vermeer. Yale University Press.
• Nafieh, G., & White Smith, B. (2011). Van Gogh: The Life. Knopf.
• Newman, A. (2009). Pieter Bruegel the Elder. Phaidon Press.
• Pound, R. (2012). Giotto and the Art of the Proto-Renaissance. Yale University Press.