Final post

I really like the pieces with a religious, or political message to them. I really enjoyed comparing different artworks from the different periods of time. I think one of my favorites was comparing Commodus as Hercules and the portrait head of Caracalla. He portrait head of Caracalla has a rough appearance of a man’s face I think that is to show more power and that is why it was of great importance to Romans.  The bust of Commodus as Hercules has more of a peaceful facial expression. This piece also shows that he is of high power because it shows a sense of intimidation. You have to look more deeply into this piece because you have to understand the mythology of the God Hercules. Hercules was a strong and powerful leader, he is known for his heroics. I think that the two men are powerful and each show it in their different ways.

I also liked learning about Winckelmann and his views on Greek art. Winckelmann changed the way we see Greek art. When you say Greek statues you don’t think of the painted ones, you think of only the white marble statues, the ones Winckelmann favored. Seeing the reconstructions of the white marble statues makes me see them differently now because I try and add color to them. But I still agree with Winckelmann about how the white is more pure and adds more class to the statues. He really made me understand that adding or subtracting colors or shapes or symbols can really change the meaning of the art.

Along with those I also liked comparing the architecture of the pyramids to the Ziggurats. I learned that the Ziggurats and the Pyramids at Giza have similarities but they also have their differences. Each was built for someone with great importance. Which I think is the most important similarity they share. However each one was built for different reasons and they look different. I learned that there was more to them that meets the eye, pyramids have a gold cap to them. Which I would have never have known if it wasn’t for this class.

I also liked that the Ancient Aegean artwork had the use of skinny people. It showed that they have a unique form of art. With this class I learned to look for things like that within the artworks of the past. I also learned to critically analyze the difference and similarities of each piece of art. It is also nice to read about what others in the class are thinking and to have their inputs on my own opinions. I am looking forward to continuing to learn about the history of art. 

Hildesheim Cathedral, Bernward’s Door

Option 2

          In the Hildesheim Cathedral, the Bernward’s Door is a very large bronze door. There are panels that are carved with eight scenes from the Old Testament on the left and on the right side there is the eight scenes from the New Testament. From the top to bottom on the left side there is the creation of Adam and Eve all the way down to the murder of Abel. While on the left it starts from the Annunciation and goes to the Noli me tangere.

       The panel the fall is the scene of Eve tempting Adam with the forbidden fruit from the tree. The tree is off center to the right of the panel. There is also the serpent on the scene; the serpent is the one that tempted Eve with the fruit off the forbidden tree. She knew that she wasn’t allowed to eat from the tree but she did it anyway, and she tempted Adam with the fruit as well. Adam and Eve have very similar body styles but they way I think you can tell which one is which is that Eve has the apple in her hand. Underneath this panel is the scene of the Accusation and Judgment of Adam and Eve. This is the scene where they have disobeyed. You know this by the God-like man that appears while Adam and Eve bow to the ground in shame.
         On the right side directly across from The Fall is the scenes known as The Passion. The Passion is the panel of the Crucifixion of Jesus. The moment of the first sin, Eve eating from the forbidden tree, that begins the entire curse and separation from God. Thus, the scene of Jesus is the sacrifice, known as the Crucifixion. In this panel you see Jesus on the cross being stabbed by guard next to John. I remember hearing in church that Bible says the guards offered vinegar instead of water. So I think that is was the guard on the other side is doing. The panel underneath the Crucifixion is the panel of Judgment of Jesus by Pilate. In this scene you see Pilate has brought Jesus out and as they sat down on the judgment seat at a place called the Pavement, they ordered him to be Crucified.
         I think that the panels that are placed on the top because they show the great importance. But these panels are put at the center because it is the beginning one telling about Eve eating from the forbidden tree while the other side of that is telling about the Crucifixion of Jesus. I think they are paired together to show that Jesus was crucified for our sins. While the Adam and Eve panels are showing that a sin is taking place. Each panel is showing a sin one in the falling of Jesus and the other showing that mankind makes sins. On the right side with the Crucifixion of Jesus that is showing that mankind will be forgiven for their sins, since Jesus gave up his life. While the Eves sins was to punish their daughters by having pain during childbirth. Each of these panels are similar to each other with the theme of stories they tell. 

Bust of Commodus as Hercules and Portrait head of Caracalla

                  

Bust of Commodus as Hercules                   Portrait head of Caracalla

            From the first glance the portrait head of Caracalla  (c. 217-230) has a rough and more intimidating look to him. The bust of Commodus as Hercules (c. 191-92 CE) has more of a calm and peaceful look. I think they are meant to cause fear to their enemies. Both are much different in how they are represented as higher powers. Head of Caracalla and Commodus as Hercules each shows propaganda elements of showing leadership, strength and power.

The portrait head of Caracalla has a rough appearance of a man’s face I think that is to show more power and that is why it was of great importance to Romans. His eyes seem to be glaring at something or someone; it might be one of his enemies. Everything in his face from his eyebrows to his lips shows that he is full of strength and power. Since his facial expression shows how powerful he is the piece doesn’t need to have other objects such as trophies or his success to show his power. This piece shows more mystery because there isn’t those other objects.

            The bust of Commodus as Hercules has more of a peaceful facial expression. This piece also shows that he is of high power because it shows a sense of intimidation. He has a peaceful face and along with him holding apples also gives the sense of peacefulness. The bust of this piece shows a sense of strength through the Hercules lion head. His strength is real because he used to battle against animals. Maybe that is why he uses a lion head. The lion hat shows that he is not to be messed with because he is a strong leader and warrior. The lion might be one of his many trophies from something he has killed. This piece also shows his muscles and lets you know he great physical strength. You have to look more deeply into this piece because you have to understand the mythology of the God Hercules. Hercules was a strong and powerful leader, he is known for his heroics.

            Both are intimidating figures but each shows that in different ways, one shows it in his facial expression while the other shows it by showing off his trophies to show his power. Both pieces reflect the character of Commodus and Caracalla through their appearances. Each piece has a great amount of detail and expressions in the faces. Each figure is powerful but the statue of Commodus has himself symbolized with the God Hercules. Meanwhile the statue of Caracalla doesn’t need any other elements other than himself to show power. Although, the Portrait head of Caracalla has the more rough and stronger facial expressions while the face of Commodus as Hercules has that more of peaceful look they are both intimidating men.

Greek Art

Winckelmann has had a great deal of impact on Greek art. His thoughts on the art were “pure” and “simple”. He took into consideration that the Greek statues of the pure white marble were simple and beautiful. Winckelmann was not concerned about the use of color that is just a minor detail of the art. Today I think that the view of this art has changed due to Winckelmann.         

Winckelmann changed the way we see Greek art. When you say Greek statues you don’t think of the painted ones, you think of only the white marble statues, the ones Winckelmann favored. Since he favored the works of art that are simple and pure marble. He forgot about all the works of art that are colored and have that more naturalistic look to them. Today we have art that is simple but we also have works of art that are full of color. I think that both are all strong parts of art, it just depends on the person who is viewing the art. Some people love simple art and others like the more in depth art with lots of color.

After seeing the reconstructions of the white marble statues makes me see them differently now because I try and add color to them. Adding color to the statues really gives them a different look. The statues look more naturalistic and it makes them see like replicas of actual people. I noticed the change after seeing the reconstruction of Temple of Aphaia. The Greeks took the high detail into consideration to make the warriors be more naturalistic. The simple white marble statues do show a great sense of pure beauty but once color is added it seems that the statues just pop into action or life.

For me personally I have to agree with Winckelmann about how the pure white marble adds more simple beauty to statues. I think that maybe adding the colors is too much. I like the “pure” and “simple” look of the white marble statues; they seem to be classier.