ART 110: Essay Questions
Exam 3
EIGHT of the
following essay questions will be posted for Exam #2. Prepare an outline for at
least 2 of the following questions and you will be prepared for the exam. Once
you prepare the final essay, your answer must be typed and double-spaced AND SUBMITTED TO BLACKBOARD. Your essay
should average between 2-4 pages and include a brief introduction, the body of
the essay and a brief conclusion. Use your textbook and powerpoint notes to complete the essay. You should
not go to outside sources. If you use a direct quote from the text make sure
you cite the page. You do not have to cite lecture notes. MAKE SURE YOU SUBMIT YOUR ESSAY IN A READABLE FORMAT – MS WORD
2007, RICH TEXT FORMAT (.rtf) or PDF file.
ESSAY QUESTIONS
1.
Discuss the development of the Greek sculpture,
pottery or architecture (Geometric, Orientalizing, Archaic, Classical to
Hellenistic periods). Using one example from each phase, discuss the subject
matter, content, style, and characteristics of each style emphasizing how the
example you chose illustrates that phase. Also relate each example to the
political, religious, and cultural beliefs of the Greek people (Humanism).
2.
Discuss the aesthetics (beauty) and
representation of the different subject matter in Greek art. Analyze how Gods
and Goddesses, Athletes, Kings, Warriors, or common people are portrayed,
focusing on potter or sculpture (relief on in the round). Note aesthetics and
formal elements, (i.e. line, color, shape, form, etc.) and how they relate to
the content (story) of the work. Note the purpose of the work of art (how it
was used, where it was portrayed, who would see it), how its use and location
enhanced its beauty, and any problems that arise as a result of all of these
elements.
3. Discuss the Parthenon on the Acropolis in Athens. Who was the political ruler responsible for its construction, who were the architects, and who was the overseer of the project? In your answer discuss the building's design (use architectural terms), what was on and inside the building, the purpose of the building, and what events took place within and around the building.
4.
Discuss the different phases of Roman wall
paintings. In your essay include why many of the images are so well preserved
and the historical event significant to their preservation. Describe the characteristics of each
phase, where were the paintings were placed, the content of the images, and
their significance? You should discuss an example of each phase of Roman art
and a description of each in your answer.
5.
Analyze 3 examples of Roman Portraiture, i.e.
Political (Emperors, Patricians) and/or people under Roman rule. Discuss in
detail the visual elements as well as the purpose/meaning of the portraits and
how they relate to cultural ideas.
6. Discuss the development of Roman architecture by comparing their buildings to the Greeks, Etruscans or other culture already discusses (i.e. Stonehenge, Egyptian, Sumerian, etc). Also discuss the distinct roman architectural design elements and how the use of materials allowed them to expand on previous techniques. Continue with a discussion of what purpose these buildings served. Include enough examples (3) in your answer to develop your essay.
7. Analyze the development of Christian images during the Early Christian period. Choose 3 examples of early Christian images and discuss the formal elements and how they developed over time, iconography contained in the works and their meaning, the location of the images and how the audience was supposed to interact with them. Your images can include those of Christian God, Christ, Virgin Mary, and Christian Saints.
8. Discuss the origins of the Christian Church (Early or Greek Orthodox/Byzantine) and the influence Christianity had on the art of the Late Antique/Middle ages with specific reference to at least three works illustrated in the text (examples may include early images of Christ, catacombs, illuminated manuscripts, Byzantine mosaics, etc.) They can be either art or architecture. Be specific in your answer; discuss the subject matter, content, formal elements, and the message each portrays.
9. Discuss 3 examples of Byzantine art. In your essay include formal elements and content that make the images distinctly Byzantine, the media that was used, the visual effects of this medium and where the images were located. Include in your answer any icons and their connection to the images, and political, social or historical factors that influenced its design or location.