ARTS - Module 1 ( Western Classical Art Traditions) Grade 9

Summary

This art history module explores Western classical art traditions through three distinct periods: ancient, classical, and medieval. It covers prehistoric cave paintings, Egyptian sarcophagi, Greek frescoes, and Roman mosaics, highlighting their cultural and religious significance. The module delves into techniques like fresco and encaustic, and discusses Byzantine, Romanesque, and Gothic art, emphasizing their evolution and impact on religious and social narratives. Interactive activities encourage students to identify artworks and engage with the material.

Takeaways

• 🎨 The module focuses on Western classical art traditions, covering famous paintings from various art periods.
• 📚 The module is divided into three lessons: ancient paintings (prehistoric and Egyptian), classical paintings (Greek and Roman), and medieval paintings (Byzantine, Romanesque, and Gothic).
• ⏳ A timeline of art periods is provided, ranging from 1.5 million BC to 1400 AD, highlighting the evolution of art through time.
• 🖌️ The meaning of 'art' is explored, with its Latin origin 'ars' meaning skill, and its importance in human expression, satisfaction, and character development.
• 🗿 Prehistoric art includes cave paintings used for communication, religious, or ceremonial purposes, while Egyptian art aimed to make the afterlife pleasant and preserve knowledge.
• 🏺 Examples of ancient art include the sarcophagus of Tutankhamen and the cave paintings of Lascaux, showcasing early artistic expression.
• 🏛️ Greek and Roman art featured dynamic compositions in vases, panels, and tombs, with subjects like battle scenes and mythological figures.
• 🖼️ Romantic period paintings often imitated Greek styles, using techniques like fresco, encaustic, and panel painting.
• 🕍 Byzantine art continued the lively styles of Greek and Roman art for Christian subjects, while Romanesque art emphasized religious and social functions in church decorations.
• 🌟 Gothic art originated in northern France, characterized by height and light to symbolize the transcendence of the soul.
• 📝 The module concludes with six activities for learners to engage with, including identifying titles of artworks from the discussed periods.

Q & A

What are the three main art periods covered in the first module of the arts course?

The three main art periods covered are the Prehistoric and Egyptian, Greek and Roman, and Byzantine, Romanesque, and Gothic periods.

What does 'BC' stand for in the context of the timeline of art periods?

'BC' stands for 'Before Christ', indicating the time before the birth of Jesus Christ.

What is the significance of art according to the script?

Art is significant because it allows people to express feelings, provides satisfaction to the talented, and helps develop character, proper attitudes, and values.

Why were paintings in prehistoric times often found inside caves?

Prehistoric paintings in caves may have served as a form of communication, or they could have been used for religious or ceremonial purposes.

What is the purpose of Egyptian paintings as mentioned in the script?

Egyptian paintings were intended to make the deceased's afterlife pleasant, emphasizing the importance of life after death and the preservation of past knowledge.

What are the main themes found in Egyptian art?

The main themes in Egyptian art include the journey to the underworld, introducing diseases to the gods of the underworld, and the protection by deities.

What is the difference between fresco and encaustic painting techniques?

Fresco involves painting water-based pigments on freshly applied plaster, usually on walls, while encaustic is a technique using pigment mixed with beeswax and fixed with heat.

What are the characteristics of Byzantine art as described in the script?

Byzantine art is characterized by lively styles of painting that were invented in Greek and Rome but adapted for Christian subjects, with a blend of Greek and Oriental styles in imposing images adorning churches.

What are the three main functions of Romanesque paintings?

The three main functions of Romanesque paintings are entertaining, moralizing, and educational.

What is the symbolic meaning behind the characteristics of Gothic art?

Gothic art symbolizes the transcendence of the soul and an underlying philosophy to create buildings of height and light.

What are the six activities that students need to complete in this arts module?

The six activities involve answering questions related to the art periods discussed, which can be done online or on an answer sheet.