History of art through middle ages

Part 1

Question 1. The Evolution of Greek Sculpture

As we learned this week, sculptors in Ancient Greece strove to achieve perfection in the works of art they created. Carefully examine the following sculptures and read about each one in your textbook, course and video lectures, and through reliable internet resources:

Peplos Kore, from the Acropolis, Athens, c. 530 BCE
Warrior, found in the sea off Riace, Italy, c. 460-450 BCE
Hagesandros, Polydoros, and Athanadoros of Rhodes, Laocoön and His Sons, 2nd-1st c BCE

Then, in a minimum of 2 well-developed paragraphs, answer the following questions:

• What specific visual similarities do you observe in these three sculptures?
• What specific differences do you see? Consider the representation of the figure, facial expression or suggested emotion, additional objects portrayed, and the role of the viewer for each sculpture.
• How is each sculpture representative of the period in Ancient Greece (e.g., Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic) in which it was created?

Be sure to explain your ideas clearly and support them by discussing specific details about each sculpture.

Question 2. Religious Symbolism

This week, we studied cultures that recognized a pantheon of gods and goddesses, such as Ancient Greece and Rome, and also explored the early artistic objects of the Jewish and Christian faiths.

Carefully examine the following sculptures and read about each one in your textbook, course and video lectures, and through reliable internet resources:

Initiation Rites of the Cult of Bacchus, wall painting in the Villa of the Mysteries, Pompeii, c. 50 BCE
Ark of the Covenant and Menorahs, wall painting in a Jewish catacomb, Villa Torlonia, Rome, 3rd c CE
The Transfiguration of Christ, Church of Sant’ Apollinare in Classe, 533-549 CE

Then, in a minimum of 3 well-developed paragraphs, address the following questions:

1. What is the subject matter shown in each work?
2. What is the belief system or faith represented in each work?
3. What religious symbols do you observe in each work?
4. How would the setting of each work have influenced how the contemporary viewer interpreted or understood its meaning?

Be sure to provide citations for any outside sources you reference in this part of your response.

Part 2

Similarities and Differences in Architecture

Use the template provided to prepare a report that details similarities and differences between religious buildings: A Greek temple, a Roman temple, an Early Christian church, and a Byzantine church. Follow these instructions to complete the assignment:

1. Download the Word document worksheet for completing this assignment here.
2. Complete Part 1, Comparison Chart:
   1. From the list of examples provided in the worksheet, choose one example from each: A Greek temple, a Roman temple, an Early Christian church, and a Byzantine church.
   2. Carefully examine each building and read about it in your textbook, course lectures, and through reliable internet resources.
   3. Then, note in the chart the visual characteristics for each type of religious building that are similar and different.
3. Complete Part 2, Historical and Social Context: In a paragraph of at least 8-10 sentences, highlight key similarities and differences between the four structures, and any social, historical, religious, and/or political factors that may have contributed to these similarities and differences. Explain the use and function of each structure, and provide any additional details that help us understand its full meaning.