Final Spring 2011 Honors Humanities

The painting "Death of the Virgin" by Caravaggio is an example of the Baroque period in Art. This period, which emerged in the 17th century, is characterized by dramatic lighting, intense emotions, and a sense of movement. Caravaggio's use of chiaroscuro, or the contrast between light and dark, is a hallmark of the Baroque style. The painting's somber subject matter and realistic depiction of the Virgin's death also align with the emotional and theatrical tendencies of Baroque art.

During the Realistic period, artists and writers focused on depicting the world of the average person. This period aimed to represent everyday life and the struggles of ordinary individuals. It sought to portray the realities of society, including the working class, social issues, and the mundane aspects of life. This theme was popular as it allowed artists to explore the human experience and shed light on the lives of common people, rather than focusing on grandiose or mythical subjects.

The correct answer is Rococo and Neoclassical. The Enlightenment era was a period of intellectual and cultural movement in the 18th century. Rococo, characterized by elaborate ornamentation and delicate colors, was popular during the early part of the 18th century. Neoclassical, on the other hand, emerged later in the 18th century and was influenced by classical Greek and Roman art. Both Rococo and Neoclassical art reflected the ideals of reason, rationality, and a focus on humanism, which were key principles of the Enlightenment period.

During the Neoclassical period, there were two factors that contributed to its emergence. One factor was the questioning of absolutism, which challenged the absolute authority of monarchs and promoted the idea of individual rights and freedoms. The other factor was the immorality of the ruling class, which exposed the corrupt and unethical behavior of those in power. These factors led to a shift in societal values and a desire for change, ultimately shaping the Neoclassical period.

The church had three issues with Caravaggio's painting "Death of the Virgin". First, the figure representing Mary was painted realistically as a corpse, which may have been seen as disrespectful or inappropriate. Second, Caravaggio employed a corpse as his model, which could have been seen as sacrilegious or macabre. Lastly, the representation of Mary portrayed her with bare feet, which may have been seen as immodest or lacking in reverence.

During the Rococo period, the focus was on creating beautiful and visually appealing artwork and architecture. The artists of this period aimed to capture the essence of beauty through intricate and delicate designs. However, the Rococo period was also characterized by a sense of immorality, as it often depicted scenes of indulgence and excess. Additionally, the Rococo style was associated with the elite and upper classes, creating a sense of elitism and social separation.

The era of Neo Classical art history is directly linked to the 1st French Revolution in 1789. This period was characterized by a return to classical ideals and a rejection of the excesses of the Baroque era. Artists during this time sought to depict the values of the revolution, such as liberty, equality, and democracy, through their work. Neo Classical art often featured classical themes and styles, drawing inspiration from ancient Greece and Rome. This connection to the French Revolution makes Neo Classical the correct answer.

The Baroque period was characterized by a focus on realism and naturalism in art and literature, as well as a strong influence from the Counter Reformation movement in the Catholic Church. Absolutism, which refers to a form of government where the ruler has complete control over all aspects of the state, was also associated with the Baroque period. However, idealism, which emphasizes the importance of ideas and concepts over physical reality, was not a prominent characteristic of the Baroque period.

The painting "Death of Socrates" by David reflects the Enlightenment idea that it is honorable to die for a noble cause. In the painting, Socrates is depicted calmly accepting his death sentence, showing his commitment to his beliefs and principles. This aligns with the Enlightenment belief in the importance of individual liberty and the pursuit of truth, even in the face of opposition or persecution. Additionally, the idea that individuals should question authority is also evident in the painting, as Socrates is shown engaging in philosophical discussions and challenging the beliefs and ideas of those in power.

During the Romantic period, there were three common themes that emerged. One theme was curiosity, which refers to the desire to explore and discover new things. Another theme was the fascination with ancient stories of Gods and Heroes, which reflects a longing for a mythical and heroic past. Great suffering was also a prevalent theme, highlighting the intense emotions and struggles experienced by individuals during this time. Lastly, the theme of injustice was significant, shedding light on the social and political inequalities of the era.