This assignment has 3 parts.

Part 1

Visit the following Web sites, and explore the collections of Ancient Art there:

• A New York art museum
• A Paris museum
• Select galleries in a Washington, DC museum

From the gallery Web sites listed above and available through the Course Materials List, select 2 works of art from any ancient culture.

Part 2

Using the terminology and concepts you are learning for evaluating art, compare and contrast the 2 works including materials used, style, meaning, symbolism, and any other aesthetic issues.

• What is the form of the work?
  • Is it a 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional work of art?
  • What materials are used?
  • What techniques or processes are used to create the artwork?
  • What colors are used?
  • Describe the use of line, shape, texture, value, color, and balance.
• Does the work of art have subject matter?
  • If so, what is literally depicted?
  • Is the work of art representational, abstract, or nonobjective?
• What is the content?
  • What does it mean or represent?
  • What is the artist’s message?
  • Is symbolism used? If so, what is the meaning?
  • What is the context of the artwork?
  • What is the function of the artwork?
  • What traditional role of the artist is exemplified?

Part 3

Explain how the works of art fit into the context of the time period. Keep in mind that only artworks that fit into the period of Ancient Art (created between 30,000 BCE–500 CE) will be accepted.

You are required to comply with APA-style format for quotations, internal citations, and a reference list. For additional information and resources on APA, visit the APA section of the Library, available under “Library Features.”

DB3-

Put yourself in the position of an up-and-coming artist living in early-sixteenth-century Italy. Now imagine trying to distinguish yourself from the other artists living in your town: Michelangelo, Raphael, Leonardo, or Titian. Is it any wonder that the Italian High Renaissance lasted only 30 years?

— Jerry Saltz

New needs need new techniques. And the modern artists have found new ways and new means of making their statements … the modern painter cannot express this age, the airplane, the atom bomb, the radio, in the old forms of the Renaissance or of any other past culture.

— Jackson Pollock (American abstract-expressionist painter, 1912–1956)

Part 1

A renaissance in a culture can be described as a “rebirth” a “new beginning,” or “resurgence.” In art, some of the periods of art are considered a “renaissance” of new stylistic choices that inspired artists. However, the culture at large can also be affected by a renaissance as architects, writers, musicians and other creative professionals embrace change. After reflecting on the quotes above, discus with classmates:

• What are your impressions of a “renaissance” or a “new birth” occurring in a culture?
• Can you think of a renaissance that has happened in the last 20 years in art, music, technology, or education?

Part 2

• What are your opinions of what can cause a renaissance?
• Is it always a good thing for a culture? Why or Why not?
• Is American society in a renaissance now?

Discuss with 2 or more classmates why you think that a renaissance can be a benefit or if it may hinder the culture in some ways.