Art History

I know this isn't exactly a "digital art tutorial", but having a knowledge and understanding of art history is important even for digital artists. It's also incredible for inspiration. Already, reading the textbook for my Art History class has given me so many ideas for digital pictures and models to create, both of a purely historical sort and a fantastical sort... (if only I knew the software well enough to produce them!)

Here are just a few random, miscellaneous things I've learned so far in Art History:

* Post and lintel architecture consists of two upright beams with a beam sitting on top. Stonehenge is an example. Some doorways were also formed this way.

* In Ancient Egyptian art, people were portrayed in stiff, unnatural poses. Heads were in profile; eyes are seen from the front; shoulders were seen from the front; and legs were in profile, with one foot in front of the other.

* A relief sculpture is partially carved out of its background material. ("Whew, what a relief I don't have to carve the whole thing!") A sculpture in the round is entirely carved out and free-standing. (You can walk all the way around it.)

Example of a relief sculpture

Example of a sculpture in the round

* In Medieval Spain, the combination of Christian and Islamic influence resulted in a style known as Mozarabic. 

* Ottonian art consisted of many carvings made from wood and bronze. The name "Ottonian" came from the rulers of that time, Otto I, Otto II, and Otto III. (That's a lot o' Ottos!) (Say that aloud three times fast and you'll see how brilliant I am. Okay, okay... it's not actually very funny. I'll go retreat into a nerdish corner now.)

* In the Romanesque period of art in Europe, many beautiful castles and churches were built. Some churches would have columns with zigzagging "v" patterns called chevrons.

Chevrons (image from paradoxplace.com)

* Some common features of Medieval churches:
(a) Mosaics on walls
(b) Stained glass
(c) Domes
(d) Political as well as religious functions
(e) Used as a site for pilgrimages

Medieval church with stained glass

Now, I want to hear from you! What are some aspects of art history that inspire you? What is your favorite historical piece of art? Do you know an interesting snippet of art history that you'd like to share? Or, do you have any other comments related to art history? Answer one or all questions in a comment below!