intro classicism
TRANSCRIPT
ClassicismClassicismDefinitions and Purposes,Definitions and Purposes,
Relationship to Early Christianity,Relationship to Early Christianity,Classical Truth & Classical BeautyClassical Truth & Classical Beauty
How are values expressed in How are values expressed in art and architecture?art and architecture?
Iconography?
Technique?
Other?
A combination of issues?
How?
Classicism is generally Classicism is generally expressed withexpressed with
• Clearness - order• Symmetry - stability• Elegance - gracefulness • Repose - ease
Sometimes synonymous with:» Excellence» Epitome of style (the perfect representation of something)
» Artistic quality of high distinction
What is expressed through the What is expressed through the language of Classicism?language of Classicism?
• What ideas, assertions, identities are expressed through Classical design?
• When does it appear? In what context? When is it needed?
More precisely, it refers More precisely, it refers to . . .to . . .
. . . an admiration and imitation of Greek and Roman ideas and principles.
What were those?
Our initial focus will be on these Antique (Greco-Roman) concepts and subsequent applications of the ideas that were derived in Antiquity.
Classical TruthClassical Truth
• SYSTEM of thought – coherent way of making sense of the universe - governed thinking up through the Renaissance
• Not limited to art and architecture, also philosophy, natural sciences, astronomy, language, math, politics
• Essential for success: Two truths MUST support each other and CANNOT conflict (explains seriousness of heresy as a terrible crime: Classicism explains the universe and you don’t destroy the universe)
Classicism and ChristianityClassicism and ChristianityHave an intertwined past….
• Medieval and Renaissance thought saw the two issues (Classical thinking and Christian beliefs) as complementary aspects of Divine Truth (working together)
• Philosophical adaptation of Antique ideas of Truth, Beauty, Idealization- ideas
• Physical and conceptual adaptation of Antique types and figures- images
• The Break-up: In sixteenth century, The Council of Trent decided to formally distance itself from tradition of “paganism”
(obsolete propaganda/do not use; working separate)
Adaptation:
Nikes of Victory
become
Angels of God
Adaptation: River Gods appear at scenes of Jesus’ baptism
Adaptation: Tellus, the Earth Goddess
becomes
the Personification of Charity
Insight into Classical BeautyInsight into Classical Beauty• Different from personal taste, may conflict with taste
actually
• Thought that exposure to it would train us to love it, shape us
• Images seen: will lodge into your soul to ennoble or demean you
• Beauty manifested God
• Three properties:– Geometry or proportions that can be expressed in whole
numbers (2:1, 1:3 …)– Bright color or strong light– Smooth finish and/or perfect condition
Insight into IdealizationInsight into Idealization• Ideal and Real are opposites
• A product of Divine design – perfect
• It is the best and there can be only one best; our human differences (reality) are proof of imperfect nature (humanity)
• Signals or Visual Cues:– Nothing to hide: Nudity or near nudity– Ease: Contrapposto stance (hip-shift pose)– Ease: Face and body at rest– Clarity: Geometric qualities to face– Clarity: Smooth skin, without details
Birth of Venus, Botticelli, 1486
Applications of IdealizationApplications of Idealization
Ancient Greeks used idealization to communicate
internal (spiritual, intellectual, emotional)qualities of a figure
• That he/she was in some way ideal or perfect (heroes, victorious athletes)
• That he/she were favored by the gods
• That he/she was in some way divine (gods, goddesses)
ChristianitySimilarly adapted it
• That he/she was in some way ideal or perfect (Christ, V.M., saints, angels)
• That he/she were in a state of grace (David before confronting Goliath)
• That he/she was in some way divine (Christ)