Intro Classicism

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Classicis Classicis m m Definitions and Purposes, Definitions and Purposes, Relationship to Early Christianity, Relationship to Early Christianity, Classical Truth & Classical Beauty Classical Truth & Classical Beauty

Transcript of Intro Classicism

Page 1: Intro Classicism

ClassicismClassicismDefinitions and Purposes,Definitions and Purposes,

Relationship to Early Christianity,Relationship to Early Christianity,Classical Truth & Classical BeautyClassical Truth & Classical Beauty

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How are values expressed in How are values expressed in art and architecture?art and architecture?

Iconography?

Technique?

Other?

A combination of issues?

How?

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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

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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?

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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.

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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)

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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)

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Adaptation:

Nikes of Victory

become

Angels of God

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Adaptation: River Gods appear at scenes of Jesus’ baptism

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Adaptation: Tellus, the Earth Goddess

becomes

the Personification of Charity

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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

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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

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Birth of Venus, Botticelli, 1486

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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)