assignment 5

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Ashworth College *

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AR300

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Arts Humanities

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Jan 9, 2024

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BRUSHSTROKES TO BLUEPRINTS: UNRAVELING ART'S TALE FROM DECAY TO DOMES Jessie Brown AC2108460 Ashworth College Art History Assignment 5 December 25 2023

Art history, as an academic field, serves as a lens through which we explore the rich tapestry of human creativity and expression (Stokstad & Cothren, 2018). In the pursuit of understanding visual art, art historians delve into the historical, cultural, and social contexts that shape artworks. This multifaceted discipline encompasses various forms of artistic expression, providing insight into the evolution of human societies and their creative endeavors. Our exploration will focus on the contemporary concerns of art historians, examining natural and human threats to artworks and their implications for the interpretation of these cultural artifacts. Art historians face challenges such as natural decay, where environmental factors contribute to the gradual deterioration of artworks, and human interventions like vandalism and theft, which disrupt the physical and contextual integrity of these creations (Doss, 2018; Stokstad & Cothren, 2018). Additionally, scholars like Doss (2018) emphasize the impact of socio- political contexts on art interpretation, highlighting the need for a nuanced understanding of artworks within broader societal frameworks. Through a discussion grounded in the readings from the textbook "Art History," we will explore specific examples of these threats, shedding light on how they impact the work of art historians in their quest to decipher the meaning and significance of visual art. In contemporary art history, two significant threats to artworks are natural decay and human intervention. Natural decay can result from environmental factors such as climate, light, and humidity. For example, artworks displayed in open-air environments may be susceptible to weathering, while exposure to sunlight can lead to fading or discoloration (Stokstad & Cothren, 2018). Human threats include vandalism, theft, and improper conservation practices. These threats can impact the physical integrity of artworks and, consequently, influence how art historians interpret and analyze them (Doss, 2018; Stokstad & Cothren, 2018).

An example of natural decay affecting interpretation is the degradation of pigments in ancient frescoes due to exposure to light and air. This can lead to a distorted perception of the original color palette and artistic intent. On the other hand, human intervention, such as the theft of a sculpture or vandalism of a painting, can result in the loss of crucial contextual information, hindering art historians' ability to fully understand the work's cultural and historical significance. In conclusion, the study of art history goes beyond mere aesthetic appreciation, serving as a crucial tool for unraveling the complexities of our cultural heritage. By acknowledging and understanding the threats posed by nature and human actions (Doss, 2018; Stokstad & Cothren, 2018), art historians can develop nuanced interpretations that consider the challenges artworks face over time. As custodians of our artistic legacy, the discipline of art history continues to evolve, adapting to contemporary concerns while preserving the stories embedded in the brushstrokes, chisel marks, and architectural forms that define our shared human history. The evolution of megalithic architecture and dome building reflects humanity's ceaseless quest for innovation and the transcendent. From the enigmatic Tomb at Newgrange in Ireland to the Renaissance masterpiece of the Florence Cathedral, each architectural marvel contributes to a narrative of cultural exchange and engineering ingenuity. In this exploration, we trace the development of these structures, connecting key examples across time and geography, to unravel the shared threads that bind them together. The journey begins with the megalithic wonders of Newgrange, where ancient builders demonstrated a remarkable understanding of stone construction (Stokstad & Cothren, 2018). As we traverse through ancient Greece, marveling at the tholos tombs, and onward to the grandeur of the Pantheon in Rome, we witness the evolution of dome building techniques. The pinnacle of this journey is reached in Renaissance Florence, where Filippo Brunelleschi's Dome of the

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Florence Cathedral stands as a testament to the revival of classical knowledge and the birth of a new era in architecture. The Tomb at Newgrange, dating back to around 3000-2500 BCE, stands as one of the most iconic megalithic structures in Ireland (Stokstad & Cothren, 2018, p. 29). It is a passage tomb with a distinctive corbelled roof, creating a beehive-shaped chamber. The architectural ingenuity is evident in the careful arrangement of stones, forming a stable and lasting structure. The tomb's orientation towards the winter solstice sunrise reflects an early understanding of celestial alignments and adds a layer of symbolic significance. Tholos tombs, such as the one in Mycenae from the late Bronze Age, showcase a continuation of megalithic construction techniques (Stokstad & Cothren, 2018, p. 100). The interior of the tholos tomb reveals a circular burial chamber with a corbelled dome. This architectural form, influenced by earlier examples like Newgrange, demonstrates a cross-cultural exchange of ideas in the ancient Mediterranean world. The imposing nature of these structures reflects the cultural importance placed on monumental burial sites. The Pantheon in Rome, built between 110 and 128 CE, stands as a testament to Roman engineering prowess (Stokstad & Cothren, 2018, p. 149). Its iconic dome, made of concrete, is a marvel of architectural innovation. The design includes a central oculus, allowing natural light to filter into the interior. The Pantheon's dome not only showcases the Romans' mastery of building materials but also reflects their fascination with celestial symbolism. The Pantheon's hemispherical form and its perfect proportions inspired later architects and became a hallmark of classical architecture.

Filippo Brunelleschi's dome, crowning the Florence Cathedral, represents a pinnacle of Renaissance architecture (Stokstad & Cothren, 2018, p. 308). Built between 1420 and 1436 CE, the dome incorporates innovative engineering solutions. Brunelleschi employed a double-shelled dome and herringbone brickwork, combining classical principles with contemporary techniques. The construction of the dome involved a revolutionary wooden and iron support structure. Brunelleschi's masterpiece not only solved structural challenges but also paid homage to ancient Roman engineering traditions, marking a revival of classical knowledge during the Renaissance. In the grand tapestry of architectural history, the evolution of megalithic structures to sophisticated domes reflects not only technological advancements but also a continuous dialogue between cultures and epochs (Stokstad & Cothren, 2018). The interplay of form and function, innovation and tradition, creates a narrative that transcends time. As we conclude our exploration, we recognize that these structures are not mere monuments but living witnesses to the collective human spirit, spanning centuries and cultures, and providing invaluable insights into the evolution of architectural thought and engineering prowess.

References Doss, E. (2018). Art in Public: Politics, Economics, and a Democratic Culture . https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.7312/evan18758-012/html?lang=de König, A., Langlands, R., & Uden, J. (2020). References (A. König, J. Uden, & R. Langlands, Eds.). Cambridge University Press; Cambridge University Press. https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/abs/literature-and-culture-in-the-roman-empire-96235/ references/C4AAAE99208BBD0582486C66353D2D79 Paoletti, J. T., & Radke, G. M. (2005). https://primo.getty.edu/primo-explore/fulldisplay/GETTY_ALMA21204509280001551/GRI . Primo.getty.edu. https://primo.getty.edu/primo-explore/fulldisplay/GETTY_ALMA21204509280001551/GRI Stockstad, M., & Cothren, M. (2018). Art History . Www.pearson.com. https://www.pearson.com/en-us/subject-catalog/p/art-history/P200000003089/9780137588992 Whitley, J. (2001). The Archaeology of Ancient Greece | Classical archaeology . Cambridge University Press. https://www.cambridge.org/at/universitypress/subjects/archaeology/classical- archaeology/archaeology-ancient-greece?format=PB&isbn=9780521627337

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