Week 2 Discussion

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South University, Savannah *

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MICROECONO

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Arts Humanities

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Jan 9, 2024

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docx

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Uploaded by ProfAlpaca2768

1 Week 2 Discussion Part 1: Throughout history, sculpture styles have evolved, especially during the Renaissance and Baroque periods in Italy. Let's start by looking at Michelangelo's "David" (1501-1504), a significant work from the High Renaissance. It embodies the celebration of classic ideas during this period, emphasizing precision in anatomy and reviving the aesthetics of ancient Greek and Roman art (Kleiner, 2021). The sculpture depicts David in a poised and confident manner, capturing a moment of peaceful anticipation before facing Goliath. Moving into the Baroque period, Gian Lorenzo Bernini's "David" (1623-1624) marks a shift from Michelangelo's calm representation. Bernini's sculpture is dynamic and engaging, with a twisting body and intense facial expression that reflects the Baroque emphasis on movement and emotion (Kleiner, 2021). This period favored drama and expressiveness. Jumping ahead to Antonio Canova's "David" (1804-1806), we enter the Neoclassical resurgence of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Inspired by ancient Greek sculptures, Canova's David exudes grace and idealized beauty, showcasing a serene and graceful attitude through a contrapposto pose and harmonious balance (Kleiner, 2021). The change in David's attitude across these sculptures mirrors not only the evolution of artistic styles but also the shifting cultural and philosophical ideals of their respective eras. Michelangelo's David is contemplative, Bernini's is action-oriented, and Canova's is graceful and serene.

2 Part 2: Now, transitioning to Dutch Baroque painting, Johannes Vermeer's "Woman Holding a Balance" (c. 1664) offers insight into sixteenth-century Holland. Vermeer meticulously depicts everyday life in a prosperous Dutch household, using symbolism. The woman holding a balance, seemingly engaged in a simple task, symbolizes moral judgment and introspection, reflecting Protestant ideals of personal responsibility (Kleiner, 2019). The opulence in the painting reflects the economic prosperity of the rising middle class, who were the main patrons of Dutch Baroque art. Vermeer's attention to detail and play of light align with the intellectual currents of the time, as the Dutch Republic experienced the flourishing of scientific inquiry and the Enlightenment. In conclusion, these sculptures and paintings provide a captivating journey through evolving artistic styles and societal values. Michelangelo, Bernini, Canova, and Vermeer contribute uniquely to art history, offering enduring insights into the complexities of human expression and the cultural contexts that shape it (Kleiner, 2019; Kleiner, 2021). References Kleiner, F. (2019). Gardner's art through the ages: A global history ((16th ed.,)). https://digitalbookshelf.southuniversity.edu/reader/books/9780357299210/epubcfi/6/2[% 3Bvnd.vst.idref%3DM1]!/4/4/2%4051:1

3 Kliener, F. (2021). Gardner’s art through the ages: The western perspective (volume II (16th ed.,)). Cengage. https://digitalbookshelf.southuniversity.edu/reader/books/9780357939994/epubcfi/6/2[% 3Bvnd.vst.idref%3DM1]!/4/4/2%4051:1

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Week 2 Discussion

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