Episode 92: Classical Revivals in Art and Architecture

In today's podcast Lauren and Alisha talk about Classical Revivals in Art and Architecture. 

Some of the main characteristics of classical revivals are, the revival of Humanism in philosophical thinkers, interest in classical themes in art work, like Greek and Roman mythological and historical drama, and usually a political background, like Napoleon and the Napoleonic wars.

Italian Renaissance

Donatello, David, 1430-40

Raphael, School of Athens, 1509

Andrea Palladio, "La Rotonda", Villa Almerico Capra

British Neoclassical revival

Reynolds, Portrait of Mrs. Siddons as the Tragic Muse, 1789

Stourhead Estate, Wiltshire, UK

Pantheon, Stourhead, Wiltshire, UK

Temple of Apollo, Stourhead, Wiltshire, UK

French Neoclassical

David, The Sabine Women, 1796-99

Classical Revival in America

Thomas Jefferson, The Monticello, 1772, Charlottesville, Virginia

Back to Italy

Canova, Psyche Revived by the Kiss of Love, 1793

Thanks for joining us today. We hope you enjoyed this episode on Classical Revivals. Next week Julia and Carrie will be discussing Abstract Expressionism! See you next Wednesday!

Episode 91: Great Artist Rivalries

Some of the most well known artists through out history did their best work while trying to beat out their rival. In this weeks episode Jo and Lauren discuss Great Artist Rivalries

In the first round, we have Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo Buonarotti!

Here's some Leo (note precision and attention to atmospheric detail):

The Virgin and Child with Saint Anne, 1516

Madonna of the Rocks, 1483-86

And here's some Michelangelo (note the way he brings the figure out of the work):

Atlas Slave, 1530-1534

Lorenzo de Medici (the lesser one, not the awesome one) from the Medici Chapel, 1526-1533

Here is a link which succinctly describes in the artist's words their feelings towards one another:

OKAY so moving on towards our second rivalry: Borromini and Bernini! 

In summation, Bernini had the charisma which Borromini was severely lacking, leading ultimately to the latter's suicide. Not a happy story, but definitely a dramatic one!

Basilica di San Pietro, construction started 1506

Both artists worked on this structure (even Michelangelo!). The modern bell towers are Borromini's fix it to Bernini's big snafu. 

Baldacchino, 1623-1634

 This was another love child between Bernini and Borromini - but you can see Bernini's flamboyancy won out.

San Carlo alle Quatro Fontane, 1646, Borromini

 

San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane - Inside, 1646, Borromini

 At last Borromini got his own building - look at the lavish splendor!

And for our last rivalry, with a particularly French flavor: Ingres and Delacroix!

Ingres on Left, Delacroix on Right, Self Portraits

In a nutshell, this is an ultimate battle between the straitlaced line lover, and the adventurous color-wielder!

Paganini, Delacroix, 1831

Paganini, Ingres, 1819

Bacchus and Ariadne, Titian, 1520-23

Delacroix, Moroccan Saddles His Horse, 1855

One of Delacroix's influences. Notice the hints of loose brushwork (impasto) and the delightful colors! One of Delacroix's works showing that wonderful brushwork.

Well, thanks for listening! Be sure to tune in next week, and leave your comments here or on iTunes U!

Episode 90: The Influences of Byzantine Art and Architecture.

The Byzantine Empire started out as the Eastern half of the Roman Empire. Much of the art we associate with it today is Christian related. Christianity gained popularity in Byzantium after the Roman Emperor Constantine stopped the persecution of Christians and eventually declared himself a Christian.

The beautiful mosaics, illuminated manuscripts, architecture and other arts created in the Byzantine Empire influenced other countries and places outside the Roman empires region and time. 

Lets take a look at some examples of Byzantine art and architecture, and other art that was influenced by it...

Page from the Rabula Gospels (Mesopotamia, 6th century AD)

Virgin And Child Flanked By Justinian I And Constantine I, Hagia Sophia 

Mosaic from the Basilica of Santa Prassede, Rome, Italy

The Temptations of Christ, St. Mark's Basilica, Venice Italy, 12th Century

Cross section of the Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia, Istanbul Turkey, As it looks today

Sacre Coeur, Paris, France

Example of Byzantine carving

See you next Wednesday for a new episode on Great Artist Rivalries! Have a great week!

Episode 68: Monetary Art

This week's episode was originally supposed to air in May 2013 but some technical difficulties delayed it. We've got it up and running for you now, and we hope you enjoy learning more about monetary art!

If you have only a handful of coins, you have an art collection!  (Corny, I know, but it’s true!)

As we exchange money daily we hold the intricate artwork of countless artists who receive little fame for their work.  In this episode we focus on 3 American monies packed full of history and symbolism.

Terms to know:  

obverse: the side of a coin or bill bearing the principal design, often a portrait of someone famous; the “front” side; “heads”

reverse: the “back” side of a coin or bill; “tails”

The Flowing Hair Chain Cent, the first American penny, Henry Voigt, 1793

The 1862 large size note, featuring Secretary of the Treasury, Salmon P. Chase

The 1929 dollar bill (Obverse)

Reverse

Detail

The Sacagawea Dollar Coin, Glenna Goodacre, 2000

Goodacre's initials are carved into the bottom of the blanket on the obverse side.

Check out the seven current sculptor/engravers of the U.S. Mint

http://www.usmint.gov/education/sculptor_engravers/?CFID=46753303&CFTOKEN=15415068

We wish you pockets full of artwork in the new year!

Next Wednesday for a brand new episode on the Roman Sculptor with Lauren and Alisha!