HU 141 Exam One Study Guide

For this first examination, you will be required to answer 6-10 short answer
questions. Responses need to be prose answers (complete thoughts) and literate.
A paragraph or two should be adequate. Carefully proofread your work.
You will need to have at least one cultural artifact in mind from each period that you
can discuss confidently. This would include Early Renaissance, High Renaissance,
Mannerism, and Baroque (Counter-Reformation, Aristocratic, and Bourgeois).
If you have questions, please let me know.

Here are some possible questions:

Introduction
1. What is style? Name four influences on style.
2. Discuss the five universal themes of the humanities.
3. Define values and culture. Using an example explain how culture reflects values.
Early Renaissance
4. Describe perspective and its elements. What was it used for?
a.
5. Baptistery Competition: How does Ghibertis Sacrifice of Isaac reflect the culture shift
that is occurring?
a. The entire scene was cast as a single unit. It marked a shift towards a
mathematical perspective and perfection in work
6. How did the Medici contribute to the Renaissance?
a. The Medici family was an old and wealthy family living in the area (wealth
came from banking) around Florence. During the time period, the wealthiest
families maintained control over the cities. Cosimo de Medici founded the
Platonic Academy to further studies in literature and philosophy. He also
lavished his funds on art projects to enhance the beauty of the city, greatly
supporting the rising Donatello.
7. What is significant about Donatellos David?
a. Donatellos David, in retrospect to the other Davids, is posing after the battle
against goliath. He is leaning on Goliaths sword while resting his other leg on
his severed head. Unlike the others, this David is meant to be seen from all
sides. Its also the first freestanding statue of a nude figure sculpted since
roman antiquity. It marks a step towards pagan rather than biblical art in
spirit.
8. What is Machiavellis The Prince about? Describe three of his recommendations.
a. How to truly lead and govern a society. (The pragmatic use of power for state
management)
i. It was power not the moral law of god that provided the state with its
ultimate sanction
ii. Its better to lead out of fear rather than love
iii. A prince must act first out of his own self-interest
9. Why is Erasmus called a humanist?
a. His many novels attempted to combine classical learning and a simple
approach to Christian living. He was very critical of the abuses within the
church as is commented on greatly in his humorous work The Praise of Folly

High Renaissance
10. Using examples, describe the differences between Early Renaissance and High
Renaissance styles.
a. Early and High Renaissance art differed in the intensity and realism of artwork.
For example, Early Renaissance art was very characteristic of figures drawn
with haloes as in Fra Angelicos, Annunciation. In High Renaissance art
however, figures were drawn much more realistically, haloes were much less
common, and artists began painting realistic landscapes (Like Albrecht
Altdorfers Danube Landscape Near Regensburg)
11. Raphaels School of Athens attempts to show the intellectual/cultural currents of the
Renaissance. Discuss three examples of this.
a. Plato and Aristotle sit at the center of the faade
b. Raphael included himself in the portrait
c. It is one of the most mathematically perfect works of art in the era
12. Using an example, characterize Michelangelos style.
a. Has been deemed michelangelesque, and is defined as the ability to combine
great physical bulk with linear grace and a powerful display of emotion.
Usually defined by adoration of the masculine anatomy, as can be easily seen
in his David, and The Last Judgement which displays powerful emotion of God
judging the living (all idealized figures) and casting some down to hell.
13. Using an example, describe Mannerism? What may have caused Mannerism?
a. An art style characterized by abnormal art that exploits strangeness of subject
and uncontrolled emotion, or withdrawal. Michelangelos vestibule stairway of
the Laurentian library, for instance is a perfect example of this. The windows
arent actually windows and the columns support nothing. It may have been
that artists were becoming more interested in emphasizing emotion in their
art in whatever manner possible, whether or not things such as overextending
a human neck or torso were unrealistic in nature.
14. What is Castigliones The Courtier about? How does it reflect humanistic values?
a. It talks about classical virtues and platonic love among many things. One of
his main themes revolved around the importance of well-rounded persons. It
reflects humanistic values because it reflects a world that is overly refined, too
aesthetically sensitive, and excessively concerned about the niceties of life.
15. Why is the Renaissance called the foundation/beginning of the Modern World?
a.
Northern Renaissance
16. Describe three characteristics of the Northern Renaissance that make it different from
the Italian Renaissance.
17. What was the Reformation?
18. Using an example, characterize the painting of Pieter Bruegel the Elder.
19. William Shakespeares tragedies are considered his supreme achievements. Name
two and explain why.
Baroque
20. Using an example, describe Counter-Reformation Baroque style.
21. Discuss Caravaggios use of chiaroscuro.
22. Why is Bernini identified with the Counter-Reformation Baroque style?
23. Why is Descartes called the Father of Modern Philosophy?