Friday, March 27, 2009

Alternatives Unit Summery

The Alternatives unit covers the eras of the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Baroque. As each of these eras came about new styles of design were created to go along with the times. Throughout these periods we can see how the boundaries were being pushed and the rules were being broken through the evolution of design and architecture.

The Gothic period began with the spread of Christianity. As the spread of the religion moved further out, the cathedrals began to grow in size and elegance to accommodate the worshipers. “The Gothic cathedrals were covered virtually from top to bottom with sculptural representation of biblical stories.” (Roth) This showed the great detail and dedication the artists and the worshipers had to Christianity and how the cathedrals seemed to be reaching up into the heavens. The highly decorative windows, and lights gave the cathedrals heavenly feel.


Nita Travelling

The time of the Renaissance gave leeway to architecture that was less strict and allowed for designs to incorporate more curves and fewer straight lines. This entailed more fluidity and freedom of movement that was not seen in earlier styles of design. Also, more private residences were being sought out by the wealthy to escape the city. They wished for a place in the countryside that was secluded but close enough that they could be under the protection of the city and obtain goods from the market. The Villa emerged from this desire.

The Baroque period was a time where art and architecture showed a great amount of emotion and where the work showed rationality instead of religion. This time was all about movement of detail in art and in architecture. One of the works that most stands out in showing the difference between the Baroque style and earlier styles is Bernini’s David compared to Michelangelo’s David. Michelangelo’s version of Davis is more religious in how he seems to be contemplating the battle he had just won. Bernini’s Davis is frozen in action showing a more rational view of David. Also, the first David simply stood with nothing extra while the Baroque David allows the eye to move and not stay put on one specific spot. Another example of movement is the Alter that is in the Vatican, also designed by Bernini.


NATQ


Ned Hettinger

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