Taj Mahal Documentary

This is a REALLY great, short documentary about the Taj Mahal. I really recommend that you watch it in preparation for the Islamic Art unit (coming after we finish Byzantine). We don't have time to watch this in class, so check it out some time soon. This will be a REALLY helpful resource for you.

Since we were just talking about St. Peter, I thought you might like to see this...

Article: Vatican Puts St. Peter's Bones On Display For The First Time 

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2013/11/24/247027889/vatican-puts-bones-of-st-peter-on-display-for-the-first-time?utm_content=socialflow&utm_campaign=nprfacebook&utm_source=npr&utm_medium=facebook

Islamic Art Questions: Due Wednesday, November 27

1.    In what ways does Islamic art and architecture show diversity and what are the reasons for this?

2.    What is the difference between a Shi’ite Muslim and a Sunni Muslim?

3.    What was the use of the Mshatta Palace and how was it decorated?

4.    What are some of the distinguishing features of the Great Mosque of Cordoba and why was the site so appropriate?

5.    What were the two major roles of the written word in the Islamic culture?

6.    Why were Islamic textiles an important means of disseminating artistic styles and techniques?

7.    What attributes make the Alhambra an architectural complex noted for its beauty?

8.    How did Spanish textile designs mirror architectural ornamentation?

9.    How do Muslim manuscript pages resemble carpets and why?

10.Define the role of tugras and provide an example of this art form.

Vatican Unveils Frescoes In Catacombs of Priscilla With Images Some Say Show Early Women Priests

Weren't we just talking about Christian catacomb paintings? This link (which you may have to copy and paste) is a really interesting article! I think you can guess how I feel about female priests :)
Check out the article and the photos (you can browse through photos below the article). Cool!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/19/vatican--frescoes_n_4305560.html

Byzantine Art PowerPoint. The mosaics will dazzle you!

Byzantine Art PowerPoint from smolinskiel

Early Christian and Early Jewish Art PowerPoint

Early Christian/ Early Jewish Art PowerPoint from smolinskiel

30-minute Essay due Thursday, November 21

This essay question is from the 2006 AP Art History Exam. Test takers had 30 minutes to respond. When you write this, keep that time constraint in mind. You can reference your notes and resources when you write this one, but obviously you'll have nothing but your own brilliance to serve you on the exam. This is the essay question:
  "Throughout history, works of art have included symbolic or allegorical images. Select and fully identify two works of art that include symbolic or allegorical images. Your choices must be from different art historical periods. Discuss how each work uses symbols or allegory to convey meaning."

You can use works of art from Chapter 2 (Ancient Near East) all the way through the chapter you just did for homework, Chapter 7 (Early Christian/ Early Jewish/ Byzantine Art). When the question says "fully identify" it means that you must state the name of the artwork, the medium, the artist (if there is one), the culture, and the time period. The more specific you can be, the better. For example, if the piece is from the Late Imperial Roman period, it would be best to say "Late Imperial Roman" than just "Roman". Good luck! Eventually I'll have you write some without any of the fancy "points to remember" or rubric scoring guidelines to look at. None of that stuff will be on the exam, just the question itself!

Ancient Roman Art Test on Thursday, November 14th

25 multiple choice questions, 13 vocabulary matching, one 10-minute essay about an architecture topic. There are questions about painting, architecture, and sculpture. You're gonna do great! As always, all of the questions come directly from past AP exams. Here are the vocabulary words:
-veristic
-aqueduct
-bust
-encaustic
-forum
-keystone
-oculus
-contrapposto (you can't escape this word!)
-basilica
-coffer
-ashlar masonry
-pier
-vault

New discoveries in the death of King Tut! You gotta watch this!

Ancient Rome: Part 3 (sculpture etc.)

Ancient Rome Part 3: Updated from smolinskiel

Art looted by Nazis found in German Apartment (worth 1 billion dollars!)

This is a really interesting article! Very different situation than the Elgin marbles!

http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/04/world/europe/germany-looted-art/index.html?hpt=hp_c3

Etruscan Art Quiz: Tuesday, November 5

Focus on tombs, temples, and sculpture (13 multiple-choice questions, that's it!)