Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for Arts and Humanities

St. Peter's Basilica Dome, Vatican City

Taking the dome model of Florence Cathedral by Brunelleschi, reinforcing the structural elements, it rises 131 meters in height and 42 meters in diameter. The dome rests high on pendentives and a large drum, supported by 4 sturdy, chamfered central pillars. The dome, which defines the space, was completed by Giacomo della Porta, adding the beautiful lantern that enriches the dome. It became a model for many later churches: a cross-shaped church with a dome on a drum (gray and lined with lead plates). The exterior is characterized by the monumentality conferred by the 'giant order' attributed to Michelangelo. The wall is reinforced by double Corinthian pilasters that accommodate balconies and windows, and... Continue reading "Renaissance Masterpieces: Art & Architecture Highlights" »

The Oath of the Horatii

Meaning

The Oath of the Horatii is a work that exalts the obligation of citizens to sacrifice for the Fatherland. It was painted in reaction to the Rococo decorative style, the art par excellence of the aristocracy. David opposes the excesses of Rococo with austerity.

Some authors describe the work as revolutionary. Here, David demonstrates how painting could break with Neoclassical and Rococo styles.

Composition

There is great power in the male figures, which contrasts with the grief of the female figures. Together, they form a pyramid. The straight lines of the men contrast with the curves of the women.

The scene seems simple but is a well-studied composition based on a complex network of triangles.

The perspective focuses... Continue reading "The Oath of the Horatii: A Neoclassical Masterpiece by Jacques-Louis David" »

Formal Analysis

Technical and Material Aspects

We are examining a mosaic tile painting consisting of a surface covered with mortar, colored paste pieces, and a thin layer of mortar on the edge to prevent moisture ingress. Depending on the size of the grid squares, two types emerge: opus tessellatum (regular pieces), opus sectile (irregular pieces), or opus vermiculatum (very small tesserae). The pieces are made of glass paste, various minerals, colored marble, and small pieces of painted pottery. In this work, we have stones of different colors and even some graffiti.

Composition

The line dominates; a black outline surrounds the characters, which is the first element to wear out. The challenge lies in conveying space and volume, not color gradations.... Continue reading "Analyzing Roman Mosaic Techniques and Themes in Empuries" »

Eros and Psyche by Canova

Dates

1787-1793

Technique

Height

Material

Marble

Composition

This sculpture is a formal perfection regarding the treatment of bodies. The two figures are intertwined and form an X defined by the wings of Eros and lower limbs. All contribute to the sculpture's movement. The two mouths occupy the middle of the X. The positions of the hands and arms highlight the passion and eroticism of the scene; while he gently holds her breast, she passes her hands behind his head. Canova aimed at inert matter. The material is polished, with no wear and no wrinkle on the treatment of bodies. This enables light, strong and clear, to slide all over the sculpture, causing a sweet, soft blur.

Style

Neoclassicism

Significance and Function

Canova depicts... Continue reading "Masterpieces: Canova's Eros and Psyche & Rodin's The Thinker" »

Marx: Life and Influences

Born in Germany to a Jewish family, Marx initially studied law but later pursued history and philosophy. Unable to secure a suitable academic position, he turned to journalism and became editor-in-chief. After migrating to Paris, he became involved with French socialists and the labor movement. Meeting Engels was pivotal, as Engels highlighted the importance of economics. In 1845, Marx was expelled from France and settled in Belgium, where he joined the League of Communists. He died in 1883 from illness and overwork. Marx's thought draws heavily from German idealist philosophy, English political economy, and French utopian socialism.

Marxist Philosophy: A Historical Perspective

For Marx, history is the progression of... Continue reading "Marxist Theory: Philosophy, Economics, and Historical Impact" »

Incident light produces a weak electrical signal in the camera's receiver. This signal is amplified and converted into digital data, represented as strings of binary digits, forming individual color squares called pixels.

CCD Sensor Types

Different camera formats utilize CCD sensors with varying numbers of light-sensitive cells:

1. 35mm Camera: Features fewer light-sensitive cells, resulting in a lower-resolution image.
2. Medium Format Camera (6x6): Contains more light-sensitive cells than 35mm cameras.
3. Large Format Camera (9x12): Features significantly more sensitive cells for higher resolution.

CCD Sensor Characteristics

A CCD sensor inherently captures only the intensity (brightness) of light from the scene, not the color itself.

Color Capture with Filters

To... Continue reading "CCD Sensors, Pixels, and Digital Image Fundamentals" »

Basic Thesis of Creationist Theory

The basic thesis of the creationist theory is the creation of separate and final species and the creation of man by God in His image and likeness.

Fixist Course

It defends the unchanging character of all species over time.

Linnaeus and Cuvier

They considered that the adaptability of individuals to the environment is the result or product of intelligent design.

Lamarck's Theory

The environment changes, causing changes in the life systems and needs of living organisms. Changing needs cause changes in behavior to meet new needs. This leads to changes in the anatomical structure and/or physiology of living organisms. The acquired characteristics are inherited by descendants.

Paleontology

Paleontology is the science that... Continue reading "Human Evolution: From Creationism to Bipedalism" »

Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel and The Last Judgement

Michelangelo Buonarroti (Caprese, 1475 – Rome, 1564). Period: 1508-1512. Renaissance. Technique: Fresco painting. Theme: Biblical. Location: Vatican City.

Michelangelo, a painter, sculptor, architect, and designer, was connected to the Medici family from childhood, learning in the workshop of painter Domenico Ghirlandaio and studying sculpture at the Medici gardens school under Bertoldo di Giovanni.

After the death of his patron, Lorenzo de' Medici, in 1492, Michelangelo resided in Bologna until 1496. He then moved to Rome, where he solidified his reputation by undertaking significant papal commissions, alongside notable works in Florence.

Formal Description

The Sistine Chapel's vault measures... Continue reading "Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel: Art, History, and Restoration" »

Opinion Genres in Journalism

The purpose of opinion genres is to judge, criticize, analyze data and attitudes, and create controversy. They have a subjective character and are as follows:

• Editorials: In daily broadcasts, the editorial considers the relevant facts of the month and takes a position based on ideology.
• Articles: Exposing opinions, analysis, criticism, and reviews on topics within the general facts.
• Letters to the Editor: In which readers give their opinions about events or personal collections.

Article Determinants

• Definite: The, the, the, in's, n', l'...
• Demonstrative: This, that, this, that...
• Possessive: My, your, his, our, your, their...
• Numerals: One, two, first, half, second, double...
• Quantitative: How much, less, little,

Realism and Naturalism in 19th-Century Europe

Historical and Social Context

The 19th century in Europe was characterized by rapid population growth and economic expansion based on industrialization. This era was marked by the consolidation of power by authoritarian governments and the rise of the bourgeoisie. The conservative appearance of figures like Napoleon III in France and the imperialist colonial period responded to these interests, driven by the need for raw materials and new markets. These interests clashed with emerging philosophical currents such as positivism and Marxism.

Scientific and experimental trends, including the theory of evolution and theories of heredity, significantly influenced literature. The rigorous observation of reality,... Continue reading "19th-Century Realism and Naturalism in European Literature" »