ART 1A Midterm: Art1A_Chapter_4_DiscussionForums_Earl Agean
Discussion Forums Chapter 4 – The Ancient Aegean
Note: Refer to lecture and class notes if you do not find the answers in the text.
The Bronze Age in the Aegean
What are the dates for the Cycladic Culture and where was it located?
-2500 BCE – 1900 BCE, Islands on the Aegean Sea?
What are the dates for the Minoan Culture and where was it located?
-2000 BCE – 1400 BCE, Crete?
What are the dates for the Mycenaean Culture and where was it located?
-1600 BCE – 1100 BCE, ??
What does the term Helladic derive from and where does it derive from?
-Greek- Hellas. (Helladic art is the are of the Greek mainland.
How did the economy and cultural orientation of the Aegean cultures differ fundamentally from
those of Egypt and Mesopotamia?
-Lots of trade, and they are island civilizations
Cycladic Islands
When did the Cycladic Culture start producing sculptures?
-During the Early Cycladic period. Approx 2600-2300BCE?
What are most Cycladic sculptures of?
-Marble
Where have most been found?
-Graves and settlements
Do we have good excavation records for Cycladic sculptures? Explain briefly pg. 85
-No
Are they naturalistic representations or abstract? Explain briefly
-Abstract. They are very geometric and have exaggerated forms.
Is there a geometric basis that was followed to design these figures? (lecture)
-Yes! circles
Briefly compare the conceptual Cycladic figure in your text with the Woman from Willendorf.
-Both the Woman from Willendorf and this figure have exaggerated femininity with
protruding bellies. They arms both fold over their body and there is even attention to the little
toes. Neither have complete faces, so neither are made to represent a really specific person.
They are both the same conceptual representation of a woman, just with different styles.
Were at least some of these images originally painted? (lecture)
-Yes! Some of them had at least painted details
Minoan Civilization (Text & lecture)
Where was the Minoan Civilization located and what does its name refer to?
-Crete? Greek Minos?
What are the dates for the Minoan Civilization?
-2000 BCE – 1400 BCE
What are the dates for the “Old Palace Period?”
-1900 BCE – 1700BCE
Where is the largest Minoan palace located and who is it linked to by tradition?
-Knossos Palace Complex, home of King Minos.
What event marks the end of the “Old Palace Period?” Explain briefly.
-Huge earthquake and a fire?
Minoan Ceramics
What permitted the development of elegant and sophisticated new ceramic forms? Pg., 91
-The pottery wheel? Trade?
What are the dates for “Kameres Ware?”
-1800 – 1700 BCE
Document Summary
Discussion forums chapter 4 the ancient aegean. Note: refer to lecture and class notes if you do not find the answers in the text. Greek- hellas. (helladic art is the are of the greek mainland. Lots of trade, and they are island civilizations. They are very geometric and have exaggerated forms. Is there a geometric basis that was followed to design these figures? (lecture) Briefly compare the conceptual cycladic figure in your text with the woman from willendorf. Both the woman from willendorf and this figure have exaggerated femininity with protruding bellies. They arms both fold over their body and there is even attention to the little toes. Neither have complete faces, so neither are made to represent a really specific person. They are both the same conceptual representation of a woman, just with different styles. Were at least some of these images originally painted? (lecture) Some of them had at least painted details.
