Term Papers on Western Art

Term Paper Title	Western Art
# of Words	1699
# of Pages (250 words per page double spaced)	6.8

Western Art

With the examples of contemporary Western Art, as opposed to the period they are depicting, used in the lecture by
Sand Kakuda there can be seen vast amounts of themes being played upon that are distinctly related to the Greco-
Roman Era. Since these cultures are the primary beginnings of Western Civilization it is safe to say that their
lifestyles, socially and politically, and works of art have served as a model and basis for art in cultures and
generations to come. The legacy of the Greco-Roman culture can be seen in practically all of Western Art even up to
the most contemporary works of today.
The first two pieces called Le Dejeuner sur l'Herbe, done in the 1980's, are used for comic purposes. However, one
may ask why are they comedic and what was their influence? In the Greco-Roman culture nudity was accepted as
something that showed the beauty of the human body, in both males and females. When looking at ancient art one
can see that a vast majority of the models used are nude. To the Greeks and Romans the human body was a work of
art. In contemporary times this is still the opinion. One can see works done today of nude models everywhere. The
one main difference between more contemporary periods and the Greco-Roman period was that people wore
transparent clothing or were practically nude in any situation, such as a picnic or a walk. In more contemporary
times this behavior is not as accepted. The pieces shown in lecture were simply spoofing the behavior by interjecting
modern environments and people. The humor is drawn from the awkwardness of the situati!
on. More influence can be seen because the models are drawn in the same position as the Greeks and Romans had
for models in their works of art.
The actual work of art done by Manet in 1863 is influenced by the Greco-Roman legacy because it shows how these
cultures viewed the body of the female. Manet uses many similar themes seen in Greco-Roman sculptures. He
especially understood the view of the body these cultures had. For example the posing of the body, the smoothness
of the lines, the silky texture of the skin, the physique of the woman, the hair color and the naturalistic setting all
make clear what these cultures felt about the depiction of women. By understanding these concepts and using them
so well, these paintings practically give the women god-like qualities.
The next works seen were the Judgement of Paris(1520,Raimondi), the Fountain of Four Rivers(1648,Berini), and S.
Maria Maggiore(430,Mosaic Detail). These works were influenced by the day to day activities of the aristocracy in
the Greco-Roman cultures in peacetime. These cultures intensely enjoyed lounging around, eating, and drinking.
This is shown in the paintings by the position of the body, as seen in sculptures. The figure is laid back on the
ground or on a rock at a riverbank in an obviously relaxed position. They are usually by a body of water, which also
signifies a relaxed atmosphere. The smooth lines used to draw the water and body give a relaxed feeling to the
viewer of the art. These pieces also show the beauty of the human body. The figures are mostly men. They are
perfectly shaped and toned to show the greatness of the culture. By doing this one can see that god-like attributes
shown in the works which are representative of a perfect culture created by!
beautiful gods. Even in contemporary times, leaders are shown in a relaxed state during peacetime, which depict the
same principles as the Greco-Roman cultures did.
The works entitled Gigantomacy, Treasury of the Siphnians, Delphi(525BCE,Greek Relief), Deidamia attacked by
Centaurs, Temple of Zeus, Olympia(477BCE, Greek Relief), the Battle of Lapiths and Centaurs, Florence(1491,
Michealangelo), and Athena & Alcyoneus, Altar of Athena & Zeus, Pergamum(180BCE,Greek Relief) all depict a
fighting scenario. These works show scenes of war overflowing with battles, heroism, triumph, courage, bravery,
loyalty and strength. The works are also created so th...

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