ART B1: Art Appreciation: Welcome

• Select one of the 5 essay prompts.
• Must have 3 or more sources that are books, academic journal articles, or museum websites.
• Need to include image(s) of the work(s) you choose. Images may be found in your textbook, on museum websites, Wikimedia Commons, or through Bakersfield College library books or databases, such as JSTOR.
• Discuss relevant elements like form, composition, line, color (which has different aspects itself), perspective, space, style, brushstrokes, application of paint, medium, etc., along with any historical and/or social context.
• Use either MLA or Chicago Style citation formatting for paper and source citations.  

1. Impressionism and Post-Impressionism are two transformative art movements that broke away from traditional techniques and subjects, influencing the course of modern art. Compare and contrast these two movements in terms of their artistic goals, techniques, and subject matter. Consider how Impressionist artists, like Claude Monet, used light and color to capture fleeting moments, while Post-Impressionists, such as Vincent van Gogh and Paul Cézanne, sought to express more emotional or symbolic content. How did these movements challenge traditional art norms, and in what ways did Post-Impressionism both continue and diverge from the goals of Impressionism? Use specific examples to illustrate your points.
2. The Renaissance was a time of great change in art, where artists developed new techniques and began to focus on the beauty of the human form, nature, and everyday life. Choose a famous Renaissance artist, such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, or Raphael, and explore how their work reflects key themes of the Renaissance, like humanism, realism, or the use of perspective. How did their art capture new ideas and values of the time, and how did it differ from art of the Middle Ages? Use specific examples of their work to explain how Renaissance art changed the way people saw the world.
3. Greek and Roman art each played significant roles in shaping Western artistic traditions, yet they reflect different values and approaches. Compare and contrast Greek and Roman art, focusing on their portrayal of the human form, use of mythology, and approaches to realism and idealism. How did Greek art emphasize idealized beauty and proportion, while Roman art focused on realism and practicality, often celebrating specific individuals and historical events? Discuss how these differences reveal each culture's values and priorities, using examples from sculpture, architecture, or pottery to support your analysis.
4. Gothic and Romanesque architecture represent two distinct phases in the development of medieval European architecture, each with unique characteristics and cultural significance. Compare and contrast the key features of Gothic and Romanesque architecture, focusing on elements such as structure, ornamentation, use of light, and overall design. How do these architectural styles reflect the social, religious, and technological changes of their respective periods? Use specific examples.
5. Examine how Mexican Muralism transcended traditional art forms to become a vehicle for social commentary and national identity. Explore the movement’s themes of indigenous heritage, class struggle, and revolutionary ideals while analyzing the works of Diego Rivera, José Clemente Orozco, and David Alfaro Siqueiros.

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