GEE3 – Reading in Visual Arts

Reading No. 2 - The History of the Artist

Second Semester, A.Y. 2021-2022

Directions: After reading the given reference, answer the following questions.

1. Based on the reading, how different were the perspectives toward the artists during the
Ancient, Classical, and Medieval times, and at the beginning of the 16th century? And in
relation to our discussion, how did the Renaissance help in this drastic change of
perspective?

Artists were essentially trained craftsmen working for an employer such as a

monarch, the Church, or a business enterprise throughout Ancient, Classical, and
Medieval eras. A professional body or guild supported and regulated their activities.
At the start of the sixteenth century, according to Leonardo da Vinci, the artists
should be recognized as aristocrats' social and intellectual equals. As well as
academics the greatest painters of the twentieth century. This was shared by the High
Renaissance. They were successful in establishing this role, as evidenced by the
grand flowering of their work. It suited both artist and patron, and it lasted until the
end of the nineteenth century. It gave artists the opportunity to perform the most
important role in society possible, become kings' confidantes and popes, and even
functioning in the capacity of a pope. Diplomats and courtiers are two types of
people.

2. According to the reading, how did the French Revolution attract new personalities? And
what were the outcomes of this new attraction?

The French Revolution took place in 1789 ushered in a period of great political and
social change in society The realm of privilege monarchy and aristocracy began to
fall out of favor a fresh feeling of self-identity there was a sense of freedom in the
air, and art drew in new comers people who might have previously have shunned a
creative life. This liberty was abused by the Romantic spirit to express one's own
feelings, and make art based on your own personal experiences. The Classical
heritage, with its symphony of symphonies, a fondness for antiquities and a
structured professional education, continuing to grow in tandem romanticism was
popular at the time, but it was in decline.
3. Referring to the reading, what happened during the most recent turning point of the roles
of the artist during the 1960s? What were the notable changes that occurred in the roles of
the artists?

This sense of freedom ushered in a new era for the artist in the second half of the
nineteenth century. The radical French painter Gustave Courbet, who maintained that
the true artist should be an outsider to the rest of society, free of all social
conventions and free to make his or her own laws, epitomized the shift. The concept
was appealing, especially to the disgruntled youth, of whom there were many. This
sense of freedom ushered in a new era for the artist in the second half of the
nineteenth century. The radical French painter Gustave Courbet, who maintained that
the true artist should be an outsider to the rest of society, free of all social
conventions and free to make his or her own laws, epitomized the shift. The concept
was appealing, especially to the disgruntled youth, for whom the artist's goal was not
universal acclaim, professional development, wealth, or social success, but rather a
desire to alter society and human relationships, and actually transform the way we
see the world.

4. Based from the reading, what are the important roles that the patrons, collectors, and
dealers play in the field of art? Give specific examples.

A patron is someone who contributes the funds required for an artist to develop a
piece from the ground up. The sponsorship of one of the noble courts or the Church
was the necessary framework within which an artist had to operate in the early
Renaissance, and the effect of a creative and innovative patron was enormous.
Collecting pieces of art without the support of a patron is a different story. It
necessitates the acquisition of both historical and contemporary art. If one had to
choose a godfather figure, Cosimo I de' Medici (1519–74) would be a good choice.
Cosimo collected art for pleasure as well as to strengthen commercial and political
power. Collecting is thus a part of the individual personality concept that runs
through much Western art and thought. Cosimo's love of antiquities also affected
him. He discovered that the Romans were passionate collectors who bought and sold
works of art at auction while attempting to emulate the ambitions of Classical Greece
and Rome.
5. What is the importance of the “spaces” in the works of art? How do they influence the role
and purpose of the art for a certain era or period? Cite examples.

Painters imply space, photographers capture space, sculptors rely on space and form,
and architects build space. It is a fundamental element in each of the visual arts.
Space gives the viewer a reference for interpreting an artwork. Painters imply space,
photographers capture space, sculptors rely on space and form, and architects build
space. It is a fundamental element in each of the visual arts. Space gives the viewer a
reference for interpreting an artwork. Art influences society by changing opinions,
instilling values and translating experiences across space and time. Research has
shown art affects the fundamental sense of self.

6. Based on the reading, how do we describe a good art criticism?

Good art criticism is focused with value judgments rather than facts and history. It
examines and probes an artist's motivations and goals. and technical ability,
determining whether the finished product achieves the artist's goals. A critic should
also assess the legitimacy of the curator's interpretation in a historic display of art,
such as an exhibition. To establish the genuine worth of what is being promoted in
modern art, the critic should cut through the lavish verbiage that is sometimes poured
on it by curators and dealers.