Tatiara Robinson

Introduction to the Visual Arts

Prof.S.Kadinsky

1B.
The purpose of the Egyptian pyramids was to honor and preserve the remains of the Egyptian
rulers,they were filled with gold,money,artwork.Pyramids were not intended for the living eye it
was for the dead spirits.The murals and the statues placed in the pyramids served as a
protector of the deceased spirits and to give the dead spirit a companion.The artwork often
depicted images of one living a wealthy luxurious life honor one's prior success.Pyrinads were
later discontinued due to the robing of the tombs,as generations went on the respect for these
tombs were lessened, that is when Egyptians opt to create less elaborate tombs in order to
discourage tomb robbers.

2A.In ancient Greek vases were used to transport goods,food and human remains.Greek artists
used the curved surfaces of the vases to create the illusion of depth and movement,giving the
artwork a realistic feel,by shorten or elongating the figures seemed more realistic.Also vases
were often given framing patterns to give the viewers a focus frame to ensure the art work is the
eye candy.They used a technique called slip painting,clay and water were mixed.In order to
achieve the desired color iron or copper oxide was used.

3A.The purpose of the Ara Pacis altar was to honor emperor Augustus,and represented the
peace and prosperity that Augustus had brung to the roman empire.Showing their honor at all
times leaving gifts and offerings.The monument is a massive white marble altar that has
engravings of Emperor Augustus and his family and images representing prosperity. The altar
also includes metaphorical figures, such as the goddess Roma and the personifications of the
arts and sciences, which were meant to symbolize the cultural achievements of Augustus'
reign.Benito Mussolini ordered the relocation of the Alta Pacis,he wanted to build a larger
shelter around the Ara Pacis to protect the arts.Mussolini used the Ara Pacis to promote his own
political gain,to create the illusion that he was deeply rooted in the glories of ancient roman
history while creating a new sense of identity.The Modern pavilion was designed to enhance the
design of the altar.Incorporating a large space with an abundance of natural lighting gives a
sense of tranquility and contemplation,allows one to focus of the beauty and the historical
artifacts.

4B.The 2010 Hurva Synagogue is an exact replica of the Hurva Synagogue which was
destroyed in the Arab-Israeli War.Planners wanted to keep the historical significance of the
synagogue by maintaining the honor and the continuation of the jewish presence in the old
city.Sending the message of continuation instead of preserving it.The original synagogue was
also deemed sacred grounds for religious beliefs in creating an exact duplicate the essence of
the religious atmosphere is still present and meaningful to worshippers.Also the synagogue was
renowned for its unique architectural designs blending ottoman,gothic and renaissance styles in
creating an exact replica the agricultural authenticity is precedence.There has been attempts to
close the synagogue stating that it had violated the “Covenant of Omar:” foreboding the
establishments of anything new on the grounds.

5B The Jerusalem international YMCA is also located in Jerusalem designed by architecture

Arthur Loomis Harmon.Its Byzantine-Romanesque architecture prompted peace in WWI in
providing aiding to both refugees of Arab and Jewish communities in Jerusalem.Both
architectures bring a sense a cultural significances to Jerusalum,demonstrating the diverse
cultural heritage.Both buildings are important landmarks to Jerusalem.Promoting peace and
understanding for different religious groups has been considered controversial.The Hagia
Sophia served as inspiration for both Jerusalem structures.The dome of the Jerusalem
International YMCA is a model after the Hagia Sophia’s central dome.The Hurva Synagogue is
inspired by the Hagia Sophia as well both having dome like shapes as roofs and the use of
natural lighting.The 2010 Hurva Synagogue was designed with lots of natural lighting allowing
the art to be captured.

Part 2
3. A relief sculpture is a type of sculpture that has elements carved or molded from a flat or
shallow surface,these designs are only intended to be seen from one angle unlike traditional
sculptures giving a 360 angle. Projecting out from a background surface. The carvings or molds
imitate three dimensional shapes.Egyptian and Roman reliefs have several differences.Egyptian
reliefs often illustrate religious or mythological imagery, while Romans reliefs depict historical
events ,war trumpets or individuals.Their symbolic meaning also differs Egyptians use these
sculpture as a way to convey a message of meaning using hieroglyphs or symbolism.Roman
reliefs depict more realistic figures or objects.Roman reliefs are more lifelike. The Byzantine
empire rejected the use of statues in favor of murals and reliefs due to religious beliefs.Statues
have been associated with idolization which violates the ten commandments while murals and
reliefs often depict religious beliefs and figures .The Byzantine Empire also valued two
dimensional shapes like murals and reliefs which was more sustainable artwork to be publicized
in churches and public places.The theme of these reliefs were historical events such as battles,
portraits and religious depictions.Many reliefs depict religious scene like bible stories,religious
figures, and symbolism of religious faiths.