Learning Art History with context

Medieval; 500 to 1400

This is at the end of the Roman Empire and the Beginning od Renascence; 1400 to 1600 in Europe.

Mediaval art was mainly based on religious thoughts, as a way to attract more people to the church.

South American Pre-Colony; until 1400

In general, the pre-colonial period in South America includes the civilizations and cultures that thrived before the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1492. This encompasses the advanced civilizations of the Inca in the Andean region, the Aztecs in Mesoamerica, and the various indigenous cultures of the Amazon rainforest, among others.

Inca Empire

In the Andean region of South America, the Inca Empire flourished during the 1400s, expanding its territories and establishing a sophisticated administrative system. The Inca civilization reached its height under rulers like Pachacuti and became known for its architectural marvels, such as Machu Picchu.

China; Ming Dynasty

The Ming Dynasty in China (1368-1644) saw remarkable achievements in arts, culture, and trade. The Ming emperors sponsored impressive architectural projects, such as the construction of the Forbidden City, and China's maritime expeditions led by Admiral Zheng He expanded Chinese influence.

Impressionism; 1860 to 1880

Art was about; plein air; painting outdoors; it requiered that they create their own salon to expose art. Capture the present of modern life.

Paul Cezanne

Instagram Review of Paul Cezanne which for me is being a huge reference on the way he created.

Claude Monet

August Renoir

Edgar Degas

South American Context

• War of the Triple Alliance (1864-1870): A devastating conflict that involved Paraguay against a coalition formed by Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. The war resulted in the loss of a significant portion of Paraguay's population and territory.
• Pacific War (1879-1884): A war between Chile and an alliance of Bolivia and Peru over disputed territories rich in natural resources, mainly guano and saltpeter. Chile emerged as the victor, gaining control over valuable territories.
• Chilean Civil War (1891): While slightly beyond the specified time frame, the Chilean Civil War of 1891 began brewing in the late 1880s. It pitted supporters of the president against the congress, ultimately resulting in the triumph of the congressional faction and a shift in Chile's political landscape.

Surrealism; 1920 to 1960

It was about about making your mind work, influenced by Sigmund Freud.

Frida Kahlo

Frida Kahlo was a Mexican artist who is widely celebrated for her unique and deeply personal artworks. She was born on July 6, 1907, in Coyoacán, Mexico City, and died on July 13, 1954. Kahlo's life and art were deeply intertwined, and her paintings often served as a reflection of her physical and emotional pain, as well as her identity and cultural heritage.

Diego Rivera

Diego Rivera was a prominent Mexican painter and muralist, born on December 8, 1886, in Guanajuato, Mexico, and died on November 24, 1957, in Mexico City. He is regarded as one of the most influential artists of the 20th century and a key figure in the Mexican muralist movement.

Influence of Mexican Culture: Rivera incorporated elements of pre-Columbian and indigenous Mexican art into his works, celebrating Mexico's rich cultural heritage and traditions.

Influence on the Art World: Rivera's art had a profound impact not only in Mexico but also internationally. His murals inspired artists around the world, and he played a significant role in promoting the muralist movement.

Salvador Dalí

Salvador Dalí was a Spanish surrealist artist born on May 11, 1904, in Figueres, Spain, and passed away on January 23, 1989. He is renowned for his extraordinary and eccentric works, which pushed the boundaries of imagination and challenged conventional artistic norms. Dalí's art often featured dreamlike, bizarre, and symbolic imagery, blurring the lines between reality and the subconscious. He was deeply influenced by Freudian psychology, and his works often explored themes of desire, sexuality, and the unconscious mind.

Contemporary Art; 1960 to Present

The art of today, but it feels like the general public rejected it. Mainly because is often about ideas and not aesthetics. But it reflects issues of society; identity, community, nationality.

Fernando Botero

Fernando Botero Angulo is a Colombian figurative artist and sculptor, born in Medellín. His signature style, also known as Boterismo, depicts people and figures in large, exaggerated volume, which can represent political criticism or humor, depending on the piece. He is considered the most recognized and quoted living artist from Latin America, and his art can be found in highly visible places around the world, such as Park Avenue in New York City and the Champs-Élysées in Paris.

Instagram Review of Fernando Botero

South American Context

• Military Coups and Dictatorships: Several South American countries experienced military coups and subsequent dictatorships during the 1960s and 1970s. Countries like Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, and others were affected by these authoritarian regimes, leading to human rights abuses, political repression, and social unrest.
• Social Movements and Protests: South America has been marked by numerous social movements and protests in recent decades. These movements have been driven by various causes, including demands for social justice, indigenous rights, environmental conservation, gender equality, and labor rights.
• Falklands War (1982): Argentina and the United Kingdom engaged in a brief but intense conflict over the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands (known as the Malvinas in Argentina). The war resulted in British victory and had a significant impact on regional geopolitics.