INTRO to Semester and ItalGoth/Proto-Ren Context

About this video

• Video Title: INTRO to Semester and ItalGoth/Proto-Ren Context
• Channel: Ms. Cortez - Art History
• Speakers: Ms. Cortez
• Duration: 00:16:49

Overview

This video serves as an introduction to an art history course, explaining the semester's focus on period styles rather than memorizing dates. It begins by defining the term "Renaissance" as a rebirth of ancient art and then delves into the preceding Gothic period, clarifying its historical context and etymology. The lecture also provides geographical and socio-political context for Europe during the late Medieval period, highlighting trade routes, population growth, the rise of cities and universities, and the fragmented political landscape of Italy, all as essential background for understanding the art that followed.

Key takeaways

• Semester Focus: The class will prioritize understanding and recognizing art by period style (e.g., Renaissance) instead of memorizing specific dates.
• Renaissance Definition: "Renaissance" translates to "rebirth," signifying a revival of ancient art and culture.
• Gothic Period Context: The Gothic period (c. 1140-14th century) is the final phase of the Medieval era, preceding the Renaissance. The term "Gothic" was originally a derogatory label applied during the Renaissance by artists like Vasari, who associated it with the "barbaric" Goths who invaded the Roman Empire, and thus saw the preceding art as primitive.
• Medieval Period Understanding: Contrary to the notion of a "dark age," the Medieval period (c. 500-1400) was a time of increasing international trade, communication, population growth, urbanization, and the development of universities, laying the groundwork for future artistic and intellectual movements.
• Italian Political Landscape: Before unification in the 1840s, Italy was politically fragmented, consisting of various kingdoms, duchies, republics, and Papal States, which influenced regional artistic developments.