Module 8 Video Review

Module 8

Video – More Human Than Human

1.)    This was the required video to be watched.

2.)    The key concepts of this video were about how we all see art and how we interpret it. Many images we see that are of the human body are extremely unrealistic, yet we still interpret them as the human body anyways. This goes back thousands of years even, to the Egyptian civilization, where they combined human bodies and animal heads. However, their art did also possess a regular side, or more realistic creation of the human body. Their style was unique, as was their architecture as well. The Greek civilization was another that was fixated on the human body, specifically of the athletic body. They believed that your shape should be that of perfection. The Greeks were actually the first to create a replica of the actual human body.

3.)    The video and text relate because they include much of the same information on how we view the human body and of how it is represented to us in the world and through art as well as how we interpret it. The video does go into a bit more detail about the different civilizations and their contribution to this topic.

4.)    I enjoyed the video because it really helped me to get a good visual and understanding of what was being taught in a more interesting way than simply through text.

Video – Late Gothic Art and Architecture: England 1400 – 1547

1.   1.)    The reason I chose this video was because I was interested in knowing more about the art and architecture that came from, and survived, the 15^th and 16^th centuries throughout England in such a hard and bloody time.
2.   2.)    The key concepts of this video explain that some of the greatest art was created in this time. Throughout the 15^th and early 16^th centuries, extravagant cathedrals and parishes were built, many of them being the result of kings creating their own permanent churches, often trying to out-do the last. These cathedrals were excellent opportunities for architects to be able to create amazing works of art that they otherwise couldn’t possibly showcase on such luxurious and grand scale.  Some of the incredible artwork included religious images on stained glass windows, tapestries, tombs, sculptures, pendants, jewels and charms. Into these parishes went a lot of money, competitiveness, and good works - the idea that these pieces were good for your soul. Saint Georges Cathedral was very chivalric. Saint Mary’s Church in Warwick was a memorial church containing tombs and more. In this time, the Catholic religion was very big and the belief that you should live a good life and die a good death gave great love for these grandeur cathedrals filled with lavish, religious works of comfort. Throughout this time, with battles going on, there was much destruction. Stained glass was smashed, gold plates and chalices were melted, and sculptures were attacked. Only a fraction remains that survived this cultural disaster.
3.   3.)    The videos relate to the text because they both discuss the art and architecture, such as stained glass, sculptures, tapestries and others that were created at this time. They both explain the devastation that England experienced throughout the 15^th and 16^th centuries and how the art and architecture was effected. Although, the video was able to get into more detail of the works of art, the kings and the time period surrounding the topic.
4.   4.)    I enjoyed the film because I was able to see actual footage of the insides of these lavish cathedrals. The intricate designs throughout, especially on the ceilings. It is truly incredible to see what beautiful things people can design, especially so many years ago.