artofworldcivilization

[artofworldcivilization]

Virgin of Jeanne d’Evreux, 1339 Silver gilt and enamel 2′ 3 1/2′’ Musee du Lourve, Paris

This piece was donated by Queen Jeanne d’Evreux. It is a outstanding example of Late French Gothic style. The Virgin’s pose is a close human portrayal of Mary and Jesus.

[artofworldcivilization]

Annunciation and Visitation, 1230 - 1255 Stone Reims, France

Each statue is a biblical figure speaking to one another with their gestures. This piece was done by multiple artists with diverse styles. It is common in these pieces for biblical stories to be recreated.

[artofworldcivilization]

Morgan Madonna, 12th Century Painted Wood 2′ 7′’ Museum of Art, New York

This small scale piece depicts the Virgin as a “Throne of Wisdom.” Her monotone expression and the textured wood is eye capturing. 

[artofworldcivilization]

Virgin of Vladimir, Early 12th Century Tempura on Wood 2′ 61/2′’ x 1′ 9′’ Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow

This painter created this piece depicting Mary as The Virgin of Compassion. She presses her cheek against her sons as she worries about his future.

[artofworldcivilization]

Nike of Samothrace, 190 BCE Marble 8′ 1′’ Musee du Louvre, Paris

A popular piece from the Hellenistic Period, her pose is very inspiring and beautiful. It displays elegance and power. It’s placement in a fountain surrounded by splashing water creates a jaw dropping effect.

[artofworldcivilization]

Alexandros of Antioch-On-The-Meander Venus De Milo, 150 - 125 BCE Marble 6′ 7′’ Musee du Louvre, Paris

This piece displays the eroticism of many Hellenistic Statues. This artists version of the Goddess Aphrodite is more sexual compared to others. Her slipping garment teases the viewer.

[artofworldcivilization]

Praxiteles Aphrodite of Knidos, 350 - 340 BCE Marble 6′ 8′’ Musei Vaticani, Rome

The significance of this sculpture is it’s depiction of a nude Goddess. The artist, Praxiteles, was known for his ability to make marble appear like radiant, soft, flesh. 

[artofworldcivilization]

Nike Adjusting Her Sandal, 410 BCE Marble 3′ 6′’ Acropolis Museum, Athens

This piece’s significance is it’s portrayal of the Goddess Nike whose garments appear almost transparent. The folds of the clothing heavily define her figure as she lifts her foot to adjust her sandal.

[artofworldcivilization]

Three Goddesses, 438 - 432 BCE Marble 4′ 5′’ British Museum, London

The Three Goddesses is a significant piece due to it’s shape. The thin and heavy folds of the clothing reveals 3 body types which are presumed to be Goddesses Hestia, Dione and Aphrodite. 

[artofworldcivilization]

Peplos kore, 530 BCE Marble 4′ Acropolis Museum, Athens

The significance of this sculpture is her 4 different garments. One being one Goddess were depicted wearing. Unfortunately, it is not known what Goddess this is due to her left hand being missing which is where her identifiable attribute would have been.

[artofworldcivilization]

Bust of Nefertiti, 1353 - 1335 BCE Painted Limestone 1′ 8′’ Museen zu Berlin, Berlin

This sculpture is iconic. It was found in pristine condition in the workshop of the master sculptor, Thutmose. She is given a very thoughtful expression along with a beautiful curved neck.

[artofworldcivilization]

Portrait bust of a Flavian Woman, 90 CE Marble 2′ 1′’ Museo Capitolini, Rome

This sculpture gives insight of the appearances of elegant woman at the time. His technique and detail is also noteworthy, for the details in the curled hair is immaculate. 

[artofworldcivilization]

Old Woman, 150 - 100 BCE Marble 4′ 1 5/8′’ Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

Those of old age at the time were portrayed as low class and were portrayed as unsuitable references for sculpting. The ivy wreath around her head could mean she was bringing a offering of fruits and vegetables to the God Dionysius. 

[artofworldcivilization]

Portrait Bust of Livia, Early First Century Marble 1′ 1 1/2′’ Carlsberg Glyptotck, Copenhagen

The main attribute to pick up from this piece is Livia’s youthful appearance which were inspired by Greek Goddesses. Similar to Augustus, she never aged in portraits. 

[artofworldcivilization]

Akhenaton, 1353 - 1335 BCE Sandstone 13′ Egyptian Museum, Cairo

Akhenaton is a significant piece because of how it  started both religious and artistic views. This figure is presented as sexless which was said to go against tradition. 

[artofworldcivilization]

Menkaure and Khamerernebty, 2,490 - 2472 BCE Greywacke 4′ 6 1/3′’ Museum of fine Arts, Boston

These two have been sculpted in a conventional pose that was often used for Egyptian sculptures. Their pose is significant as it appears to resemble the closeness between one another. 

[artofworldcivilization]

Lady of Auxerre, 650 - 625 BCE Limestone 2′  1 1/2′’  Musee du Louvre, Paris

This is one of the earliest Greek stone sculptures. She resembles a maiden in a Daedalic style which was used around the 7th Century BCE. Her triangular face and figure resemble a geometric and abstract pattern.