Question 8
- Define byzantine art.
- List any one example of Byzantine art.
- State any three characteristics of impressionism.
- State any three characteristics of expressionism.
Observation
Few of the candidates attempted this question and they performed poorly. The candidates were expected to answer in the following way:
(a) Definition of Byzantine art
- It is a body of Christian Greek artworks.
- It is the artworks of the Eastern Roman Empire.
- Art produced during the middle ages.
- It flourished between the 4th and 15th centuries.
- It is defined by devotional, Christian subjects depicted in angular forms
with sharp contours, flattened colours and gold decoration.
- Art that is characterized by moving away from naturalism of the classical
tradition.
- Art that moves towards a more abstract and universal.
- Art that give room for a definite preference for two-dimensional
representation.
(b) Example of Byzantine art
- Enthroned Madonna and child.
- The miracle of the leaves and fishes.
- Rala d’ Oro.
- Madaba map.
- Orthodox Christianity.
- A tenth century mosaic of the Virgin Mary.
- Hagia Sophia.
- David composing the Psalms.
- Anastasis.
- Image of Christ.
(c) Characteristics of Impressionism
- Use of stylized forms, sharp contours, flat field of colour and gold mosaic.
- Usually portable sizes.
- Less concerned for mimicking reality.
- More in tune with religious symbolism.
- Use of chiaroscuro technique.
- Depiction of light and its changing effect.
- Use of spontaneous brush strokes.
- Representation of everyday life and landscapes.
- Representation of true atmospheric effect.
- Paintings are mostly outdoors, capturing realistic scenes of
modern life.
(d) Characteristics of Expressionism
- Distortion of forms.
- Attention to the depiction of emotion.
- Against illusion of reality.
- Use of rapid distorted brush strokes.
- Intensification of colours to appeal to emotions.
- Use of vivid colours.
- Depiction of urban streets, scenes and other contemporary subjects.
- Oil painting mostly on canvas.
- Creation of shapes from angular lines and thick strokes.
- Use of pure/heavy oil colour (impasto).
- Abandonment of naturalism in favour of simplified style.
- Use of brilliant greens, yellows and oranges.