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.