The History of Art History
Tuesday, June 2nd, 2009 | Uncategorized
A week or so ago, out of complete frustration of being so completely challenged – I wrote Dr. Steven Golan a relply that went to the effect of:
One day, as God as my witness, I will turn in an assignment in which you will respond simply: “Well done.” It may not be in our lifetime so I’m just giving you a heads-up.
The next unit is on Early Christian and Byzantine art. This is my “tour.”
http://ohioart2.com/art/COLLINS_Wk3A2.doc
THE RESPONSE:
Hi Penny. You made my day with your tour (and it is actually my birthday today, so that is something). It is so good to see that you have really fallen for early Christian art (just kidding). It is great to see, however, that you appreciate is as a reflection of the historical period and not just something to be loathed (too much). I especially appreciate your stylistic and iconographic contrast between the Classical tradition and Early Christian art. This is where we see an incredibly close connection between the function of art and the culture that influenced it (really the underlying premise of this course). I think some people get too wrapped up in being anti-Christian that they tend to ignore this basic concept. However, once you look objectively, Early Christian art is just another period that displays a marked change from an earlier tradition. So, OK, here it is: Great job!
…. Great job!
And now – to do it again.