Art History Research Paper

Art History Research
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Introduction
The history of art dates back many decades ago. Research indicates that the first works of art to ever be discovered was in the 1800s. Just as is the case the today, art was used as form of expression. Artists at the time would use their work to discuss various issues that were of societal concern and interest. Art played a crucial role in generating social discussions, a role that is played by median in modern day world. Art was also used to give general societal portrayals. In this discussion two main works of art will be discussed. They include Nude Woman from Willendorf, also known as Venus of Willendorf and Aphrodite of Knidos. Among the main issues of focus in the discussion include medium, function, style and subject matter. Some of the main questions to be asked will include why the sculptures look the way they do and what makes them stand out from other works of art. In terms of the function of the sculptures, the main audience would people who understand the history of art. Such people are the only ones who are capable of appreciating the value and meaning of these sculptures.
Nude Woman of Willendorf
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Name
Figure one has been said to be one oldest yet greatest of art to have ever been done. Despite stirring a lot of controversy in modern day society, it still remains a great of art. One of the issues that have brought about a controversy is the name given to the women. Originally, it was known as the Venus of Willendorf. The name Venus had eventually to be dropped as it stirred a lot of controversy. The piece of art was therefore renamed The Nude Woman from Willendorf. For many people who appreciate art from its very core, they would agree that the name Venus would fit more. It helps in cementing the identification of the piece of art (Gardner, p. 54-6).
Material
Another issue of importance is the material with which the carving is made. In the 18th and 19th centuries when artists began to be more open with their works, the most common material that was used was either clay, or in some rare cases, stones (Gardner, p. 48-9). Stones were mainly used for carvings and sculptures. Figure 1 however was made using limestone. This was intended to increase durability. It is amazing to note that very many years after it was carved, figure 1 is still intact. Its popularity has transcended and exceeded even that of the artist who designed it (Squire, p. 43-5). The carving is believed to be about 22,000 years since it was carved. The artist who made the carving is also believed to have put in a lot of effort. This is because of the toughness of the material. It means that the artist also intended for the craving to remain durable hence chose a tough material.
Features
A single glance at the carving and one can already tell that the curving is the body of a woman. One also notices almost immediately that certain salient features of women body have been emphasized (Smith, p. 72-75). For instance, the breasts are very big that her hands can hardly be seen. The legs and the area around the thighs are also accentuated with a specific intention of emphasis. The fact that the carving is nude had drawn a lot of controversies. Why is that so? There are those who argue that the artist of figure 1 attempted to portray women in bad light. This meant that he attempted to expose women as objects of sex (Wilder, p. 56). There are however those who are of a contrary opinion. They argue that art is best done in the absence of clothes. It helps bring out all the features of the subject matter.
There are also those who argue that the artist of Figure 1 intended to bring out the patriarchal nature of the society at the time. This is the time when male domination was at its highest. They further argue that failure to give the woman legs, hands and a head was an indication of the subjugation of women by their male counterparts.
Subject Matter
The subject matter of the sculpture is the role of women in ancient societies. It is unfortunate to realize that back in the days, women were seen mores as objects of sexual pleasure and satisfaction. It is an important sculpture to help understand the thoughts, ideas and values of the societies back then
Aphrodite of Knidos
Figure 2


Just like figure 1, figure 2 has also received recognition as a great piece of art. It is believed that the society where the carving originated has turned down several large offers of the carving. There are many people from all over the world who have sought to purchase the carving at very large sums. Their offers have however been turned down Why is that so? It means the value of the sculpture could not be compared and could not be traded for any amount. Looking at the sculpture closely, the nude woman stands with one of the legs sledged. She is also holding a vase on which a draping or a piece of cloth has been put. The interpretation of some people was that the cloth was put there to be used in case somebody came in unexpectedly. The woman who is believed to be a goddess should not ...