What is beauty? And More Importantly, what is the use of Beauty in understanding history

I have divided these slides into 4 sections: 1) Nature 2) Man made art 3) Uncertainty 4) The question for this assignment Your task – to click through the images, and do spend some time on each as the beauty is undeniable. The fortunate part – you can always refer back to some extraordinarily beautiful images.

Maestà by Duccio di Buoninsegna, Tempera on wood, 13° century

Duccio, Betrayal of Christ, back of the Maesta, 13 th century

Giotto, The Lamentation, 14 th century

Giotto, The Ascension, 14 th century

Giotto, The Annunciation

Reubens, Feast of Venus

Botticelli - Lamentation of Christ

Botticelli: Nascita di Venere, 15 th century

Ghiberti, Gates of Paradise, 17 ft high, 15 th century

Panel from Ghiberti door. Bottom right panel

Andrea Mantegna, The Lamentation over the Dead Christ,. 15 th century., tempura on canvas

Rafael, The Transfiguration

Raphael, The Madonna and child

Piero Della Francesca, Resurrection, 1463

Massacio, Expulsion from Eden, 15 th century (note twisted and contorted face – the pain and the agony)

The Annunciation, Rogier van der Weyden, 15 th century

Damned Cast into Hell, , Signorelli

Leonardo da Vinci, Mona Lisa, 16 th century

David, 16 th century

Hieronymous Bosch 1510

The Creation of Adam. Michelangelo, 1512, Sistene Chapel

1512, Michelangelo, Sistine Chapel

John Constable, 1821, The White Horse

John Singer Sargent, Daughters of Edward Darley Boit, 1882.

Monet, 1890s

Seurat, 1880s

Portrait of Dr. Gachet by Vincent van Gogh, 1880s

John Singer Sargent, A Street in Venice,

John Singer Sargent, The Brook

Understand that unique is not beautiful, it is unique. Understand that different is different, not necessarily beautiful. Recognize the difference between unique, different, and the beautiful. Something may even be very beautiful to you, but that does not mean it is a thing of beauty, and in 100 years no one will remember it even existed.

Chris Ofili's "Holy Virgin Mary": Using dung as a ‘paint’

Piss Christ – Crucifix in case of urine

You may wish to review other art – from the Renaissance through the art constructed today. These are samplings I found, which I find, uniquely appropriate. Why Beauty Matters  Roger Scruton This link may or may not be working. If it is not working, you should be able to find the video somewhere on the world wide web by searching ‘Why Beauty Matters’ and Roger Scruton.

What is the use or purpose of beauty? In forming an answer, you may wish to consider the following: Is there a standard for art and does art have a relationship to the real world (the one we live in), should it if it does or does not. Should art reflect your life – whether triumphal or abysmal – or should art aspire (inspire you) to something else? What benefit does that have for us in understanding beauty? If you believe it should reflect a beauty we could or should aspire to- why? Does beauty change over time, or is there an eternal beauty that is universal. Do you have to answer each of the questions above? No. That is why I wrote ‘you may wish to consider the following’. It is your answer, BUT I want serious thought and consideration of the questions raised and then, after you have seriously considered all I have asked – make sure you do answer the following question: What is the relationship between the beautiful and the study of history?

How long does the paper have to be: – no more than 2 pages typed. Arrange your writing in a coherent and logical manner. Intro, body, conclusion. 25 points This is an opportunity to repair a missed quiz or something you did poorly on. DUE: – Tues/Thur class: November 25. Mon/Wed class: November 24. This assignment may not be ed to me, nor may it be handed in late – anytime after I collect it in class.