history homework units 8-10

ARH

Unit 10/Reflection

1) What, if any, parallels do you see between Gibbon’s description written over one hundred years ago about the decline and fall of the Roman Empire to that of the United States’ “super power” status, internal political climate, and economic future? (p. 1)

2) Write a 100 word description about one object from the on-line exhibition, “Vikings: The North Atlantic Saga”. (p. 3)

3) Explain what makes the figures carved onto the Hiberno-Saxon (Irish) high crosses so stylized. In terms of politics and culture (particularly in the post-Roman Empire era), why do you speculate these artists adopted an “anti”-classical esthetic? (p. 6)

4) Explain why “The Book of Kells” (c. 800 CE) is considered the pinnacle achievement of early medieval illuminated manuscripts in the Hiberno-Saxon culture. (p. 9)

5) After learning more about the “Palace Chapel” at Aachen on the web site Sacred Destinations, give a brief history about Charlemagne’s interest in relics and how that manifested itself at the site. What are some of the treasures found at the Palatine Chapel? (p. 13)

6) Why do you think the “Gospel Book of Charlemagne” attempts to revive the classical, naturalistic figure, while during a similar historical moment (yet in a different locale), Hiberno-Saxons are representing the figure in a stylized manner? (p. 15)

7) How does the “Gospel Book of Bishop Ebbo” blend linear expressionism with a classical esthetic? (p. 16)

8) What architectural elements from the Hildesheim Cathedral are appropriated from classical prototypes? How is the plan modified? (p. 17)

9) In the images of the Hero Crucifix and Middle Byzantine mosaic, would you say this figure is naturalistic or stylized? Is there volume to the form? Can you see a “contrapposto” pose? Describe the drapery. (p. 20)

10) After watching the video “The Structure of a Medieval Manuscript”, describe the elements that comprise the crafting of such objects. (p. 21)