IV. Thematic Essays (50 points). Write essays on two of the following three topics. Use examples of works of
art to illustrate and animate your points.
1) How and why did cultures from Late Antiquity onward – i.e. from the fall of the Roman Empire through the
Gothic period – make use of classical (Greek and Roman) art and imagery in their own art? What was the role
and significance of classical art and culture in these subsequent eras? Use at least three different cultures in
your discussion.

2) The role, status, identity and ideal of the artist changed dramatically from the classical to the Gothic era.
Discuss the image and ideal of the artist over this period, addressing some of the specific ways they were
viewed within different cultures and how and why the image and ideal of artists changed over the course of
these eras. Some questions you might address: In what ways was artistic talent and skill valued? In what ways
was it downplayed or seen as a threat? How did the status of the artist change over this period? Between
different eras and cultures? Use at least three different cultures in your discussion.

3) Throughout the history of art an ongoing tension exists between observation and schematization, between
naturalism and idealization. Discuss some of the ways this tension plays out in the art produced from Late
Antiquity to the Gothic period. What role and purpose do observation and naturalism have? What role and
purpose do schematization and idealization have? How do these respective styles reflect cultural ideals or
values? Use at least three different cultures in your discussion.