12-01 Early British Art

Series 12 Episode 01 Early British Art: Frequently Asked Questions
My lecture notes: www.shafe.co.u...
An amusing podcast created by Google Notebook LM from my 12-01 Early British Art notes: www.shafe.co.u...
What are the earliest signs of human presence and artistic expression in Britain?
Coastal erosion near Happisburgh, Norfolk, revealed approximately 50 footprints dating back almost a million years, marking the earliest evidence of hominids in Britain. A 500,000-year-old flint axe, crafted with a level of care exceeding its practical function, suggests an early appreciation for aesthetics and potentially represents a pre-Homo sapiens work of art.
What is the significance of the Church Hole caves at Creswell Crags?
These caves house the most significant example of cave art in the UK, featuring around 80 prehistoric engravings dating back 13,000-15,000 years. The carvings depict various animals, including bison and reindeer, and potentially bird-headed people, providing insights into the artistic expressions of both Neanderthal and modern humans who occupied the site.
How did the arrival of agriculture and domestication impact life in Britain?
The advent of agriculture and domestication of animals like cattle, sheep, and pigs around 10,000-13,000 years ago revolutionized life in Britain. This period, known as the Early Neolithic, saw the development of settled communities and the ability to grow and process staple crops like wheat and barley, marking a significant shift from hunter-gatherer lifestyles.
What is the cultural and historical importance of Stonehenge?
Stonehenge, constructed around 2500 BC, is an iconic prehistoric monument that continues to fascinate and intrigue. Its sophisticated design and acoustic properties, as revealed through computer modelling, suggest it served as a site for rituals, ceremonies, and potentially even trance-inducing musical performances.
What distinctive features characterize different periods of English cathedral architecture?
English cathedrals, spanning from 1040 to 1540, showcase a rich architectural heritage. Norman Romanesque cathedrals (11th-12th centuries), exemplified by Durham Cathedral, share similarities with European counterparts. Early English Gothic (12th-13th centuries), as seen in Salisbury Cathedral, introduced lancet windows and pointed arches. Decorated Gothic (13th-14th centuries), with its wider windows and intricate tracery, can be observed in Exeter Cathedral. Finally, Perpendicular Gothic (14th-16th centuries), characterized by strong vertical lines and elaborate fan tracery, finds its expression in Gloucester Cathedral.
What is the significance of Doom paintings found in English churches?
Doom paintings, typically found on the west wall of churches, served as powerful visual reminders of the Last Judgement. Dating from the 12th and 13th centuries, these paintings depict Heaven and Hell with Christ as the central figure, often accompanied by the Virgin Mary, John the Apostle, and the Archangel Michael weighing souls. The Chaldon Doom painting, surviving due to its whitewashing during the Reformation, is a notable example, illustrating the "Ladder of Salvation of the Human Soul" and the consequences of sin.
How did portrait painting evolve during the Tudor period?
Portrait painting gained significant traction in England during the Tudor period, becoming a prominent art form for the first time. The establishment of the Church of England, the publication of the Bible in English, and England's emergence as a maritime power coincided with a growing interest in portraiture. Portraits served as gifts, symbols of loyalty, and tools for political messaging, with the symbolism and enigma embedded within these paintings offering valuable insights into Tudor society.
What impact did the Commonwealth Sale have on the British art collection?
The Commonwealth Sale, following the execution of Charles I, dispersed a significant portion of the royal art collection amassed during his reign. The sale, driven by political and financial motivations, saw masterpieces by artists like Titian and Leonardo da Vinci acquired by foreign buyers and private individuals, resulting in a substantial loss to the nation's artistic heritage. Some, like Colonel John Hutchinson, purchased paintings as investments, later selling them for considerable profits.

[@qFxYT]

great talk as always

[@anyamelikhova1142]

Just found this channel and I’m about to watch all the videos!

[@MegPier]

Thoroughly enjoyed this! I appreciate not only the art but the history. Indeed, its very complex but you did a great job of elucidating the key developments. As an American, I was heartened with the references to all the monarchs with delusions of grandeur who overreached their place and had their heads chopped off 🤣