3: Significance of Materials Used in Art
- Page ID
- 10121
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)After completing this chapter, you should be able to:
- Describe the differences among valuation of art materials, especially with regard to intrinsic qualities of raw material versus produced objects
- Discuss the differences between monetary and cultural values for works of art
- Discuss the idea of “borrowed” significance that comes with the re-use of components from previous artworks
- Describe the significance of value added to objects by complex artistic processes or by changing tastes in different eras
- 3.1: Introduction
- This page explores the importance of materials in artworks, detailing how they shape our understanding and appreciation of art. By citing examples like the Louis Comfort Tiffany vase and gold leaf, it illustrates how specific materials enhance both the monetary and cultural value of art. The discussion emphasizes the relationship between materials, artistic techniques, and cultural perceptions, urging readers to consider the significance of artists' material choices in interpreting art.
- 3.2: Utility and Value of Materials
- This page covers the evolution of art and pottery from prehistoric times to the Ming Dynasty, focusing on early artists' use of natural materials and the innovation of the potter’s wheel for advanced ceramics. It highlights the importance of porcelain and its influence on European ceramics, alongside the cultural significance of pottery.
- 3.3: Precious Materials, Spolia, and Borrowed Glory
- This page explores the use of lavish materials in sacred and royal artifacts, emphasizing the significance of porphyry in symbolizing imperial power in ancient Rome and Byzantium. It discusses the repurposing of older artifacts, like the sarcophagus of Constantina, to represent power transitions.
- 3.4: Liquidation of Treasures
- This page discusses the significance of materials in artwork, emphasizing their impact on viewer interpretations and responses. It highlights how materials can enhance the perceived value and importance of an artwork, like a Tiffany vase, and can reveal connections between the spiritual significance and economic value of art over time. Understanding these factors shapes the appreciation and understanding of the artwork.
- 3.5: Wood, Inlay, and Lacquer
- This page explores the importance of wood in sculptures and furniture across various historical periods and cultures, focusing on specific woods like linden, mahogany, and oak. It highlights craftsmanship in carved objects and the cultural significance of lacquer art from China. The text illustrates how wood selection and techniques reflect social status and artistic trends from the Romanesque and Gothic periods to the Arts and Crafts movement.
- 3.6: Intrinsic Values and Enhanced Worth of Metals
- This page discusses the significance of materials in art, highlighting the artistic and intrinsic value of metals like gold, silver, iron, and copper. It notes the historical use of iron and bronze in early artistic processes and emphasizes the durability and detail of brass and bronze in public monuments. The page underscores the skill required to create metal objects, reflecting the artistry and intention involved in the work.
- 3.7: RARE MATERIALS AND PROHIBITED USES
- This page examines the economic and ecological impacts of ivory use from elephants and other mammals. While valued for its rarity and artistry, ivory's over-exploitation has endangered elephants due to hunting for profit. This crisis has prompted a widespread boycott of ivory sales, including antiques, to promote species preservation efforts.
- 3.8: MATERIAL CONNOTATIONS OF CLASS OR STATION
- This page discusses Korean artist Do Ho Suh's creation of a figural representation of an imperialistic robe using military dog tags, symbolizing Korea's political and cultural strength. It reflects on the effects of mandatory military service on identity and collective consciousness, emphasizing the dehumanizing aspects of these experiences. The artwork aims to enhance the viewer's understanding of the connections between individual narratives and larger political themes.
- 3.9: BEFORE YOU MOVE ON
- This page explores the importance of material choice in artwork, detailing how these decisions affect the meaning and value of art. It highlights a range of traditional and contemporary materials available to artists and defines key terms like 'codex', 'cultural value', 'spolia', and 'monetary value'.