- Both the Caliph al-Walid I and the Emperor Charlemagne reference the architecture of the past. Compare how they do this and for what purposes.
Architecture development relied on the foundations designed in the past. Similarly, Caliph al-Walid and the emperor Charlemagne referenced past architecture. Caliph al-Walid built the great mosque of Damascus. The design for this mosque was borrowed, informed by Al-Aqsa-Mosque in Jerusalem. The Great Mosque of Damascus was set up in 706 -715 AD, while the Al-Aqsa-Mosque was set up around 20 BCE. Caliph al-Walid did not change the design of the reference Mosque. That is, Al-Aqsa-Mosque was rectangular in shape. The same design was reflected in the Great Mosque of Damascus, which is rectangular and surrounded by a portico. The two buildings occupy large spaces, aimed at accommodating large crowds. Besides, they are the true definition of Islamic architecture. Caliph added some details to the layout. In his architecture, the prayer hall has three aisles parallel to the qibla wall. These details were borrowed from Umayyad Mosques in Syria. Also, Caliph adopted the dome design from the reference mosque. The two mosques are among the few to have adopted this model in the Umayyad era. Besides, the interior dome was painted with ancient decorations, just like the Al-Aqsa-Mosque, which bore ancient decoration belied to be lost. Therefore, Caliph referenced the past architecture, which is reflected by the layout in the great Mosque of Damascus. However, he added details to match the trends of the era.
On the other hand, emperor Charlemagne was part of the Carolingian renaissance. During his reign, 16 cathedrals, 232 monasteries, and 65 palaces were constructed. The architecture behind this building was referenced from roman forms. Although emperors were not directly involved in deciding the architecture, they provided architects and funding. In this regard, Charlemagne influence the architecture through his decision of architects. The Carolingian architecture boomed around 768-855. The architects collected the information on their travels Italy, where the ancient Roman designs were their main inspiration. The Carolingian architects did not only copy the roman architecture, but they added details to fit their Royal and religious needs. The hybrid architecture was refined over time, but Roman architecture was the foundation of developments made. The main reference for Carolingian architecture used during Charlemagne’s reign was St. Peter Basilica in Rome. The churches of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem and the early Christian art and architecture adopted the Mosaic design, which was also adopted by the Carolingian designers. The mosaic design was the pillar of the later developments of Carolingian architecture. Both Caliph and Charlemagne based their architecture on past architecture. However, they made the necessary adjustments to suit their needs. The authenticity of the architecture is based on the development and adjustments made on the reference architecture. The difference between the two arises in that Charlemagne did make adjustments to the primary references.
- These both portray imperial figures. How are they different? How are they similar? How does this affect the impression of rulership that they convey?
The symbols are representatives of different forms of government. In both figures, the element of authority is common. In the first figure, Theodora and attendants Mosaic in san Vitae illustrates a group of leaders, which is a portray of authority. Similarly, the second figure, Augustus of Primaporta, depicts an exercise of power, which is emphasized by the leader. Both figures depict beholders of homage in their reign. Also, the figure represents different reigns in the and different systems of leadership. In this context, they are similar in that they are representative to identify each imperial reign and its distinct features.
However, the figures are different in various aspects. In the first figure, it represents female leadership and promotes the role of females in leadership. The second figure represent male leadership. The characters in both imagaes help to bring out this difference. Also, in the first image, there are many chracters, which add more details on the type of system represented. Howfver, the second imgae depicts one sysmbol of authority, which imply that homage is paid to only one figure. Finally, the element of religion is depicted in the first image. Religion is represented throiugh the charlice held by empress, as well as the relogious leadership alongside the empress. On the other hand, the second figure does not depict any form of religion representative. This depicts the lack of religion’s influence on leadership.
The first figure, Theodora and attendands Mosaic, represents byzentine era, while the second figure, represent the classical tradition era. The portray in this figure give the impression of the distinctive characteristics among the two imperial periods. The byzentine imperai, period was characterised by shared authority among leaders. That is, the emperor ruled alongside other leaders. This is depicted by the chracter besides empress, she wears the same robe as empress, which depicts power. In this regard, she was incharge of certain roles, which she oversaw. Also the figure also depicts the essence of religion in politicalm leadership. Religion was part of governance. The empress has a hallow on her head, which is an ndication of divinity of authority. The hallow did not symbolize the diviniy of the empress, rather it demostrated the divity of the origin of her power. Alongside her are other religios leaders. The religios leader wore a similar robe as empress. This depicts that relion was integrated in leadership matters. On the other hand, te figure depicts the emperor as one leadeship figure, who does not share homage with other people. In the classical tradion era, emporors were considerd the firs citizens. This implies that demanded respect from their subjects, and were considered sole holders of power. In addition the ruthlessness in the character depicted in the figure further illustrate the selfishness, in terms of power, of the emperor.
- How does the realism of Giotto compare to Second Style Roman wall painting? How does it compare to the illuminations by Yahya ibn Mahmud al-Wasiti for the Maqamat of Al-Hariri?
The second style roman wall painting emphasized more on the details of the wall. While the first style depicted the wall as smooth, the second style of the wall brought out the roughness of the wall. Various arts are classified on this category depending on the level of realism incorporated in each. The second style painting evokes the viewer’s imagination. It tricks the viewers into believing that they are looking through the window, this effect is brought by the illusionist images included in the second style painting. The viewer’s interpretation of the theme presented in the image is dependent on the level of reality achieved by the painter. This is the main difference between the first style roman wall painting and the second style. Giotto, the Florentine painter also adopted the same kind of realism in his work. Most of Giotto’s work were humanist. He managed to present the emotions and evoke sympathy through his work. This is evident in Isaac Blessing Jacob, one of his early works. Various commentators of this painting have captured the element of realism and humanist deployed. These aspect heightens the element of realism in Giotto’s work, further elaborating its similarity to the second style roman wall painting.
Giotto’s works also compare to the illuminations by Yahya ibn Mahmud al-Wasiti for the Maqamat of Al-Hariri. In Yahya’s work, he deploys the illuminations to evoke the emotions of the viewers. Besides, he depends on this illumination to evoke the element of reality of the image demonstrated. Giotto’s realism is also geared towards the same purpose as the Yahya’s illumination. In Isaac Blessing Jacob, Giotto emphasizes on the details of the images and variations of Strokes intensity. Through this style, the viewers are able to understand the setting of the image and the intended meaning of his work. Therefore, Giotto communicated through his works.
- Compare these two structures. What do they have in common? Why do they look so different?
The two structure represent a dome ribbed design. this architecture is classified as gothic style. The first image represents the Great Mosque of Cordoba Midrib, while the second image represent Cathedral of Notre dam Chartres in France. the two structures adopted the similar reference designed, but they structured differently depending on their needs. the cathedral represents the true prototype of gothic style. That is longitudinal body with nave aisles. However, it shares the same interior design as the great mosque of Cordoba. In the sense of crossing ribs. This characteristic designed most building of the gothic era. Also the two structures are alike in the aspect of dome decorations. Both have no painting decorations other than the stylistic ones.
The two structure differ in terms of color of the painting. The dome of the great mosque of Cordoba has a golden orientation unlike the cathedral Notre, which bears a dark grey color. However, under light illumination, the Cathedral’s dome adapts the golden orientation, as observed on the lower parts of the structure. Also, the cathedral takes the longitudinal gothic style, while the great mosque assumes the conical dome model. Also, the great mosque has small light window, which a re placed just below the dome roof. On the other hand, the cathedral light windows are large and are separated from the doom by a decoration. The difference arises mainly due to the difference of time of construction between the two structures. That is, the cathedral was constructed earlier than the great mosque. This implies that gothic style had evolved during the time of Mosques construction. Also, the differences arise due to the difference of purpose served by the two structures. The great mosque was constructed with Islamic styles in mind. It was set up to serve the Islamic rituals and cultures. On the other hand, the cathedral was constructed to serve interests co Christians rituals. The longitudinal design aimed to accommodate a large congregation, while the large windows lights up the interior of the structure.