INTRODUCTION

Introduction
Gateways to Art:
Understanding the Visual Arts
Second Edition

Copyright 2015 Thames & Hudson

INTRODUCTION

What Is Art?
Art has many purposes
Art can be made from almost
anything
Art communicates sensations,
ideas and emotions by visual
means; it is a form of language
Art can help us see the world in
new and exciting ways
Gateways to Art: Understanding the Visual Arts, Second Edition, Debra J. DeWitte, Ralph M. Larmann, and M. Kathryn Shields

Artwork: The Journey of the

Sun God Re

0.0.1 The Journey of the Sun God Re, detail from the inner coffin of Nespawershefi, Third Intermediate Period, 990969
Plastered and painted wood. Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge, England

BCE.

INTRODUCTION

The Journey of the Sun

God Re

Painted on the coffin of Egyptian

Nespawershefi
Sun god Re in the underworld at
night
Reflects importance of rivers in
Egypt
Refers to Egyptian beliefs about
the afterlife
Gateways to Art: Understanding the Visual Arts, Second Edition, Debra J. DeWitte, Ralph M. Larmann, and M. Kathryn Shields

Artwork: Frederic Edwin

Church, Niagara

0.0.2 Frederic Edwin Church, Niagara, 1857. Oil on canvas, 36 76. Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.

INTRODUCTION

Frederic Edwin Church,

Niagara
Niagara symbolized Americas
territorial expansion and ambitions
Viewer is positioned at the edge
Beauty and power of the landscape
symbolized God in nature
For some, represents Gods
support for the country
Gateways to Art: Understanding the Visual Arts, Second Edition, Debra J. DeWitte, Ralph M. Larmann, and M. Kathryn Shields