Journal #7 and 8
Ancient Period
Title: Doryphoros (Spear-Bearer)
Artist: Polykleitos
Year: around 440 BCE
Medium: Originally bronze but known through Roman marble copies
Description: This sculpture shows a strong, athletic man holding a spear, standing in a relaxed but balanced pose. Polykleitos created it to show the “perfect” human body using math and symmetry.
Medieval Period
Title: Lamentation (The Mourning of Christ)
Artist: Giotto di Bondone
Year: around 1305
Medium: Fresco
Description: Giotto painted a heartbreaking scene where people mourn Jesus after his death. The emotions look real where you can feel their sadness by looking at the painting.
Early Renaissance Period
Title: The Arnolfini Portrait
Artist: Jan van Eyck
Year: 1434
Medium: Oil on oak panel
Description: This painting shows a wealthy couple in their home, surrounded by fancy objects and hidden symbols. Van Eyck used oil paint to capture every tiny detail, like the shine on the chandelier and the reflection in the mirror.
High Renaissance Period
Title: Melencolia I
Artist: Albrecht Dürer
Year: 1514
Medium: Engraving on paper
Description: This artwork shows a winged woman sitting with tools and symbols around her, looking deep in thought. Dürer used it to explore the idea of creative frustration like when you’re smart and talented but still feel stuck.
Late Renaissance Period
Title: Deposition from the Cross
Artist: Jacopo Pontormo
Year: 1528
Medium: Tempera on wood
Description: Pontormo painted the moment Jesus is taken down from the cross, but he did it in a very dramatic and emotional way. The figures seem to float, and the colors are intense, almost dreamlike.
Modern Period
Title: The Joy of Life (Le Bonheur de Vivre)
Artist: Henri Matisse
Year: 1905–1906
Medium: Oil on canvas
Description: This painting shows people dancing and relaxing in a colorful, imaginary landscape. Matisse didn’t care about realistic colors — he used bright pinks, oranges, and greens to express happiness and freedom. It feels like a celebration of life, painted with pure emotion.
Contemporary Period
Title: Girl with Balloon
Artist: Banksy
Year: 2002
Medium: Stencil graffiti
Description: Banksy’s artwork shows a little girl reaching out for a red balloon shaped like a heart. It’s simple but powerful — people see it as a symbol of hope, love, or even loss.