Clestory and Dome- Ravenna, Italy 5th century (remodeled c. 450-460)

Flavian Amphitheater (Colosseum)

Think about how similar the Colosseum is to structures being built today, yet think about the amazing differences in technology! It makes me ponder the caliber of intelligence between people in Ancient Roman times and today. They had an amazing creative sense and the ability to translate that to a revolutionary architectural feat. I have always wanted to travel to Rome, after learning about the colosseum I want to go even more!

Pendant of Gold Bees

Pendant of Gold Bees immediately made me think of a line of jewelry that is based in the town that I grew up in, East Stroudsburg, PA. Liztech is a company that produces all kinds of jewelry. I found this piece- Winged Scarab on their website. The similarities between the two pieces created centuries apart is mind boggling! The coloring, similar shapes, hanging embellishments are all so similar.

Fish-Shaped Bottle

Can you believe that this Fish-Shaped Bottle was made during the Eighteenth Dynasty circa 1350 BCE? It looks amazingly similar to a blown glass fish that I purchased at a local festival!

Egyptians experimented with many types of glass art; but it is unknown when or where the technique of glass making first developed.

This fish was made using a technique known as core glass where a shape was made from clay, skewered, then dipped into molten glass. When the glass dried the clay was removed from the holes left by the skewer.

It amazes me both that there is art created so long ago that looks similar to pieces created today, and that people who lived in a time before grocery stores, and modern appliances found the time to invest in hobbies such as art!

Daric

This Persian coin, Daric, was first minted during the regime of Darius. Today it is one of the most valuable coins in the world. The coins are incredibly rare today even though the were widely used at the time because when Alexander the Great invaded Persia he melted down Darics and recoined them with his own image.

I have already seen many instances throughout this course of when art has helped archaeologists, historians, and the like learn about the past. The practice of putting rulers on coins began in the 4th century BCE during the rule of Darius. Since we know the approximate reign of ancient rulers it is possible to date objects found during excavations by using coins found with them!

It is fascinating to me that the practice of using coins as propaganda has lasted through the centuries.

Woman from Willendorf

When I first saw the Woman from Willendorf I immediately thought of my sister. This summer I had the amazing experience of witnessing my sister give birth to my niece.

When I arrived at my sister's house that night she had already been laboring for a few hours. Soon after I got there my sister had stripped from her clothes in preparation of entering the birthing tub. I was struck by her massive figure- it was the first time I had seen a naked hugely pregnant woman. At that time I thought of ancient statues that I had seen. Her pronounced female form looked much like that of the Woman from Willendorf.

After seeing my sister deliver her own nine pound baby, in the comfort of her own bedroom, I definitely thought of her a kin to a classical goddess of sexual love and beauty. This experience made learning about the Woman from Willendorf, and the history of her name all the more interesting for me.

"A Picture of Me" through Art

I've never before thought about using art to describe myself.

My personality is as eclectic as a good fruit bowl. I would say that I am usually bright and sweet like an orange. But, I have my days when I am as tart and abrasive as a pineapple!

My favorite type of art is art created by children. Like this piece, "Fruit Bowl" by Marisbel5 (artsonia.com) It's not that I love kids, in fact unless they are related they usually drive me nuts. Perhaps, it's because my own artistic talents haven't evolved since about 5th grade!

This oil painting is by the famous Zhoukai, of Beijing. It is titled "Sisters going home catching rain". The only way that this painting could better represent my life would be by including a third sister. I love the image of the sisters weathering a storm together as they climb a steep staircase. It is very symbolic of my own life.

I find it interesting that as I examine art to compare it to my own life I find myself looking closer at details, asking questions, and wondering about what the artist was thinking. For example, is the girl putting the umbrella up or down? Which sister is older? I would love to see the expressions on their faces- but viewing them from the back adds a much different feeling to the piece.

I chose this image of a Clochán because I am hardworking. Imagine how hardworking the Irish men that built these huts during the Bronze Age must have been.

I surely haven't built myself a stone hut, but I work hard everyday at school, at work, and at home building a life for myself.

I had to include a map because some of my greatest ambitions and dreams include traveling around the world. Maybe I should have chosen a cruise ship or an all inclusive resort...

I'll leave my options open and generalize using the whole darn planet!

Materialistic is definitely not a word I would use to describe myself. But, one of the best luxuries in my life is an amazing pair of jeans! I wouldn't have to be so hard working if a great pair of jeans didn't make me feel so fabulous!!

I hope that the images I have chosen "paint a picture" of my personality for you. I look forward to seeing what other students choose.