Magante BSHM2E 03quiz1
Magante BSHM2E 03quiz1
Magante BSHM2E 03quiz1
A. Imitationism
Imitation art is art that focuses on representing things realistically. Imitationism is an art
theory that judges artwork based on how realistic it appears. Doryphorus (Spear Bearer) by
Polycritus is a Roman marble copy or imitation of a Greek bronze, c. Roman Copies of Greek Art,
450-440 B.C.E. When we study ancient Greek art, we frequently find ourselves looking at ancient
Roman art, or at least their copies of Greek sculpture (or paintings and architecture for that
matter). Basically, every Roman desired ancient Greek art. Greek culture represented a desirable
way of life for the Romans, representing leisure, the arts, luxury, and learning. When Roman
generals began conquering Greek cities (beginning in 211 B.C.E. ), they returned triumphantly to
Rome with works of art rather than the usual booty of gold and silver coins. This work so
impressed the Roman elite that studios were established to meet the growing demand for copies
destined for wealthy Roman villas. The Doryphorus was one of the most desired and copied Greek
sculptures. The Doryphorus (Spear-Bearer) in the Naples Museum (shown above) is a Roman copy
or imitation of a lost Greek original, which we believe was discovered, largely intact, in the
provincial Roman city of Pompeii.
B. Representationism
The painting shows the "Katipunan," a secret organization whose members were subjected
to strict secrecy and were expected to follow the rules established by society. As the painting above
shows, aspiring applicants were subjected to standard initiation rites in order to become members
of the society. Membership in the Katipunan was initially restricted to male Filipinos; however,
women were later admitted to the society. Kalayaan (Freedom), the Katipunan's own publication,
saw its first and final printing in March 1896. Within the society, revolutionary ideals and works
flourished, and Filipino literature was expanded by some of its prominent members.