AP ART HISTORY SUMMER ASSIGNMENTS
Welcome to AP Art History! If you take this course seriously, it will literally change the
way you see the world. You will see elements of buildings, culture and media in ways
you totally overlooked in the past. I'm glad you've accepted the challenge, and I
promise to do everything I can to make the class entertaining as well as highly
informative!
WHAT YOU NEED FOR THIS CLASS:





Get a three-ring binder. This has proven to be very worthwhile, because you'll
fill the whole thing by the end of April.
Internet Access. If you don't have Internet at home, make sure you have access
outside of class. Some of the best study tools for this class are located on my AP
Webpage, and you'll need to get to the Study Guides this way.
An Email Address or text number. In many cases I'll need to contact you
outside of class, and this is the best way. If you don't have either, go to Google,
Yahoo or Hotmail and make one.
REA Test Prep Study Book. This is NOT required, but I have yet to find a book
that is so much help! It explains everything clearly, with a CD that allows you
take practice tests on the computer. Most of the kids who bough this book did
awesome on the AP test. It's about $17-20 retail, but you can find it cheaper on
Amazon here:
http://www.amazon.com/History-CD-ROM-Best-Test-Preps/dp/0738602922
The Annotated Mona Lisa (suggested) This is NOT required either but it is
another infinitely useful book & may be used for an extra credit summer project
as well. You can get it from Amazon for as little as $.13 sometimes. Here is the
link to the most recent edition: http://www.amazon.com/Annotated-MonaLisa-Prehistoric-PostModern/dp/0740768727/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1337108307&sr=11
THE ASSIGNMENT:
1. Go to my AP Art History Edmodo Page... you can get there by either going to
www.fultonschools.edmodo.com and creating a student account using the group code “
sreyez “ This is where all assignments will be posted. I will give you updates, answer
questions and post links for you to watch etc. be sure you check it on a regular basis.
(*NOTE: Go ahead and Bookmark this website... You'll be here a lot.)
BTW there is also an Edmodo App you can download for free here:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/edmodo/id378352300?mt=8
2. Come with your parents to the school and check out a copy of the textbook over the
summer (your parent will have to sign for it in order for you to use it when we are out
of school. ) you are welcome to buy a copy of the text yourself but it can be cost
prohibitive.
3. Over the summer, you are to complete sections 1 & 2 (Prehistoric and Ancient Near
East / Egyptian). Read chapter 1 and 2 and complete the Study Guides for each Section.
You should have all 3 Study Guides ready to go for the first day of school.
4. Here's what you need to do for the study guides:
a. QUESTIONS: Please write out the questions, and answer them using complete
sentences. All of the answers can be found within the chapter, but don't write out your
answers word-for-word from the book. If I wanted Stokstad's answer, I'd re-read the
chapter 14 times.
b. TERMS TO KNOW: Write out a definition for each word. Use your own
words. Don't just copy from the book.
c. ARTWORK TO REMEMBER: Write a sentence or two about each piece, and
what makes it special. Use your own words to sum up what it is. Here's an example to
help you:
Skara Brae - Neolithic village uncovered in Scotland presumed to be built as late as 3100
BC. Created furniture built into walls using corbelled stones.
5. I suggest typing them out, but I'll definitely accept handwritten work, too. (Typing
them out is great because you could email me over the summer to make sure you did it
right before you turn it in!)
A FEW MORE IMPORTANT THINGS: I don't accept late work on the AP Level. If
you're going to be absent, email me your work. It's that easy. ...If you have any
questions or concerns, email me at GREENB2@FULTONSCHOOLS.ORG or my
personal email at mrgreensartclass@gmail.com
**On each section or chapter, you’ll find useful study guides and PowerPoint
presentations... these are made to help you remember your stuff. USE THEM! The
students who have done so in the past did remarkably better than those who didn't!!
HAVE FUN!
AP Art History
Prehistory and Prehistoric Art
The following is a general outline of the Prehistoric unit...
for a more detailed, KICK-BUTT website, click
here.
PREHISTORY: refers to the time period before people could
write, the time before written records.



Objects are the documents of record
Challenge is to "read" the nonverbal info found in
objects.
How is the concept of spirituality (or a primitive
religion) reflective in prehistoric artwork?
CHRONOLOGY: divided into three
general phases:
 Paleolithic (Old Stone Age) c40,000-8,000 BCE -- mostly
nomadic hunters
 Mesolithic (Middle Stone Age) c8,000-7,000 BCE
 Neolithic (New Stone Age) c7,000-2,300 BCE -- began to
settle year-round
Paleolithic Period
PAINTING - represents the most extensive example of
Paleolithic art.





Altimira, Spain-Bison, c14,000-12,000 BCE
Altimira, Spain-Dead Bison, c14,000-12,000 BCE
Lascaux, France-Well Scene c15,000-10,000 BCE
Lascaux, France-Hall of Bulls, c15,000-10,000 BCE
Lascaux, France-Chinese Horse c15,000-10,000 BCE
SCULPTURE - examples predate painting and drawing
in archaeological record.
 Venus of Willendorf, Vienna, Austria, c30,000-25,000 BCE
 Human with Feline Head, Hohlenstein-Stadel, Germany,
c30,000-28,000 BCE
 Venus of Laussel c23,000-20,000 BCE
 Woman from Brassempouy, France, c22,000 BCE
 Bison, Le Tuc d'Audoubert, France, c13,000BCE
Mesolithic Period
The Mesolithic was a transitional period, when the climatic,
geographical and biological patterns of today were
established. Artistically, the human figure was represented in
groups rather than the single figure of the Paleolithic.

Marching Warriors, Castellon, Spain, c7000-4000
BCE
Neolithic Period
Change from hunting and gathering to sedentary existence,
new art form, monumental architecture, Megaliths-GreekMegas, made from huge stones without mortar
 Carnac, France, c3,000 BCE
 Stonehenge, England, c2750-1500 BCE
AP Art History
Art of the Ancient Near East
It is in the Ancient Near east, that writing first began. With the
invention of writing came written records that replaced the reliance
upon images and oral traditions as a means of keeping records. Just
as important, the development of agriculture allowed civilizations to
start taking shape!
Geographically, the Ancient Near East refers to area that includes
present day Turkey, Iran and Iraq.
 Populations first settled in the grassy areas surrounding the river
valleys.The area was ideal for agriculture, with good soil, adequate
rainfall and domesticated animals.
 As the population increased, the people began to move into the
river valleys and delta regions.
CHRONOLOGY: divided into four general phases
 Early Neolithic Communities 8000-5500 BCE
 Ancient Mesopotamian Cultures 3200-330 BCE
 Sumerian Period 3200-2225 BCE (includes the Akkadian Period)
 Assyrian Period 1000-612 BCE
Early Neolithic Communities
Jericho-located on a plateau on the Jordan River.
 represents the world's oldest fortified community
Click here for good link
 fortifications make the beginning of monumental architecture
SCULPTURE-examples from Jericho mark the beginning of
monumental sculpture and individualized portraiture.
 Human Skull, c7000-6000 BCE
Catal Huyuk-located in Anatolia, flourished 6500-5500 BCE. This area
was the first to experiment in city planning.
SCULPTURE-most examples are small female figures
 Seated Goddess, Catal Huyuk, c5900 BCE
Sumerian Art
Between 3500 and 2800 BCE city-states began to emerge along the
rivers of Southern Mesopotamia. The city-states of Sumer are
considered to be one of the first great civilizations of man and are
credited with inventing the first written language, cuneiform.
ARCHITECTURE - ziggurat:a stepped pyramid structure, with a
temple or shrine located on top. Ziggurats were religious shrines, that
symbolized a bridge between man on earth, and the gods in heaven.
 Nanna Ziggurat, Ur (modern Iraq) (fig.2-5), c2100-2050 BCE
SCULPTURE - Sumerian sculpture was religious in nature,
representing Sumerian dieties.
 Face of Woman,from Urak (fig.2-6), c3500-3000 BCE
 Statuettes, from Temple of Abu, Tell Asmar (fig.2-9), c2900-2600
BCE
 Bull Lyre, from tomb of Queen Puabi of Ur (fig.2-11), c2685
 Standard of Ur, c2700 BCE
CYLINDER SEALS - Used as a means of stamping and identifying
documents... Simply roll the seal out on clay and get the image!
These seals are just a couple of inches long.
Akkadian Art - The first Empire
Approximately 2300 BCE, the city-states of Sumer came under the
domination of a powerful ruler, Sargon I of Akkad. The Akkadians
adopted Sumerian culture with one exception. It was under the
leadership of Sargon, that devotion to the leader rather than the citystate became the political norm. The Akkadians ruled until 2180 BCE,
when they were attacked and conquered by the Guti (only Lagash
remained independent).
SCULPTURE-first examples of political works of art
 Head of Akkadian Ruler from Nineveh (fig.2-15), c2200 BCE
 Stela of Naramsin (fig. 2-16), c2254-2218 BCE
(Neo-Sumerian)
The Akkadian Empire was overthrown by the Gutians, known for their
leader Gudea of Lagash. This brief period (ca. 2100-2000 BCE) was
called, "Neo-Sumerian" for resurrecting the Sumerian language in
their writings. Also, the statue here of Gudea has a "Sumerian Votive
Figure" style to it.
Babylonian Art
Sumer was once again fully united under the Babylonian ruler,
Hammurabi in 1792 BCE. Hammurabi was most famous for his code of
laws.
 Stela of Hammurabi, from Susa, c1792-1750 BCE
Assyrian Art
 Guardian Figure, from throne room of Sargon II, c720 BCE
 Citadel and Palace Complex of Sargon II, c721-706 BCE
(Neo-Babylonian Art)
The term Neo-Babylonian or Chaldean refers to Babylonia after
the death of Ashurbanipal, from the revolt of Nabopolassar in 626 BC
until the invasion of Cyrus the Great in 539 BC, notably including the
reign of Nebuchadnezzar.
 Ishtar Gate c575 BCE - Gate to Babylon ordered built by King
Nebuchadnezzar in honor of the Assyrian Goddess Ishtar.
Persian Art
Persia, now Iran, created the Persepolis, show here. It was begun by
Darius I (the Great) and finished by his son Xerxes.
AP Art History
Egyptian Art
INTRODUCTION: The pyramids and sphinx of Egypt represent
monuments that were built by a people who dominated Mid Eastern life
for thousands of years.
CHRONOLOGY:Three major periods of Egyptian history - but be aware
of the PRE-DYNASTIC / EARLY DYNASTY periods!





Pre-Dynastic Period 4350-3150 BCE
Early Dynastic Period 3150-2670 BCE
Old Kingdom 2670-2150 BCE
Middle Kingdom 2150-1800 BCE
New Kingdom 1550-1070 BCE (includes Amarna period-1370-1350
BCE)
Old Kingdom
Prior to the emergence of the Old Kingdom, there existed a Pre-dynastic
period in Egypt. The Pre-dynastic period lasted from 4350-3150 BCE. It
was a time of social and political transition. Finally in 3150, under the
leadership of Narmer (Menes), Upper and Lower Egypt were united as
one kingdom. From this time on, pharaoh's (single rulers from the same
family or dynasty) ruled Egypt as absolute kings who received their
powers from the gods.
It was during the Old Kingdom, that the traditions and standards of
Egyptian art were established. Rules of construction and composition
were established between Dynasty III and IV.
 Palette of Narmer (Menes) Dynasty I, (fig. 3-4), c3150-3125 BCE
ARCHITECTURE - One of the most important figures in Egyptian
architecture was Imhotep, chancellor and court architect under Djoser
(Zoser) (second ruler: Dynasty III). During the Early Dynastic period,
funerary rites became an essential part of Egyptian culture. In keeping
with this, the Egyptians created elaborate structures to help protect and
preserve the bodies of the dead.
Mastabas, flat topped, one-story buildings were first erected above
underground burial chambers. Mastabas were replaced during Dynasty
III and IV to create elaborate and expensive pyramids to house their
remains.
 Stepped Pyramid of Djoser Dynasty 3, c2681-2662 BCE
 Wall of North Palace, w/ engaged columns, Dynasty 3, c2681-2662
 Great Pyramids (for Khafre (Chefren), Menkaure (Mycerinus) &
Khufu(Cheops)) Dynasty 4,, c2601-2515 BCE
 Great Sphinx Dynasty 4, c2570-2544 BCE
Khafre
SCULPTURE - Sculpted statues of themselves were very important to
the pharaohs as a means of perpetuating their memories and protecting
their "ka". All early Egyptian sculpture is characterized by (1)
compactness (2) symmetry of form and (3) its block-like shape
 Khafre (Chefren or Chephren) Dynasty 3, c2570-2544 BCE
 Menkaure (Mycerinus) and His Wife Dynasty 4, c2515 BCE
 Seated Scribe Dynasty 5, c2510-2460 BCE
RELIEF SCULPTURE & PAINTING-Relief sculpture and painting were two
ways used to decorate the interior walls of the tombs and create
pleasant eternal living quarters for the deceased's "ka".
Menkaure
Middle Kingdom
One hundred years of political disorder followed the end of the Sixth
Dynasty. regional overlords struggled for power and were too weak to
protect the empire from invaders from Western Asia.
ARCHITECTURE-The architecture of the period was on a much smaller
scale than that of the Old Kingdom. Pharaohs still wanted pyramids but
lacked the funds and social stability to accomplish the task of building
on such a grand scale. Tombs became much smaller, cut from rock,
with the only access via a steep rampway.
 Rock cut Tomb of Amenemhet Dynasty 12, (fig.3-21), c1991-1785
BCE
SCULPTURE - Due to the division of power, two schools of
representation emerged. In the north, artists copied the idealized
images found within the grand tombs of Old Kingdom pharaohs. In the
south, artists did not have these images to copy.Their royal statues
display a movement towards a more natural imagery.
 Senwosret (Senusret) Dynasty 12, (fig. 3-24), c1878-1842 BCE
 Portrait of Sesostris III Dynasty 12, c1875-1825 BCE
New Kingdom
True order and stability was not re-established until Dynasty 18. With
the new era of peace and prosperity came a return to the construction
of large temple complexes.The rulers of Dynasties 18-20 built more
architectural and sculptural monuments than all of the other dynastic
periods combined. The majority of the construction took place around
the capital city of Thebes. During Dynasty 18 there was a radical
change in the traditional Egyptian culture. This challenge came during
the reign of Amenhotep IV, who questioned the power of the priest
class and introduced the new form of religion closely associated with
the sun-disk god, Aten. Amenhotep changed his name to Akhenaten
and moved the capital to Tell-el-Amarna.
ARCHITECTURE - New Kingdom architecture was built on a
monumental scale. The temple became the most representative of the
Egyptian buildings, due to the tremendous power of the priest class.
The classic New Kingdom temple had seven elements, all arranged on
the same axis.Entry into the various rooms of the temple was based
upon social class.
 Great Temple of Amun Dynasty 19, (fig. 3-30), c1294-1212 BCE
 Temple of Amun, Pylon of Ramesses II Dynasty 19, (fig. 3-31),
c1279-1212 BCE
 Temples of Ramesses II and Nefertari Dynasty 19, (fig. 3-35), c12791212 BCE
 Funerary Temple of Hatshepsut, Deir el-Bahri, Dynasty 20, (fig. 333), c2009-1997 BCE
SCULPTURE & PAINTING - Sculptural monuments to the pharaohs,
designed as simplified cubic blocks became very popular during the New
Kingdom. The shape of the cube emphasized the belief that the "ka"
could find an eternal home within the block statue portraits. Wall
paintings also continued in the traditions established in earlier
kingdoms.
 Senmut with Princess Nefrua Dynasty 18, c1490-1460 BCE
AKHENATON AND THE AMARNA PERIOD
Amenhotep IV came to the throne in 1352 BCE. During his seventeen
year reign, the traditional Egyptian culture was challenged to its very
roots. Amenhotep IV founded a new religion that no longer honored
many gods, but focused on honoring a single supreme being, Aten, the
sun-disk god. Amenhotep IV changed his name in 1348 BCE to
Akhenaten and moved the capital from Thebes, north to Akhetaten
(modern name Tell-el-Amarna). In addition to changing the social and
religious nature of the civilization, a new style of art will characterize
the Amarna Period.
The art of the Amarna Period will reflect a new more naturalistic
approach in the rendering of the human figure. Artists will instill a new
sense of life in their reliefs, wall paintings, statuary,
 Akhenaten and His Family Dynasty 18, (fig. 3-36), 1348-1336/5 BCE
 Queen Tiy Dynasty 18, (fig. 3-37), c1390-1352 BCE
 Queen Nefertiti Dynasty 18, (fig. 3-38) c1348-1336
Tutankhamen and the Post-Amarna Period
The discovery of the tomb of King Tutanhamen in 1922 has told
archaeologists and art historians more about the Amarna style than any
other source. Perhaps the greatest aspect of the tomb's discovery was
the young king's royal mummy that was placed in the inner most
chamber of three nesting coffins. The mummy's actual coffin was made
of one quarter ton of gold, inlaid with precious stones.
 Innermost Coffin of King Tutankhamen Dynasty 18, (fig. 3-40),
c1325 BCE
 Death Mask of Tutankhamen Dynasty 18, (fig. 3-41), c1325 BCE
 Painted Chest Dynasty 18, (fig. 3-42), c1325 BCE
Section 1: Art Before The Written Word
What changes occurred between the Paleolithic ('Old Stone Age') to the Neolithic
('New Stone Age') period?
Explain why calling a prehistoric figure a "woman" instead of "Venus" frees us to
think about the object in new and different ways.
Refer to at least three works of art in explaining how Paleolithic works of art show
an aesthetic sense.
What evidence is there that some megalithic monuments, such as Stonehenge,
may have had a relationship to celestial events in the calendar?
Compare any prehistoric work to something that is created in present day.
Click here for a pretty good Prehistoric website:
http://www.artlex.com/ArtLex/s/stoneage.html
Terms To Know
sculpture in the round
relief sculpture
abstraction
low relief
ware
modeling
post-and-lintel construction
henge
relative dating
corbeling
dolmen
cairn
incising
capstones
passage grave
Artwork to remember
Cave of Chauvet-Pont-d'Arc
Hall of Bulls (Lascaux) Cool website
Skara Brae (Scotland)
Tombs of Newgrange
(Ireland)
Woman from Willendorf
(Austria)
Cave Paintings (Altamira, Woman from Brassempouy
Spain)
(France)
Section 2a: The Art of Mesopotamia (pgs. 3747)
Why was this part of the world such a 'hot spot' for the development of civilization
and war?
What great inventions have the Sumerians been credited with?
Explain the similarities and differences between the Votive statues from Eshnunna
(p.41) and Votive statue of Gudea (p.44).
Describe the relationship between material and form in the Votive State of Gudea
as seen in figure 2-10. (p.44)
Egyptian architectural history seems preoccupied with tombs and burial. What are
the chief concerns of Mesopotamian architecture?
Why is the Stele of Hammurabi so important?
Terms To Know
pictographs
stylus
phonograms
heiroglyphs
cuneiform
heiratic scale
votive figures
stele
ziggurat
mastaba
cylinder seals
Artwork to remember
Ziggurat of Ur
(Sumerian)
Votive Figures
(Sumerian)
Victory Stele of Naramsin
(Akkadian)
Votive of
Gudea from
Lagash
(NeoSumerian)
Stele of Hammurabi
(Babylonian)
Palace of Persepolis
(Persia)
Section 2b: The Art of Ancient Egypt (pgs.
48-61)
This article is just WAY too cool to miss!
Why is there a PREDYNASTIC and an EARLY DYNASTIC period to Egyptian History,
instead of just Old, Middle & New?
Why is the southern part of Egypt referred to as "Upper Egypt", and vice versa?
Who was Imhotep, and what made him so special?
Explain the similarities and differences between the ziggurat of Saqqara versus
those in Mesopotamia.
How did the Egyptians' belief in afterlife affect the creation of the pyramids?
Egyptian architectural history seems preoccupied with tombs and burial. What are
the chief concerns of Mesopotamian architecture?
Looking at the statues of Khafra and Menkaure, describe what the ideal Old
Kingdom Ruler should look like.
What made Amenhotep IV's (New Dynasty) religion so different than anything
before it?
Terms To Know
palettes
mastaba
necropolis
veneer
pectoral
cartouche
pharaoh
hypostyle hall
pylons
sarcophagus
Click here for a cool website about Egyptian Art!
Artwork to remember
Rosetta Stone
Funerary Temple of Hatshepsut (Deir El-Bahri)
Step Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara
Great Pyramids of Giza
Ahkenaten and his Family
Sphinx (Giza)
Menkaure and His Wife, Queen Khamerernebty
(Giza)
Ti Watching a Hippo Hunt
PARENT/ STUDENT CONTRACT TO CHECK OUT AP ART HISTORY TEXTBOOK
I _________________________ , the legal guardian of _________________________ understand that
by signing this document I agree to ensure the following textbook (INSERT GARDNER INFO HERE) is
maintained in its present condition for the duration of the Summer or 2012 and will be returned to
North Springs High School within the first 10 days of the start of Fulton County 2012/2013 school year.
I agree to pay North Springs High School the amount of $100.00 in cash or money order if the above
stated conditions are not met.
Parent Name:____________________________________________________________
Parent Signature:_________________________________________________________
Student Name:___________________________________________________________
Address:________________________________________________________________
Telephone:______________________________________________________________
Email:__________________________________________________________________
ID NUMBER OF TEXTBOOK__________________________________________________