Materials, Processes, and Techniques in Later European and American Art

Daniel Miller
4 min read
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Study Guide Overview
This study guide covers Unit 4 of AP Art History, focusing on materials and techniques (oil paint, canvas, watercolor, pastels, charcoal, photography, lithography, and film) used in different artistic movements. It explores the Rococo period (1700-1750 CE) with its playful and delicate style, and the Neoclassicism period (1750-1815 CE) characterized by order and Greco-Roman inspiration.
AP Art History: Unit 4 - A Night Before Review ๐
Hey there, future art historian! You've made it to the final stretch. Unit 4 is a beast, but you've got this! Let's make sure you're feeling confident and ready to ace that exam. This guide is designed to be your go-to resource for a quick, high-impact review. Let's dive in!
Materials & Techniques Overview
Before we jump into specific movements, let's quickly review the materials and techniques you'll see throughout this unit. Understanding these will help you analyze artworks more effectively.
- Oil Paint: Pigments mixed with oil, known for versatility and texture.
- Canvas: Fabric support for paintings, especially oil paintings.
- Watercolor: Pigments mixed with water, often used for landscapes.
- Pastels: Pigment sticks, create soft and delicate effects.
- Charcoal: Used for quick, loose drawings.
- Photography: Light-sensitive materials to create images (includes photograms, daguerreotypes, and calotypes).
- Lithography and Film: New media emerging in the 19th century.
Understanding the properties of these materials can help you identify the time period and artistic movement of a work.
Artistic Movements: A Quick Tour ๐ผ๏ธ
Let's organize these movements chronologically, highlighting key characteristics, techniques, and connections.
Rococo (1700-1750 CE)
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Characteristics: Playful, romantic, delicate, and curvilinear lines.
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Techniques: Pastel colors, emphasis on nature's beauty.
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Example: The Swing (soft yellows and pinks).
Self-Portrait. Image Courtesy of AP Art History.
Neoclassicism (1750-1815 CE)
- Characteristics: Inspired by Greco-Roman art, emphasis on order, symmetry, balance, and exemplum virtutis.
- Techniques: Linear perspective, biblical and mythological scenes, unpainted marble sculptures.
Think "Neo-Classical" = "New Classical"

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