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Unit 4 Required Works

Chloe Davis

Chloe Davis

9 min read

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Study Guide Overview

This AP Art History study guide covers Later European and American Art (1750-1970), focusing on key movements like Romanticism, Realism, Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, Fauvism, Cubism, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, and Pop Art. It examines specific artworks, including The Starry Night and Les Demoiselles d’Avignon, analyzing their form, content, function, and context. The guide also explores connecting themes such as Enlightenment ideals and cultural identity, and provides practice questions covering multiple-choice, short answer, and free response formats.

AP Art History: Your Ultimate Review Guide 🚀

Hey there, future art historian! Feeling the pre-exam jitters? Don't worry, this guide is designed to be your best friend tonight. We'll break down the key concepts, make connections, and get you feeling confident and ready to ace that exam. Let's do this!

1. Introduction to Later European and American Art

Key Movements (1750-1970)

These movements are the backbone of the exam. Knowing their characteristics and how they relate to each other is crucial.

  • Romanticism (1750-1850): 💖 Emotion, imagination, and the sublime beauty of nature. Think dramatic landscapes and intense feelings.
  • Realism (1848-1900): 🧐 Truthful, objective depictions of everyday life and the working class. No sugar-coating here!
  • Impressionism (1860-1890): ☀️ Capturing fleeting moments of light and color in nature. Think blurry edges and vibrant hues.
  • Post-Impressionism (1880-1910): 🎨 Building on Impressionism, but with more emphasis on structure, form, and personal expression. Think Van Gogh's swirls and Seurat's dots.
  • Fauvism (1905-1910): 💥 Bold, non-naturalistic use of color. Think Matisse's vibrant, expressive palettes.
  • Cubism (1907-1914): 📐 Breaking down objects into geometric shapes and reassembling them in abstract compositions. Think Picasso and Braque.
  • Surrealism (1924-1940): 💭 Exploring the subconscious mind and the power of dreams. Think melting clocks and bizarre imagery.
  • Abstract Expressionism (1940-1960): 🌀 Non-objective forms and the exploration of the artist's inner self. Think Pollock's drips and Rothko's color fields.
  • Pop Art (1955-1970): 📺 Incorporating elements of popular culture, such as advertising and comic books. Think Warhol's soup cans and Lichtenstein's comic panels.

Art in the Americas

  • Hudson River School: 🏞️ Romantic and idealized depictions of the American landscape.
  • Ashcan School: 🏙️ Focused on urban life and the working class in American cities.
  • Abstract Expressionism: 🇺🇸 A uniquely American movement led by artists like Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, and Willem de Kooning.
Memory Aid

Mnemonic for remembering the sequence: Romantic Real Impression Post-Impression Fauvism Cubism Surrealism Abstract Expressionism Pop Art (Really Rich Iguanas Prefer Colorful, Sweet Apples and Pears)

2. Key Works and Case Studies

Portrait of Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, Miguel Cabrera (1750 CE) 🇲🇽

Key Concept

This painting is a great example of how art can convey intellectual and religious status, and it's often used to discuss feminist themes in art.

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  • Form: Oil on canvas, Enlightenment style.
  • Content:
    • Portrait of a nun (Sor Juana).
    • Books symbolizing education.
    • St. Jerome's translation of the Bible.
    • Painting of the Virgin Mary.
    • Rosary in her left hand.
    • Red curtains indicating high status....
Previous Topic - Theories and Interpretations of Later European and American ArtNext Topic - Indigenous Americas, 1000 BCE-1980 CE

Question 1 of 13

Which art movement emphasized emotion, imagination, and the sublime beauty of nature? 💖

Realism

Romanticism

Impressionism

Cubism