Art is one of the most unique ways of expressions as it allows to integrate various concepts and relate it to their civilization. The composition of art is based on a specific historical and cultural context. Studying historical art can thus reveal the basic cultures, lifestyle, and beliefs of historical civilizations. The ideas of God and religion have also been expressed through art. The two artworks chosen for the current study are Charlemagne and Carloman in the Medieval Europe period and Bull-Leaping Fresco in the Early Greek period.
Comparison/Contrast of the Two Images
Both paintings have similarities in showcasing the events that took place during their historical periods. The first painting Charlemagne and Carloman depicts the two brothers accepting the inheritance of the kingdom from their father 1 . The second painting Bull-Leaping Fresco shows a sporting event that involved bulls. The two artworks have a difference in their meaning with the first one representing the passing down of wealth and power from one generation to the next while the second one representing a culture that was proud in showcasing their talents involving sporting events. The two artworks are also similar in depicting animals. Charlemagne and Carloman shows the two brothers riding horses as they appear to move towards each other at a friendly pace indicating that they were not in a battle. The Bull-Leaping Fresco showcases a livestock, i.e. a Bull used to conduct the sporting event.
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Historical Analysis
The historical analysis of the two artworks can reveal the civilization and lifestyles in the two time periods. The Charlemagne and Carloman is based on the medieval Europe period and it shows that they valued the inheritance of wealth and power and they used horses. The Bull-Leaping Fresco shows the values and the way of life throughout the Greek period. It shows an artistic expression of aerobatics and sports dominant in the Medieval Europe. The specific activity that takes place involves one participant performing a dangerous flip at the back of the bull while the other participant takes the bull by the horns 2 . The size of the bull appears to be quite huge showing that the culture reared oversized bulls and used it for sports. The use of such bulls showcased courage and triumph in the given civilization.
Biblical Evaluation
As Christians, it is important to evaluate and appreciate the significance of art. Art should be appreciated because it showcases the nature of talent in God’s creations to create beautiful works. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV) states that “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” 3 The verse can also be applied to show that everything, including painting should be used to glorify God. Exodus 31:3-4 (ESV) also states that “and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze” 4 . The verse indicates that creating artistic designs comes from the spirit of God. Men should thus appreciate art with the knowledge that all beautiful things have been inspired by the spirit of God.
Conclusion
The analysis of the two artworks of Charlemagne and Carloman in the Medieval Europe period and Bull-Leaping Fresco in the Early Greek period revealed multiple similarities and differences about their histories. Charlemagne and Carloman showcased a culture based on inheritance of wealth and power while Bull-Leaping Fresco showcased a culture that valued sports. The two artworks facilitate the studying of historical civilizations. The beauty in the artworks can be used as a basis of glorifying God.
References
"Bull-Leaping Fresco from Knossos." In Daily Life through History , ABC-CLIO, 2019. Image. Accessed June 27, 2021. http://ezproxy.liberty.edu/login?url=https://dailylife2.abc-clio.com/Search/Display/1503710
"Charlemagne and Carloman." In Daily Life through History , ABC-CLIO, 2019. Image. Accessed June 27, 2021. http://ezproxy.liberty.edu/login?url=https://dailylife2.abc-clio.com/Search/Display/2083564
Crossway Bibles. 2007. ESV: study Bible: English standard version . Wheaton, Ill.
1 "Charlemagne and Carloman." In Daily Life through History , ABC-CLIO, 2019. Image. Accessed June 27, 2021. http://ezproxy.liberty.edu/login?url=https://dailylife2.abc-clio.com/Search/Display/2083564
2 "Bull-Leaping Fresco from Knossos." In Daily Life through History , ABC-CLIO, 2019. Image. Accessed June 27, 2021. http://ezproxy.liberty.edu/login?url=https://dailylife2.abc-clio.com/Search/Display/1503710
3 Crossway Bibles. 2007. ESV: study Bible: English standard version . Wheaton, Ill.
4 Crossway Bibles. 2007. ESV: study Bible: English standard version . Wheaton, Ill.
