Textual Analysis Of Flash Through The Parthenon

Flash Through the Past Throughout the span of history, every age in time has had various levels of affiliation with religious structures. While the forms, shapes, and mediums of these artworks may differ through time, the symbol that each represents is the uniting factor. This commonality is observed in several art pieces, namely that of the Parthenon, Hagia Sophia, arch of Titus, Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, Amiens cathedral, and the boundary stones within the complex of Djozer. Initiating the path is the Parthenon. Evident from the images, symbols, and structure, the function of this piece is for religious ceremonies. Religion… a word that is supposed to signify “openness” to all who want to join, however this large structure excludes the majority
This “man” whom would much rather be seen as a god, utilizes many different techniques to enthrall viewers. This arch shows feats of battle, plundering, gods, and the emperor himself. The belief system was that the ruler was extremely powerful, thus it makes sense for him to make this monolithic structure for himself. This construction is highly ornamented through the carving of figures that are seen covering the surfaces. The highly decorated exterior is a representation of the ruler’s “wish” for how he wants viewers to think of him. Contrary to the common opinion, this arch is not only a sign of battles won. The “apotheosis panel” which depicts Titus’s with an eagle, functions to exhibit his ascension from a mere emperor to godhood. This idealizing image is seen in many religious figures. For instance, Justinian’s wished to be viewed as more than an emperor through his construction of religious buildings. Likewise Icons are constructed with the purpose to show the ascension of a mortal man or women to the title of sainthood. This is very similar to what Titus wished, except he took it up a notch and went to the grand prize of godhood. To do this, Titus had the image made to what he thought was an idealized image of himself, or the perfect image of a god. Very similar is the meaning behind icons. Using an icostic technique in which wax is mixed with pigments to form the medium. The image is
Amiens cathedral has very similar supports to that of St. Vitus’s cathedral. Both utilize similar structures for stabilization from the wind and lateral weight forces. Amiens cathedral has a three-tier interior level with multiple sculptures inside. Since the church is of considerable height, but made of stone and mortar, it cannot be allowed to shift in the wind like normal buildings today. To compensate for wind effects as well as lateral forces of the weight, the builders added structures known as “flying buttresses.” These function not only to provide stability, but also lend an amount of design. However, the buttresses were not made purely for support, instead builders wanted a certain amount of finesse; which was accomplished through the incorporation of designs on the “flyer.” The flyer is the arch that bridges the gap between the buttress and the building itself. To add the designs, sponsors had pieces worked on to add engravings of ornate natural patterns. The function of this is to show how much money was put into the design of the church. Amiens also has cone like ends, which rest on top of the buttresses, much like the Kylemore gothic church. These cones have been argued as to whether the weight was actually necessary for downward support, or if they were purely for visual effects. While normally the amount of money put into a church does not