Understanding Semantics, Baroque Art, and Spanish Literature
Understanding Semantics and the Baroque Period
1. Semantics: The Study of Word Meaning
Words are linguistic signs composed of two elements conventionally associated: the signifier (expression, sound string) and the signified (content).
2. The Meaning of Words
- Denotation: Objective meaning, as found in a dictionary.
- Connotation: Subjective meaning, derived from associations with other meanings and emotional values added to denotative meanings.
3. Semantic Change
Semantic change is the process by which words
Read MoreRomanesque vs. Gothic Art: Painting, Sculpture, Architecture
Comparison of Romanesque and Gothic Painting
Romanesque painting primarily appeared on ships and walls. However, at the time, independent *Gothic* books began appearing in shop windows, along with miniature paintings. Instead of two seasons, the same end remained, just about.
In Romanesque art, unique techniques could be *al fresco* (on fresh plaster) or on wood. Drawings often featured a thick black line to mark the outline. In contrast, Gothic art shows a finer drawing, with more value given
Read MorePortico de la Gloria: Cathedral of Santiago Masterpiece
Portico de la Gloria: A Romanesque Masterpiece
The Portico de la Gloria is a construction based on three arches, the central one being the highest. Its iconography is based on the Apocalypse of St. John. The tympanum in the great central arch features Christ in Majesty surrounded by the Tetramorph. In addition, there are a series of angels with instruments of the Passion: the column, the cross, the crown of thorns, the four nails and the spear, a parchment (Pilate’s sentence), a pitcher (washing
Read MoreCaravaggio’s Late Works: Resurrection, Saints, and Redemption
Resurrection of Lazarus
Commissioned by Lazari (?).
We again have a general scene, except for Christ and Lazarus, with a background of a wall. Lazarus makes a hand gesture like the Jesus of the calling of Matthew. Christ’s gesture in this painting, however, is more potent than the gesture in the other picture (from Matthew). Lazarus comes out with his arms crossed, an unusual position, but perhaps intended to parallel the resurrection of Christ, demonstrating the power of resurrection. The figure
Read MoreElizabeth Johnson: Justice, Race, and Gender in Theology
Justice, Race, and Gender: An Analysis of Elizabeth Johnson’s Theology
In our daily lives, injustice is rampant. As those striving to be “men and women for others,” understanding the significance of this concept is crucial. Elizabeth Johnson raises important and often controversial points, specifically addressing Cone’s idea that, in a racist society, “God is Black,” and the feminist perspective on Jesus. Some feminists argue that Jesus’ gender excludes women, legitimizing patriarchy and androcentrism.
Read MoreEarly 20th Century Spanish Novel: Realism Rupture and Avant-Garde
Early 20th Century Novel: Rupture of Realism
The rupture of realism occurs in two aspects:
The Emergence of Subjectivism
The emergence of subjectivism: Interest is displaced from external reality to internal reality, to the knowledge of the author’s circumstances. The bankruptcy of rationalism, the sense of absurdity, and vital distrust to know reality, do not pay attention to details, but to the author’s internal perspective. The approach is the exponent of this uncertainty, which is seen in the prevalence
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