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The Aesthetic Value of Painting and Architecture Compared

The aesthetic value of the many art forms differs. Whether the aesthetic value of architecture meets the value of painting will be described. It is commonly thought that architecture lags behind the development of both aesthetics and change in painting. Both have been around for many centuries, while also evolving into new variations and styles. Beauty is perceived and responded to. This may be in amazement and awe or even wonder. Contemplation can result if the aesthetic piece holds much meaning and detail. Overall, art evokes subjective emotions and is usually attributed to personal taste. This resembles the aesthetic value placed on an art form. Architecture can be argued to promote the same feelings and thoughts. Architecture and its aesthetic value have become substantial since the beginning of time. From the ancient Egyptians to the Greeks, architecture has evolved into an entirely new style. The ancient Greek styles of architecture, for example, such as temples and columns, were prevalent (Fig. 1). During the period from 900-725 BCE, also known as the Geometric period, Greek architects began brainstorming ways to worship and honor their deities. The architecture consisted mostly of mud bricks, timber, clay, and more. As the Greek culture spread to the Greek mainland areas, such as the Aegean islands and additional colonies in Anatolia, increased archaic architecture. Most importantly, the Roman civilization was majorly influenced by the Greeks. They were able to take inspiration from ancient architecture and make improvements to their designs. The use of columns was the main takeaway, but the form was altered to include less structure and more decoration (Fig. 2). The art form of painting has been around since over 42,000 years ago, with cave paintings. An example of this is located in the Cave of Nerja, in Málaga, Spain (Fig. 3). Though the images don’t hold much detail as the architecture had, the idea of painting was beginning to evolve when architecture was initiated. The ancient Egyptian civilization used a painting technique known as hieroglyphics, being utilized as both text and art. The first was believed to be on tombs and buildings. Over time, the development of painting became more consumed with the thought of pleasure rather than utilization. A boom of aesthetic value in painting took place, possibly surpassing the architectural styles present. Painting became spontaneous in its forms, as architecture required an increased amount of symmetry and a well-thought-out plan or blueprint. Painting’s purpose was to provide aesthetic experiences and to share pleasure, rather than its early forms used as communication. In architecture, buildings were created with hopes to be utilized with empirical function, while also slightly satisfying the aesthetic criteria of the period. Face value of aesthetics is primarily portrayed by what is seen by the viewer, therefore it differs. Some aspects that affect aesthetical values are colorimetry and color chromatography. Both styles of art, architecture, and painting, incorporated these. Polychromy, also known as painted architecture or sculpture with bright colors, was universal in antiquity. The architecture of the ancient parts of the world incorporated color into their temples and villages. For example, in ancient Egyptian temples, the color would be an important aspect because each variation represented something (Fig. 4). Blue was important, as it represented the divine aspects of one’s soul. The aesthetic experience of architecture throughout time is not only regarding the contemplation caused by visualization but can also be immersive. The number of textures and volumes present could determine the emotion of the building. Since the beginning, there has been a balance between architecture and painting. In many early instances, both have been utilized together through the colorization of temples and many other architectural areas. The value of aesthetics in both painting and architecture can be derived from the thought that the majority of the advanced civilizations throughout have spent an extensive number of resources on it. Those societies that could afford it have become independent of culture and time. Overall, the aesthetic value of architecture lacks regard for some aesthetic principles, but in conclusion, both have developed aesthetically hand in hand throughout history.

Fig. 1- The image holds the architectural style of Ancient Greece during its golden period. The columns spread to many areas of the world and have influenced the architecture known today.




Fig. 2- The Pantheon is a great example of how the Romans took inspiration from Greek architecture. The top portion of the column appears to hold more detail, pattern, and aesthetic value.


Fig. 3- One of the cave paintings from over 42,000 years ago is seen. Though the aesthetic value is quite low, it still is portrayed as one of the first paintings of all time.


Fig. 4- The ceiling of the Temple of Hathor can be seen. The overwhelming color of blue over all the others stands out, representing the divine.

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