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1 CE
Cover
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Period: 1 CE to
Aesthetics Anno Domini
A compilation of aesthetic works, spanning the globe, past and present, A.D. -
2
Summary
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663
Iljumun 일주문 (Carpentry)
The construction of the Cheongnyangsan Buddhist temple is credited to Won-hyo, who completed the structure in 663. Loosely translated as a "one pillar gate" its Iljumun (a Korean Buddhist architectural structure) is a symbolic and literal marker to the entrance of a Buddhist temple in Korean culture. Although there are similar symbolic structures throughout a number of different Buddhist cultures in Asia, the intricately cut and painted wood stylings of the Iljumun are uniquely Korean. -
Romeo and Juliet (Shakespearean Tragedy)
Believed to have been written sometime between 1595 and 1597, Romeo and Juliet is certainly an iconic selection and perhaps the most revered and recognizable tragedy from William Shakespeare’s storied collection of world famous works. A heart wrenching tale with breathtaking poetry, its thematic relatability has captivated audiences for over 400 years. -
The Great Wave off Kanagawa (Ukiyo-e / Color Woodblock)
A timeless beauty styled in the Japanese art of ukiyo-e, “The Great Wave off Kanagawa” by Katsushika Hokusai is a type of woodblock printmaking that was made in color sometime between 1829 to 1833, as part of his life’s greatest work, the Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji series. -
Neuschwanstein Castle (Architecture)
Originally intended to be the home of Ludwig II (the King of Bavaria), the Neuschwanstein Castle, was designed by architect Eduard Riedelcastle and has been credited as one of the primary inspirations for the iconic design of the castle used in the Disney logo. Although stark in contrast to its surrounding natural setting, it is seemingly impossible not to appreciate its combination of smooth stone surfaces and sharp angular peaks and is ultimately, undeniably magnificent. -
Trois Gymnopédies: No. 1, Lent et douloureux (Musical Composition)
The first portion of a three-part piano piece by French composer, Erik Satie, “Trois Gymnopédies: No. 1, Lent et douloureux” oozes with sadness from start to finish. Reflective and melancholy the combination of its melody and rhythm are powerfully charged with a heavy contemplation that has moved audiences for centuries. -
The Starry Night (Oil on Canvas)
Known today as one of the most recognizable paintings in the entire world, Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh’s “The Starry Night” was done with oil on canvas in 1889. Unmistakably distinct and perhaps conveying an isolated connection to world outside of his window while living at an asylum in the south of France. -
The Nutcracker (Ballet)
With the style, grace, and power of its dancers displaying the exquisitely paired beauty of Tchaikovsky’s score, Petipa and Ivanov’s, The Nutcracker is a timeless classic in the world of ballet and beyond. -
Christ the Redeemer (Statue)
Recently commissioned as one of the ‘New7Wonders of the World’ the imposing art deco statue of “Christ the Redeemer” which was designed and built by Landowski, Costa, Caquot, & Leonida, is located at the peak of Corcovado mountain in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Overlooking the city below with a view that can only be described as heavenly, the massive structure attracts tourist from all walks of life, from all over the world. -
Bixby Creek Bridge (Civil Engineering)
Nestled along the California coastline just south of Monterey, the “Bixby Creek Bridge” is seamlessly incorporated into its home of impossible beauty. A striking achievement bringing together the elegant design of its grand architectural archway and the contrast of its surrounding natural landscape. -
Dream Caused by the Flight of a Bee around a Pomegranate a Second before Waking (Oil on Canvas)
Incredibly imaginative and utterly thought provoking, Salvador Dali’s, “Dream Caused by the Flight of a Bee around a Pomegranate a Second before Waking” is as stimulating visually as it is mentally, while beautifully capturing the extraordinarily non-linear, otherworldly imagery of a dream like state. -
Einstein's Tongue (Photograph)
In an art form dedicated to capturing moments, this one is certainly, uniquely revealing, wholly expressive, and utterly captivating. Taken by Arthur Sasse in 1951, this photo captured Albert Einstein, supposedly tired of having his picture taken, sticking his tongue out at a group of frenzied photographers as he was leaving a birthday celebration at Princeton University. -
To Kill A Mockingbird (Literature)
Widely regarded as one of the finest works in American literature, Harper Lee’s “To Kill A Mockingbird” won the Pulitzer Prize and has become a celebrated classic over the past 80 years. It’s deeply challenging thematic elements are beautifully navigated through the open-minded innocence of a child’s perspective while imparting enough wisdom to be carried forward for a lifetime. -
Consolação (Live Musical Performance)
As spirited and joyful as it is impressive, Rosinha de Valença’s live performance of “Consolação” (feat. Sergio Mendes Trio) captures the excellence of one of Brazil’s most celebrated acoustic guitarists as a rising star while she was touring through Germany in 1966. -
Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (Studio Album)
Widely regarded as one the greatest albums of all time, The Beatles’ “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” was as ground breaking for popular music stylistically as it was for the process of recording itself. According to Rolling Stone magazine it is “the most important rock & roll album ever made, an unsurpassed adventure in concept, sound, songwriting, cover art and studio technology by the greatest rock & roll group of all time” (500 Greatest Albums of All Time). -
Bitches Brew (Album Cover)
Powerful, colorful, and meaningful, the cover of Miles Davis’ Grammy award winning album, “Bitches Brew” is as captivating and surreal as the genre-bending music it housed, which many believed redefined jazz forever. Although what is presented as the cover is itself fantastic, to truly appreciate what Mati Klarwein created you have to see the full scope of his artwork, which across the gatefold, unveiled the other half of his masterpiece. -
And Still I Rise (Poetry)
Beautifully and powerfully depicting the indelible spirit of black Americans in spite of the unrelenting racial injustices they have and continue to face, Maya Angelou’s “And Still I Rise” is arguably one of the most important poetic works of the 20th century. -
Sin City (Film)
Groundbreaking and visually stunning “Sin City” is an experience which prior to its existence was only possible through the audience’s imagination. Although it never received the critical claim some would argue it warranted it is undeniably a unique achievement within the history of filmmaking. -
The Age of Spin (Stand-up Comedy)
The triumphant return of Dave Chappelle after over 10 years of public hiatus, “The Age of Spin” is all together daring, crass, and poignant. Earning him the first of three Grammy’s for Best Comedy Album, Chappelle’s performance is undoubtedly one of the many reasons he is known as one of the greatest stand up comics of all time. -
The Story of O.J. (Music Video)
Tackling a powerful, culturally relevant message, charged with an uneasy honesty, Jay-Z’s, “The Story of O.J.” music video utilizes cartoon characterizations, similar to those in the 1930’s, which perpetuated a number of African American stereotypes, creating an incredibly bold artistic statement from directors Jay-Z and Mark Romanek. -
Chunmang. Peach Blossom Island (Sculpture)
A visually stunning, dreamlike interpretation of the traditional bust, Yuanxing Liang’s “Chunmang. Peach Blossom Island” sculpture is as uniquely mesmerizing as it is intricately detailed and ultimately, an outstanding artistic achievement worthy of the highest of accolades.
