<p>AP Central has just released the essay questions so we can talk about them. CC readers will recall that I recommended the new REA book as a great way to review for the exam. Well the book proved to be invaluable. On page 367 the REA authors listed their top 5 picks for the free response question requiring students to incorporate at least one example of art beyond the European tradition. Here is their fifth pick: </p>
<p>Works of art that express war in a highly expressive, symbolic way:
. Picasso, Guernica
. Victory Stele of Narim-Sin</p>
<p>Now here is the just released 30 minute AP essay question:</p>
<p>Throughout history, art representing hostility or violence has been used for a variety of purposes. Select and fully identify two such works of art from two different cultures, one must be from beyond the European tradition. Explain how and why each work of art communicates hostility or violence.</p>
<p>Wow, thank you REA authors! That was a 25 point hit!!!</p>
<p>D’oh! I even remember telling myself to think of Guernica for war-related questions! I can’t believe I forgot to use it…oh well.</p>
<p>I used the REA book as well, but I didn’t finish the last section (things you have to know etc…) before the test. For that one I chose Rude’s La Marseillaise (except I spelled it wrong, I hope that won’t count off too much) and the war panel of the Standard of Ur.</p>
<p>For the second long essay I chose Chartres Cathedral (flying buttresses, ribbed vaults) and the Seagram Building (I-beam, steel-reinforced concrete).</p>
<p>rpgaction don’t worry! I think that if done properly Rude’s La Marseillaise would work. And the war panel of the Standard of Ur is a great choice.</p>
<p>Meanwhile thanks to Triwizard for recommending the REA book and a special thanks to the REA authors. ¥ou guys are the best. Here is another great hit for REA. Take a look at page 211. There is a picture of Canova’s Pauline Borghese with a discussion of the work. Now check out Essay 6. The slide was Pauline Borghese and here’s the question:</p>
<p>Identify the art-historical style of this sculpture. How do the form and content of the sculpture as a whole convey meaning? THE ANSWER OF COURSE IS THAT IT IS A NEOCLASSICAL WORK. ANOTHER GREAT HIT FOR THE REA BOOK. You guys saved me. My teacher is a nice guy but spent too much time on his favorite art. Would you believe we spent 4 weeks on Ancient Egypt?!</p>
<p>wow, I hardly studied and I didn’t even have it as a class, the school didn’t offer it, and hasn’t since 10 years ago. I just bought a book, made notes, read the notes as well as the Annotated Mona Lisa. I used The Third of May, Goya, and the Aztec temple, who’s name I have currently forgotten, and how there violence tied into religion. But, I got the neoclassical statue thing right. I don’t know why I did art though, I want to do biomedical engineering…</p>
<p>The REA book certainly was a winner. The authors really nailed the question on Michelangelo and the Sistine Ceiling. Here is what the REA authors said:</p>
<p>“Renaissance artists strove to combine Ancient Classical form with Christian subject matter. The three hundred figures in the Sistine Chapel ceiling represent a stunning fulfillment of this goal. For example, the Creation of Adam
history panel marks the culmination of a century of Renaissance research into the nature and possibilities of human anatomy. While Adam’s body has the beauty of a Greek god, his face burns with an inner intensity inspired by his closeness to God.” </p>
<p>Let me add my thanks to REA and their authors for a great job. Exam was hard. To be honest I didn’t know what to write for the Barbara Kruger essay. But as Triwizard has noted, REA really came through on the first 30 minute essay. They also came through big time on the architecture questions. Big time hits on Savoy House and Pompidou Center. I used Chartres and the Seagram Building for the final 30 minute essay. In addition there were lots of hits on the regular multiple choice which unfortunately we can’t discuss. I think I made a 5 despite the Barbara Kruger essay.</p>
<p>My teacher was spent most of the class teaching about her favorite artists. We even spent time painting. Thanks to College Confidential I learned about the REA book. I read the entire book twice. The practice tests and explanations were particularly helpful. I believe I made a 4 for sure and maybe a 5. My only regret is that my awful teacher will take credit for my score.</p>
<p>Thanks to the authors of the book. Since I posted about ordering the book, I thought I should say how it worked. The practice tests at the end were a big help. Prediction on the essay was awesome! The book helped me a lot. My teacher had us doing paintings and clay projects instead of covering the facts. At least the book, covered what she didn’t.</p>
<p>Zachsta and bman14 did you read the book? Did you take the AP Art History exam? Well I read the book twice and I took the exam. I read about the REA book on CC and bought a copy from Amazon. I figured I had no other choice. My teacher is a joke. She actually allowed us to draw paintings. When we weren’t painting we spent endless classes filling out boring worksheets. I was headed for a one or at best a two. The REA book saved the day. Every example cited in the posts above is true. You would swear that the test writers used the practice tests in this book. I doubt I made a 5 but I do have a very good shot at making a 4!</p>
<p>Yes. Our class used Adams supplemented by Annotated Mona Lisa. When the REA book came out our teacher got us copies. I felt very confident during the test. Missed a few here and there but was basically in control. </p>
<p>Here are my recommendations:</p>
<ol>
<li>Most readable text is by Adams.</li>
<li>Most authoritative but boring text is Gardner</li>
<li>Best overall review book is REA</li>
<li>Best one volume review of architecture is Annotated Arch</li>
<li>Best summary of key points from Impressionism to present is Annotated Mona Lisa. But remember, the Annotated Mona Lisa is very weak on Ancient and Medieval art.</li>
</ol>
<p>TruthfulLie - don’t try to read everything. Review the Ancient Near East and Ancient Egypt. Both count as beyond the Western Tradition topics. Also review the REA chapter on Women Artists. And finally, take the two REA practice tests. There were lots of hits. Good luck!</p>
<p>Yes, REA and the two Annotated Books do have all or almost all the information you need to earn a high score. However, it would be wise to also have a copy of Gardner’s or Adams (Art Across Time). You can use these books as handy reference sources for topics you want to know more about.</p>
<p>You should probably get more examples of art from each period than the book itself lists. I know this year’s test wanted people to identify a lot of things that weren’t in REA.</p>