Question

Everybody has a good idea what is modern, what is ancient; but: notion can be difficult to pin down; the problem is that these notions shift over time.

A) Relative Chronology
B) Absolute Chronology
C) Periodization
D) Stylistic Analysis

Answer 1

The difficulty in defining what is considered modern or ancient is addressed by periodization, which organizes history into distinct periods characterized by styles or developmental stages, as seen in the division of Egyptian or Greek history.

Step-by-step explanation:

The notion of what is considered modern or ancient can be challenging to define as these perceptions change over time. This difficulty is addressed through the concept of periodization, a historical method that involves organizing time into distinct periods or ages, often to simplify and clarify the study and comparison of different eras. The creation of terms like Old Kingdom and Middle Kingdom for Egyptian history exemplifies periodization. Moreover, artworks and artifacts can undergo stylistic analysis to determine their placement within this chronological framework. In art history, particularly, styles have often delineated periods, such as the Geometric and Classical periods in ancient Greece, which can guide the analysis and understanding of artifacts and artworks through time. However, it is also essential to consider approaches that go beyond style and chronology to gain a more holistic understanding of history and encourage critical thinking.