6.1 [Assignments] Philosophy and Poetry

Instructions

Enlarge Image +A detail of Nymph of the Luo River, late Tang or early Song copy after Gu Kaizhi (ca. 344–ca. 406), Song Dynasty, 900–999 C.E., ink and color on silk, Freer Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. Song Dynasty

Why was philosophy and poetry important to artists and patrons in Song Dynasty, China, and Mughal India? How did the concept of the artist change over time?

What was going on at the time that may have perhaps influenced and allowed for these changes?

6.2 [Discussion] Benefits and Burdens

What kinds of benefits and burdens do artists receive by being patronized? Why might someone prefer an open and free art market? Why is the status of an artist important to a patron of the arts?