Question

Difficulty: MediumArtistic Patronage and Sculpture: Olowe of Ise

An art historian analyzing an undocumented Yoruba veranda post attributes the work to the master carver Olowe of Ise. Which of the following formal characteristics would most strongly support this attribution?

  1. Figures carved in high relief with deep undercutting, creating a sense of dynamic movement and three-dimensional projection.Answer
  2. B
    A static, two-dimensional design in low relief, designed to be viewed only from a single frontal perspective.
  3. C
    The insertion of iron nails and blades into the wood to ritually activate the sculpture's spiritual power.
  4. D
    The use of stone ashlar masonry rather than wood, mimicking regional monument construction techniques.

Answer

Figures carved in high relief with deep undercutting, creating a sense of dynamic movement and three-dimensional projection.
The correct answer is correct because Olowe of Ise is widely recognized for his innovative use of high relief and deep undercutting. His veranda posts feature figures that project dramatically into three-dimensional space, creating a dynamic play of light and shadow and a sense of movement that departs from more traditional, static carving conventions.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze Olowe of Ise's unique stylistic and formal characteristics.
Olowe of Ise was a Yoruba master carver known for his innovative style, featuring high relief, deep undercutting that allows figures to project outward from the core wood, dynamic diagonal lines, and a sense of movement.
Identifying the artist's signature traits is necessary to attribute an undocumented work to him.
2
Evaluate the options to identify which description matches Olowe's style.
The option highlighting high relief, deep undercutting, and three-dimensional projection aligns perfectly with Olowe's veranda posts.
This step distinguishes Olowe's specific carving style from general Yoruba sculpture or other regional African art traditions.

Key Concept

Stylistic characteristics of Olowe of Ise's carvings
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