AP Art History in 15

Robert Bruns
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This podcast series is designed to help Advanced Placement (AP) Art History students gain an understanding of the "250" works of art and art history. The series will try to connect works of art and architecture to help students succeed in the AP Exam.

  1. 4D AGO

    Sacred Power and Imperial Faith: Art of Korea’s Three Kingdoms and Japan’s Nara Period

    In this episode of AP Art History in 15, Mr. Bruns shifts the focus away from Baroque Europe and into East Asia, exploring powerful examples of early Korean and Japanese art and architecture. Travel with us to the ancient kingdoms of South Korea and Japan as we examine how materials, religious beliefs, and cultural traditions shaped artistic production. We begin with Korea’s Three Kingdoms Period and the stunning Gold and Jade Crown, likely created for Silla royalty. Learn how gold and jade communicated power, spirituality, and connections to nature, and how burial traditions influenced the crown’s design and craftsmanship. We also connect this work to other global elite burial objects across art history. Next, we travel to Nara Period Japan and explore the massive Buddhist temple complex of Todai-ji, located in Nara. This segment includes discussion of: The Great Buddha (Daibutsu) The Great Buddha Hall (Daibutsuden) The Nandaimon Gate The famous wooden Guardian Figures (Niō) You’ll learn how imperial patronage, Buddhism, and environmental factors shaped these monumental works. Plus — stay for a fun historical fact about the sacred deer that still roam the temple grounds today.

    15 min

  2. 6D AGO

    Baroque Episode 2: Power vs. Quiet Morality | Velázquez & Vermeer

    In this episode of AP Art History in 15, Mr. Bruns takes you inside two very different Baroque worlds through a comparative deep dive into: Diego Velázquez, Las Meninas (1656)Johannes Vermeer, Woman Holding a Balance (c. 1664) Travel from the Spanish royal court to a Dutch domestic interior as we explore how Baroque art changes depending on religion, politics, and social class. In this episode, you’ll explore: Key characteristics of Baroque art and architecture The historical forces that shaped Baroque art across Europe How Las Meninas challenges ideas about power, perspective, and who is really being observed How Woman Holding a Balance uses light, symbolism, and stillness to explore morality, judgment, and material vs. spiritual life Why both works are essential for AP Art History exam success and visual analysis skills Perfect for:✔ AP Art History students reviewing Baroque✔ Students preparing for image identification and comparison questions✔ Anyone interested in how art reflects power, belief, and daily life Because sometimes Baroque art overwhelms you…And sometimes it asks you to quietly reflect. Hosted by Mr. Bruns, AP Art History teacher

    17 min

  3. FEB 9

    Baroque Art: Drama, Faith, and Power (Episode 1)

    Step into the world of Baroque Art, where architecture moves, sculptures breathe, and paintings use light like a spotlight from heaven. In this first episode of our Baroque series, Mr. Bruns and the AP Art History in 15 team break down how art became one of the most powerful tools of religion, politics, and emotional storytelling in early modern Europe. We explore how the Baroque period grew out of the Counter-Reformation, why artists focused on emotion and drama, and how you can recognize Baroque art instantly on the AP exam. Works covered in this episode San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane — Francesco BorrominiEcstasy of Saint Teresa — Gian Lorenzo Bernini Calling of St. Matthew — CaravaggioWhether you’re reviewing for the AP exam, love dramatic art, or just want to understand why Baroque artists were basically the Hollywood directors of their time — this episode is for you. Follow AP Art History in 15 so you don’t miss upcoming episodes as we explore Baroque art across Europe and beyond.

    16 min

  4. FEB 4

    Mannerism: Art in an Age of Tension and Transformation

    In this episode of AP Art History in 15, Mr. Bruns dives into the dramatic world of Mannerism, the artistic style that emerged after the High Renaissance and challenged classical balance, harmony, and naturalism. Students will learn how Mannerism reflected a Europe shaken by religious conflict, political instability, and the growing influence of the Counter-Reformation. We explore three key works that help define the period: Pontormo’s emotionally charged Entombment of Christ Michelangelo’s controversial and powerful Last Judgment The influential church architecture of Il Gesù, designed by Giacomo della Porta You’ll learn how artists manipulated form, space, and proportion to create art that feels intense, spiritual, and sometimes unsettling—perfect for understanding the transition from Renaissance ideals to Baroque drama.

    18 min

  5. FEB 2

    Reclining Female Nudes of the High Renaissance: Power, Patronage, and Beauty

    In this episode of AP Art History in 15, Mr. Bruns explores three fascinating interpretations of the reclining female nude during the Renaissance. We compare and contrast Titian’s sensual and intimate Venus of Urbino, Lucas Cranach the Elder’s mythologically charged Nymph of the Fountain, and Jacopo Tintoretto’s allegorical Summer. How did powerful patrons shape what artists painted — and how they painted it? Why were these works celebrated rather than condemned by the Catholic Church? And how did materials like oil paint and Venetian color techniques help artists create some of the most influential images in Western art? Whether you’re prepping for the AP exam or just love Renaissance art, this episode will help you think like an art historian.

    12 min

  6. JAN 29

    High Renaissance Heavyweights: Leonardo, Michelangelo & Raphael

    What happens when political chaos, powerful patrons, and once-in-a-generation talent collide?You get the High Renaissance—and some of the most iconic artworks in Western history. In this episode of AP Art History in 15, Mr. Bruns breaks down the “Ninja Turtles” of Renaissance art—Michelangelo, Raphael, and Leonardo da Vinci—through an AP exam–ready lens. You’ll explore: The cultural beliefs, setting, and papal politics behind Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling, including his tense relationship with Pope Julius II How Raphael’s School of Athens uses setting, materials, and perfect perspective to visualize Humanism—and why Julius II loved working with him The patronage, purpose, audience, and experimental technique behind Leonardo’s Last Supper, plus why it began deteriorating almost immediately A side journey into the mystery of the Mona Lisa—sfumato, psychology, and why that smile still haunts us Why the High Renaissance produced monumental art during a time of intense political instability in Italy Packed with art history vocabulary, exam connections, and a few dad jokes along the way, this episode is perfect for:✔️ AP Art History students✔️ Exam review✔️ Teachers looking for classroom-ready content Hit play, take notes, and remember—when politics get messy, art gets legendary.

    18 min

  7. JAN 22

    Art on Trial: Savonarola vs. Luther in the Age of Reform

    What happens when Renaissance art meets religious reform? In this episode of AP Art History in 15, Mr. Bruns puts some of the most famous artworks in Western history on trial—through the eyes of two of the most controversial figures of the late 15th and early 16th centuries. Girolamo Savonarola, the fiery Florentine preacher who believed art could corrupt the soulMartin Luther, the reformer who challenged the Catholic Church but still saw art as a powerful teaching tool We compare how these two men would have reacted to iconic works including: • The Merode Altarpiece – Robert Campin• Adam and Eve – Albrecht Dürer• The School of Athens – Raphael• The Arnolfini Portrait – Jan van Eyck• The Last Supper – Leonardo da Vinci• The Creation of Adam – Michelangelo Along the way, Mr Bruns will break down symbolism, function, patronage, and belief systems, exploring how Renaissance and Northern Renaissance artists navigated faith, humanism, and visual storytelling during a period of religious upheaval.

    17 min

  8. JAN 15

    Early Renaissance: When Artists Became Rock Stars

    What happens when artists stop being anonymous craftsmen and start acting like celebrities?In this high-energy episode of AP Art History in 15, Mr. Bruns takes you inside the Early Renaissance, the moment when art, architecture, and human potential collide in 15th-century Florence. You’ll explore the defining characteristics of Early Renaissance art and architecture, including humanism, linear perspective, classical revival, and naturalism—key concepts that appear again and again on the AP Art History exam. This episode features in-depth, exam-ready discussions of: Filippo Lippi’s Madonna and Child with Two Angels and how humanism reshaped religious devotion Palazzo Rucellai, where global trade and classical ideals meet Florentine civic pride Donatello’s David, the bold bronze nude that shocked viewers and redefined sculpture The Pazzi Chapel, where Brunelleschi used mathematics, materials, and geometry to create sacred harmony 🎤 Bonus Segment: Renaissance Artists as Rock StarsMr. Bruns breaks down which Renaissance masters would dominate the stage if they were musicians—helping students remember artistic personalities, styles, and significance in a fun, unforgettable way. Perfect for:✔️ AP Art History exam prep✔️ Review on the go✔️ Students who want art history to actually make sense Hit play, turn up the volume, and get ready to see the Renaissance like never before.

    16 min
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About

This podcast series is designed to help Advanced Placement (AP) Art History students gain an understanding of the "250" works of art and art history. The series will try to connect works of art and architecture to help students succeed in the AP Exam.

Information

  • Creator
    Robert Bruns
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    45
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Robert Bruns
  • Show Website
    AP Art History in 15