AP Art History in 15

In this episode of AP Art History in 15, Mr. Brunstakes you deep into the artistic traditions of East Asia, exploring how portraiture, narrative scroll painting, and monumental landscape art reflect power, philosophy, and cultural identity.Mr. Bruns will break down three major works from the AP ArtHistory curriculum:• Portrait of Sin Sukju (Joseon Dynasty, Korea) • Night Attack on Sanjo Palace (Kamakura Period,Japan• Travelers Among Mountains and Streams by Fan Kuan(Northern Song Dynasty, China) Perfect for AP Art History students reviewing East Asianart or for people who love art. This episode connects form, content, context, and belief systems — exactlywhat you need to master long essays, comparisons, and image identification on the exam.

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 GateThe 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.

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 architectureThe historical forces that shaped Baroque art across EuropeHow Las Meninas challenges ideas about power, perspective, and who is really being observedHow Woman Holding a Balance uses light, symbolism, and stillness to explore morality, judgment, and material vs. spiritual lifeWhy both works are essential for AP Art History exam success and visual analysis skillsPerfect 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 lifeBecause sometimes Baroque art overwhelms you…And sometimes it asks you to quietly reflect.Hosted by Mr. Bruns, AP Art History teacher

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 episodeSan 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.

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 ChristMichelangelo’s controversial and powerful Last JudgmentThe influential church architecture of Il Gesù, designed by Giacomo della PortaYou’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.

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.

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 IIHow Raphael’s School of Athens uses setting, materials, and perfect perspective to visualize Humanism—and why Julius II loved working with himThe patronage, purpose, audience, and experimental technique behind Leonardo’s Last Supper, plus why it began deteriorating almost immediatelyA side journey into the mystery of the Mona Lisa—sfumato, psychology, and why that smile still haunts usWhy the High Renaissance produced monumental art during a time of intense political instability in ItalyPacked 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 contentHit play, take notes, and remember—when politics get messy, art gets legendary.

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 toolWe 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 – MichelangeloAlong 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.

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 devotionPalazzo Rucellai, where global trade and classical ideals meet Florentine civic prideDonatello’s David, the bold bronze nude that shocked viewers and redefined sculptureThe 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 senseHit play, turn up the volume, and get ready to see the Renaissance like never before.

What happens to art when the world feels like it’s falling apart?In this episode of AP Art History in 15, Mr. Bruns explores how war, plague, and religious division during the Late Gothic period (c. 1300–1400) reshaped European art—and paved the way for the Renaissance.Students will discover how:The Hundred Years’ War weakened feudal systems, reshaped architecture, and encouraged more realistic, emotionally grounded imageryThe Black Death transformed visual culture through themes of death, suffering, and human vulnerabilityThe Great Schism fractured Church authority, expanding patronage and artistic independence.Perfect for:🎨 AP Art History students📚 Renaissance & Gothic review📝 Exam contextualization practice

In this episode of AP Art History in 15, Mr. Bruns explores how humans throughout history have built structures to bring people together—physically, socially, and spiritually. From the medieval pilgrimage routes that led to the Church of Sainte-Foy and Chartres Cathedral, to the living community of Prague’s Altneuschul and the iconic Cathedral of Notre-Dame in Paris, we ask: What makes a sacred place serve a community? Then we shift to secular gathering spaces—from gladiatorial spectacles in the Roman Colosseum, to the prehistoric mystery of Stonehenge, and even to modern cultural hubs like the Hollywood Bowl and Fenway Park. How do these places reflect their societies’ values, struggles, and shared experiences? Tune in for history, architecture, and the enduring human need to gather. (Links to AP Art History Images Below)Church of Sainte-Foy (Conques)Chartres Cathedral (France)Altneuschul / Old New Synagogue (Prague)Notre-Dame de Paris (France)ColosseumStonehenge

What was Gothic art really about—and why did it dominate Europe for nearly 300 years?In this episode of AP Art History in 15, Mr. Bruns breaks down the Gothic period (c. 1150–1400 CE) into a fast-paced, exam-ready journey through towering cathedrals, glowing stained glass, bustling medieval cities, and big intellectual ideas.You’ll explore:Where and why Gothic architecture began (Saint-Denis & Abbot Suger)Why northern France became the hub of Gothic innovationHow light, height, and structure symbolized heaven on earthThe role of cities, guilds, and urban wealth in cathedral buildingHow universities and Scholasticism shaped Gothic thinkingWhy the Middle Ages are known as the “Age of Cathedrals”What Renaissance thinkers really meant when they called it “Gothic”Perfect for AP Art History students, last-minute review, or anyone curious about how faith, reason, and engineering came together to reshape Europe’s skyline.🎧 Listen. Learn. Look up.

In this episode of AP Art History in 15, Mr. Bruns explores how materials, processes, and techniques shaped some of the most extraordinary artworks of early medieval Europe. From glittering gold cloisonné to expressive ink drawings, this episode unpacks how artists transformed raw materials into symbols of power, devotion, and cultural identity.Join us as we dive into four iconic works:Merovingian Looped Fibulae – portable prestige objects crafted with intricate cloisonné and inlaid garnetsPurse Cover from the Sutton Hoo Burial Ship – Anglo-Saxon metalwork at its most dazzling, blending gold, garnets, and zoomorphic designsThe Lindisfarne Gospels (Portrait Page, Carpet Page, Incipit Page) – a masterpiece of Insular illumination, where pigment, vellum, and faith convergePage with Psalm 23 from the Utrecht Psalter – a lively ink-drawn manuscript filled with expressive, almost sketch-like illustrationsStudents and listeners will learn how each artwork’s material choices, technical limitations, and innovative processes shaped the meaning, function, and visual style of medieval art. Perfect for AP Art History learners, teachers, or anyone curious about the craftsmanship behind these early masterpieces.

Step into the glittering world of the Early Byzantine Empire in this fast-paced, 15-minute deep dive (maybe a little longer for this episode) with Mr. Bruns. Explore how artistic traditions survived Rome’s fall, how Christianity reshaped visual culture, and how cross-cultural encounters—from the Mediterranean to the Middle East—influenced mosaics, manuscripts, icons, and architecture. Perfect for AP Art History students looking for clarity, context, and exam-ready insights—or anyone fascinated by the art that helped define a new empire.Art works for this episode: The Catacombs of Priscilla, Santa Sabina, the Vienna Genesis, San Vitale, and the Theotokos icon.

In this episode of AP Art History in 15, Mr. Bruns dives into the fascinating world of Indigenous American art to explore how purpose and audience shape the creation and meaning of artistic works.We travel from the heart of Tenochtitlan and its monumental Templo Mayor (TEM-ploh MY-or)—a towering cosmic temple of gods, sacrifice, and empire—to the misty forests of the Pacific Northwest, where the Kwakwaka’wakw Transformation Mask comes to life in dynamic potlatch ceremonies.Discover how each work reflects the deep relationship between belief, identity, and performance, and how their form, materials, and context were designed to evoke awe, affirm power, and connect human and divine realms.🎧 In just 15 minutes, you’ll learn:How intent, function, and audience define meaning in Indigenous artThe symbolic duality of Tlaloc and Huitzilopochtli in the Templo MayorThe role of ritual and movement in the Transformation MaskHow colonialism and museum display altered the reception of sacred artWhether you’re prepping for the AP Art History exam or just love exploring art with purpose, this episode connects ancient creativity with timeless questions about belief and expression.Episode Tags:#APArtHistory #IndigenousArt #TemploMayor #TransformationMask #MexicaArt #Kwakwakawakw #ArtandPurpose #ArtandBelief #MrBruns #EducationPodcast #ArtHistoryIn15

Listen to the mysteries of ancient art in this episode of AP Art History in 15 with Mr. Bruns! Discover how scholars use form, function, content, and context—along with tools from archaeology, anthropology, and modern technology—to unlock the meanings of two monumental works: Chavín de Huántar in the Andes and the Great Serpent Mound in Ohio.From underground temples that hum with ritual energy to an earthwork serpent that aligns with the cosmos, this episode explores how interpretation in art history goes far beyond what we can see. Learn how each discipline adds a piece to the puzzle—and how Indigenous American art continues to challenge and expand the way we understand the human connection to place, power, and the divine.

In this special episode of AP Art History in 15, Mr. Bruns explores the remarkable art and architecture of the Indigenous peoples of the Americas. Journey to the city of Cusco, the Inka capital, where the Qorikancha [KOR-ee-kahn-chah], the Church of Santo Domingo, and the monumental walls of Saqsa Waman [SAHK-sah WAH-mahn] reveal how stone and gold became symbols of empire and spirituality. Discover the shimmering Silver Maize Cob, a sacred offering that transformed agriculture into divine art. Finally, experience the splendor of the Ruler’s Feather Headdress (probably of Motecuhzoma II), where fragile feathers became symbols of cosmic power and political authority.Today’s essential question: How do materials, processes, and techniques affect art and art making?Join us for a 15-minute deep dive into how the Inka and Mexica used stone, silver, and feathers not just to build and create, but to embody their beliefs, power, and identity.

In this episode of AP Art History in 15, host Mr. Bruns takes you on an immersive journey through the art and architecture of the Indigenous Americas—civilizations that flourished long before European contact. Discover how cultural practices, belief systems, and the natural environment shaped some of the most extraordinary sites in the world: the Mesa Verde Cliff Dwellings of the Ancestral Puebloans, the sacred city of Yaxchilán in the Maya jungle, the sky-high royal retreat of Machu Picchu, and the monumental urban center of Teotihuacán. These aren’t just ruins—they are powerful stories carved into stone, revealing how ancient peoples understood community, nature, and the cosmos. Perfect for AP Art History students and anyone curious about the artistic genius of the Americas.

In this episode, Mr. Bruns explores how interactions with other cultures in the Islamic world transformed art and art making. He will discuss how trade routes and conquest were factors that left their marks on masterpieces like Petra, the Dome of the Rock, and a folio from the Quran.

In this episode, Mr. Bruns explores how materials, processes, and techniques affected art and art-making in the Islamic world. In this podcast the following three works of art are discussed:1. The Basin, also known as the Baptistère de St. Louis;2. The illustrated manuscript Bahram Gur Fights the Karg;3. The magnificent Ardabil Carpet.