Define “spoila”
Define and examine the term “spolia” as it applies to the arts. Consider the use of spolia in at least three specific examples either from the text book or from the world of art. Discuss how they changed the significance of the art work to which they were applied. How does the history of the objects influence the meaning or viewing of the work of art?
Sample Solution
Spolia
The term Spolia is used in archaeology and art history. It is derived from Latin, spolium, meaning spoils [spoils of war]. It simply describes the reuse of elements from earlier buildings in more recent one, most typically the reuse of Greek or Roman architectural sculpture in Early Christian or medieval structures. An example of spolia is the 15th century castle of the Knights at Bodru, Turkey, made of reused pieces from the famous 4th century BC Mausoleum, including the grey rock of its core and the marble columns that adorned the exterior. Spolia are not an undesirable side-effect of history. They are a reflection of how human creativity and effort resound through the ages. We all accept the visual artists, writers, poets or musicians, even scholars, build their creations on the works of those before them, often incorporating and reusing their source material. In a more practical way, spolia did the very same thing.
