A period of history when stones were used to make tools for survival
Archeological explorations reveal that there has been a gradual shift from a nomadic lifestyle of early humans to that of permanent settlements, paving the way for the rise of early civilizations
Paleolithic Art
It is a product of climate change
Artworks can be considered ornamental but there is little evidence to fully back up this notion, that early humans created these cave paintings for that very purpose
Hall of Bulls
Found in cave in Lascaux, France, the figures depicted on the walls were done with a certain level of crispness and life that there were initial hesitations of the work's authenticity
Paelolithic Art - The paintings evoke naturalism, which is evidently seen through the contours of the animal's body and their dark colors
Paleolithic Art - Some of the early humans already used their own version of spray-painting techniques by using ground pigments blown through reeds since these were the readily available materials for them
As a safe haven, religious rituals could have possibly transpired within the confines of the caves
The paintings also reflected some of the early beliefs of human with life and fertility
Venus of Willendorf
This figure is abstracted woman from highlighted body parts of associated with fertility. It also shows that the woman has oversized breasts, enlarged hips and round abdomen
Neolithic art
It has developed especially when life for the early humans has become more stable. By 4000 BCE, there we several monumental and architectural structures erected
Stonehenge
It is located in Southern England, the purpose of this fascinating edifice remains a mystery up to this day and age
Some says that is a complex calendar that tracked the movements of both Sun and Moon and as magical element by associating with Merlin the Magician from King Arthur's story
The Egyptian civilization can be divided into three periods: Old, Middle, and New Kingdoms
For the Egyptians, art should be something religious and spiritual
Old Kingdom
Religion was bound to the afterlife. A concrete manifestation of this would have to be the erection of tombs
Narmer Palette
Utilized that commemorates the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt and the unification was significant because it marked the beginning of their civilization
Permanence
Was important because these sculptures would serve as the house of ka or soul once the remains of the mummy disintegrate
Great Pyramid of Giza
Serves as tombs since their main purpose was to provide a resting place for pharaohs. These pyramids are massive in size and were constructed using roughly more than two million limestone blocks
The construction of the pyramids highlighted the ingenuity and advancement of the Egyptians for their time
Middle Kingdom
There is an emergence of powerful groups of landlords that threatened the authority and rule of the pharaoh. Because of the internal struggle between these two influential sides, art has taken a back seat during the Middle Kingdom
Portrait sculptures and fresco paintings that were freely drawn
Some of the styles that emerged during this time
New Kingdom
Art had references from both of the preceding kingdoms. Monuments and sculptures were still linked with death and reverence for the deceased
Bust of Queen Nefertiti
Has a long and sensuous neck and was enhanced by applying paint to the limestone. The use of naturalism in artwork was rather short-lived
When King Akhenaton died, his successors returned to more rigid and conventional styles they employed during the period of kingdoms
King Tutankhamen
He became a king at a very young age and died at the age of 18
Howard Carter discovered his tomb in 1922 and they were astonished to find gold artworks and that the coffin was made out of solid gold. The body was covered in linen and a gold mask covered his face
Art has been an integral part in European history and from the time of the ancient civilizations like Greeks and Romans all the way to the modern times, art has been used to communicate ideologies and belief systems prevalent within their contexts.
Ancient Greece
Excelled in various fields and aspects of society such as political ideals, valued poetry, drama and philosophy, which remain interesting fields of study for the contemporary times
Man was at the center of society and how they trained their minds could be the very foundation of how they lived their lives
They were passionate about natural phenomenon and believed that nature that should be in perfect order
Development of Greek art
1. Geometric Period
2. Archaic Period
3. Classical Period
4. Hellenistic Period
Geometric Period
Geometric shapes and patterns have taken the spotlight in most of the artworks
Archaic Period
Placed importance on human figures, primarily a result of Greece's trading activities with other civilizations
Classical Period
Peak of Greek sculpture and architecture
Hellenistic Period
Art was primarily focused on showcasing emotions and depicting reality
Lacoons and his Sons
One of the famous Hellenistic sculptures, depicting a Trojan priest and his sons being strangled by serpents
Ancient Rome
The Roman Republic transformed itself into a mighty empire
The Romans were known to be master builders
The Romans were more enthusiastic with games rather that theater
The Romans were fond of the Greeks and their achievements in the arts
The fusion of Greek and Roman cultures can be seen in most Roman artworks
Colosseum
This amphitheater was planned and constructed during the reign of Emperor Vespasian, used for entertainment purposes and a concrete manifestation of Roman builders' craftmanship which focused on logical organization of the entire edifice
Poseidon and Medusa
Romans valued their gods and this was evident with their sculptures and artworks
Ancient Greece had a huge impact in the formation of Roman culture such as the plays and drama.
The most important products of the early Middle Ages would have to be copies of the Christian scripture
Romanesque period
Inspired by the old Roman empire
Gothic period
Inspired by the Goths which are vulgar and barbaric
During the Early Middle Ages, the Catholic Church financed many projects, and the oldest examples of Christian art survived in the Roman catacombs, or burial crypts beneath the city