MODULE 1: Western Classical Art Traditions: Paintings

• Art


  Derived from the Latin word 'ars' which means skill, the totality of human activities
• Pre-historic Art Era (1500,000 BC to 2,000 BC)


  All human existence before the emergence of writing. A type of art that dominated in this era is the Cave Paintings that served as people's way of communication.
• Purpose of Egyptian art:

  • To make the deceased afterlife place pleasant
  • Emphasizes the importance of life after death
  • Preservation of the knowledge of the past
  • Based on perfect balance
  • Reflects the ideal world of the gods
• Artworks from Pre-Historic and Egyptian Art:

  • Sarcophagus of Tutankhamen
  • Cave of Lascaux
  • Hall of Bulls
  • Painting of Ma'at and Isis
• Greek Art (2,000 BC to 400 BC)


  Paintings commonly found in vases, panels and tombs. This art depicts natural figures with dynamic compositions. Subjects were battle scenes, mythological figures and everyday scenes.
• Romantic Art


  Most paintings were copied or imitated from Hellenic Greek paintings. Fresco technique was used in brightly colored backgrounds. Division of the wall into multiple rectangular areas and Multi-point perspective.
• Fresco


  Method of painting, water-based pigments on freshly applied plaster usually on wall surfaces. Ideal for murals, durable and has matte style.

  Villa of Mysteries Pompeii, 80 BC
• Encaustic


  Paint that consists of pigment mixed with beeswax and fixed with heat after application
• Panel painting


  Paintings on flat panels of wood, can be a single piece or several panels joined together.

  Pitsa Panel (between 540 and 530 BC)
• Kerch style (red-figured pottery)


  Named after the place where it is found. Common shapes: pelike (wine container), lekanis (low bowl), lebes gamikos (bridal bath), krater (bowl for mixing wine and water)
• Tomb/wall painting


  Uses fresco, tempera or encaustic techniques. Has a sharp, flatly outlined style of painting. Uses shade and hues of paint to create depth and life-like feeling.

  Tomb of the Diver.
• Mosaic


  Art process where an image is created using an assemblage of small pieces of colored glass, stones or other materials. Used for decorative art or interior decorations.

  Head of Alexander
• Byzantine Art (400 BC to 1,400 AD)


  Lively styles of painting invented in Greek and Rome, but now for Christian subjects. By 11th century, Greek and Oriental styles seemed to blend in magnificent, imposing images adorning churches.
• Romanesque Art


  Style that first evolved in the first third of the 12th century. Realizes religious and social functions. Largely placed mosaics on the walls of churches that follow a strict frontal pose.
• Gothic Art


  Originated in Northern, France. Basic characteristics: Church symbolizes the transcendence of the soul, underlying philosophy to create buildings of height and light.
• Paintings from Byzantine, Romanesque and Gothic eras

  • The Shepherd David
  • Lady and the Unicorn Tapestry
  • Christ in Majesty
• Three main functions of Romanesque art:

  1. Entertaining
  2. Moralising
  3. Educational