Art Forms Through the Ages This lesson explores the evolution of art forms, from the prehistoric era to the medieval period, examining the characteristics, functions, and types of painting, sculpture, and architecture in each era. We will delve into the artistic expressions of ancient civilizations like Egypt and Greece, and trace the development of art through the classical, Roman, and medieval periods. by charish gonzaga
Prehistoric Era: Cave Paintings 1 Communication and Ritual Cave paintings from the prehistoric era, found inside caves, may have served as a form of communication, religious expression, or ceremonial practice. These paintings, often depicting animals, were likely more than just simple decorations, offering insights into the beliefs and practices of early humans. 2 Archeological Evidence Prehistoric cave paintings are valuable archeological artifacts, providing clues about early human life and culture. The paintings, often depicting animals with accurate proportions, reveal the artistic abilities and knowledge of the time. 3 Famous Example: Lascaux The Lascaux cave in France, discovered in 1940, is a renowned site for prehistoric cave paintings. It features nearly 2,000 figures, including animals, human figures, and abstract designs, organized into sections like the Great Hall of the Bulls and the Chamber of Felines.
Ancient Egyptian Art: Paintings Purpose and Themes Egyptian paintings aimed to create a pleasant afterlife for the deceased. Themes often included the journey to the underworld, introducing the deceased to underworld gods, emphasizing the importance of life after death and preserving knowledge of the past. Style and Techniques Egyptian paintings were highly stylized, symbolic, and often depicted animals and people in profile view. They used mineral pigments, like red, black, blue, gold, and green, which were durable and resistant to fading. Examples: Tutankhamen's Sarcophagus The paintings on the walls of Tutankhamen's tomb depict scenes from the king's life on earth and the afterlife. These paintings offer a glimpse into the beliefs and rituals of ancient Egypt.
Classical Greek Art: Paintings Subjects and Techniques Classical Greek paintings, often found on vases, panels, and tombs, depicted natural figures with dynamic compositions. Subjects included battle scenes, mythological figures, and everyday scenes. They showcased a grasp of linear perspective and naturalistic representation. Fresco Technique Fresco, a technique of painting water-based pigments on wet plaster, was commonly used in Greek art. This method created durable murals with a matte finish, ideal for wall surfaces. Encaustic Technique Encaustic, a technique using hot wax with pigments, was initially used by Greek shipbuilders. It was later adapted for painting, creating a durable and vibrant finish. Vase Painting: Kerch Style Kerch Style vases, named after their discovery location, featured red-figured pottery with various shapes, like pelike (wine container) and lekanis (bowl). Motifs often depicted scenes from women's lives, mythological beings, and mythical stories.
Classical Roman Art: Paintings 1 Influence of Greek Art Roman paintings were heavily influenced by Greek art, often copying or imitating Hellenic Greek styles. Fresco techniques were used, with brightly colored backgrounds, a tic-tac-toe design, multipoint perspective, and a trompe-l'oeil effect. 2 Subject Matter Roman paintings covered a wide range of subjects, including animals, everyday life, still life, mythological subjects, portraits, and landscapes. The development of landscape painting was a significant innovation in Roman art. 3 Mosaic Technique Mosaic, an art process using small pieces of colored glass, stones, or other materials to create images, was popular in Roman art. It was used for decorative art and interior decorations.
Medieval Era: Byzantine Painting Christian Subjects Byzantine painting, influenced by Greek and Roman styles, focused on Christian subjects. By the 11th century, Greek and Oriental styles blended, creating magnificent images that adorned churches. Style and Techniques Byzantine paintings featured a lively style, with a strict frontal pose and a blend of Byzantine and southern French influences. They used mosaics on church walls, with a decorative feeling and elongated oval faces. Famous Example: Christ in Majesty The painting "Christ in Majesty" from the Church of Saint Clemente in Spain, now in Barcelona, exemplifies Byzantine style. It depicts Christ in a mandorla, surrounded by the Virgin Mary and saints.
Medieval Era: Romanesque Painting Subject Matter Religious scenes, often from the Bible, with a focus on symbolism and religious imagery. Style Large mosaics on church walls, with a strict frontal pose and a blend of Byzantine and southern French influences. Techniques Use of mosaics, with a decorative feeling and elongated oval faces, showing traces of Mozarabic influence. Famous Example "Christ in Majesty" from the Church of Saint Clemente in Spain, now in Barcelona.
Medieval Era: Gothic Painting Subjects and Style Gothic paintings, often found in illuminated manuscripts and church frescoes, featured a cosmopolitan style, elegant, mannered, and sophisticated. Subjects included popular legends, love stories, and patterns like "mille fleur" (thousand flowers). Influence of the Crusades The Crusades influenced Gothic art, introducing new patterns and motifs. The "mille fleur" pattern, with its abundance of flowers, reflects this influence. Stained Glass Windows Stained glass windows, a prominent feature of Gothic cathedrals, transformed vast stone interiors with warm, glowing colors. They served as visual aids for Christian instruction.
Ancient Egyptian Architecture 1 Characteristics Egyptian architecture, developed during the pre-dynastic period (4,000 BC), featured thick sloping walls with few openings for stability. Exterior and interior walls, columns, and piers were adorned with hieroglyphics, frescoes, and carvings in vibrant colors. 2 Symbolic Ornamentations Ornamentations in Egyptian architecture were symbolic, including the scarab beetle, solar disk, vulture, and motifs like palm leaves, lotus flowers, and papyrus plants. 3 Astronomical Alignment Temples were aligned with astronomically significant events, like solstices and equinoxes, requiring precise measurements to determine the exact moment of these events. 4 Pyramids of Giza The Pyramids of Giza, the most substantial ancient structures in the world, were built as funerary structures for the kings of the fourth dynasty. They were designed with confusing tunnels to deter grave robbers.