Art Throughout the Ages

Throughout the thousands of years that humans have walked the earth, art has been present. From the earliest of our ancestors drawing in caves, to the modern paintings of the present, we can see the creativity of the human mind. This post will cover the biggest periods of art throughout history, from the very beginning until today.

Prehistoric Art 30,000 BC- 539 BC
This era in art history featured cave paintings. Early humans used rocks and minerals to scratch drawings of people, animals, and meaningful symbols into the walls of the caves in which they lived. A strong theme is prehistoric art is the feminine figure. Many believe the pieces featuring women are representative of fertility. Every day, more and more of these paintings are being uncovered, and many efforts have gone into restoring them. Art from this period is quite primitive, but can teach us about the ways and thoughts of the people that came before us.

Egyptian Art 3100 BC- 30 BC
Egyptian art is well known by many, especially the great architecture. The paintings and sculptures that the Ancient Egyptians made were highly stylized and symbolic, often representing religious figures. These sculptures were placed in the tombs of the dead to help "guide" them to the afterlife. Paintings were often made to show the head of a person or animal from a side profile, but have the body facing forward. Egyptians used materials in their paint that could withstand strong heat and sunlight, so people still enjoy their art today.

Medieval / Renaissance Art 500 AD- 1550 AD
The Middle Ages was an era dominated by Gothic art. Art was dark and gloomy, and often featured religious matters, as this was the time of the Crusades. Many cathedrals, castles, and other looming structures were built during this time as well. The Renaissance was a period of rebirth, in which many new famous artists came to be, including Michelangelo, Donatello, Leonardo da Vinci, and many others. Renaissance art was more life like than art of the Middle Ages. It showed depth, perspective, and details that captured human beauty and the pleasures of life.

Baroque Art 1600-1750 AD
Baroque Art was rooted in the time of the Thirty Years War between the Catholics and the Protestants, so art from this period featured very religious images. Art was often used as a sort of weapon between both religions, sending powerful messages about the splendor of God and the afterlife.

Romanticism 1780-1850 AD
The Romanticism period was an era of immense imagination and creativity, taking place during the French Revolution. It placed emphasis on such emotions as apprehension, horror, terror, and awe. Artists were praised for creating works out of their own heads, creating "something out of nothing". Works from this period often featured the beauty of nature, or heroes.

Realism 1848-1900 
Realism also began in France, but rejected the exaggerated emotion and imagination of Romanticism. It focused on working class men and women, and works were often rustic and plain. Artists of this time attempted to represent subject matter truthfully, avoiding supernatural and exotic elements.

Impressionism 1865-1885 AD
Impressionism is considered by many to be the first modern art movement. Art of this period is characterized by thin, yet visible brush strokes. Artists accurately captured light, often showing it over the passage of time, such as in a sunrise. The artists also used research of the physics of color, so they could capture a more exact representation of tone hue. Most works from the Impressionism period are outdoor scenes.

Expressionism 1900-1935 AD
Expressionism was a modern art movement that originated in Germany in the 19th century. Art of this point was very subjected, and distorted from the artist's point of view in order to evoke emotion or mood. Artist's aimed to evoke emotion, rather than actual reality. This style can also be seen in the architecture, theater, and literature of this time.

Abstract/ Pop Art 1940's-1960's AD
Abstract Expressionism was very American- spirited and romantic in mood, and expressed a very rugged individual freedom. The Pop Art style exploded in the 1960's, when artists used images that were very commercially recognizable for their art. Possibly the most popular artist of this period is Andy Warhol, who is famous for his renditions of Marilyn Monroe and the Campbell's soup cans.

Deconstructivism 1970 AD- Present
This art movement encourages freedom of form. It focuses on open interpretation and complexity rather than typical style and conventions. It is often described as one of the most visually striking and complicated art styles.

It is obvious from the timeline above that art has been prominent throughout all of human history, and will continue to be such until humans no longer inhabit the earth. Over the years, generations have come up with new styles and techniques to represent various emotions and imagery. It is clear that art has a profound impact on people, and is important for creativity and expression. I hope you have enjoyed this month's post, please let me known what you think in the comments below. Thanks for reading!