Art History: Art in Early Civilizations

Study Notes

The Stone Age marks a historical period characterized by the use of stone tools for survival.
Prehistoric artifacts, such as cave paintings and sculptures, serve as storytellers of early human life.

Paleolithic: Late years of the Old Stone Age; initial human artistic expressions begin.
Mesolithic: Transitional phase known as the Middle Stone Age.
Neolithic: New Stone Age; significant advancements in lifestyle and settlement occur.

Archaeological finds provide insights into early beliefs, practices, and daily activities, often depicting religious symbols and nature.
A transition from nomadic lifestyles to settled communities allowed for the development of early civilizations.
Climate changes drove early humans to seek shelter in caves, which became sites for creating art, exemplified by cave paintings.

Hall of Bulls in Lascaux, France, dates around 15,000 BCE, showcasing early artistic endeavors.

A collection of 127 stick figures, including human and animal forms, discovered in the Philippines.
Artifacts suggest these petroglyphs were created before the introduction of metal, dating back to approximately 3000 BCE.

Neolithic period marked by agricultural advancements and stable living conditions leading to more complex art forms.
By 4000 BCE, significant architectural structures began to appear, including Stonehenge.

Old Kingdom art is exemplified by the pyramids of Giza, monumental tombs for pharaohs built using over two million limestone blocks.
Ancient Egyptian Art (31st century BCE to 4th century ACE) encompasses various media such as paintings, sculptures, and architecture, characterized by conservative stylistic continuity.

Greek art is notable for its naturalistic yet idealized human forms, focusing on nude male figures.
Development of Greek art is categorized into four key periods:
- Geometric Period: Features geometric shapes and patterns; emergence post-Dark Ages.
- Archaic Period: Emphasizes human figures influenced by trade, leading to less rigid and more naturalistic styles.
- Classical Period: Represents the pinnacle of Greek sculpture and architecture, with a focus on rebuilding temples during times of conflict.
- Hellenistic Period: Characterized by emotional expression and dynamic poses in sculpture, indicative of the impact of Alexander the Great.

Roman civilization experienced the peak of Greek cultural influence in the Mediterranean.
Roman art exhibits a fusion of Greek and Roman elements, reflecting a strong adherence to realism.