Art History - Evolution of Art

Evolution of Art

Prehistoric Period

• Symbolic representation and ritual connection with nature were key aspects of prehistoric art, driven by survival concerns
• Characterized by simple forms, use of natural materials, and emphasis on animals and human figures
• Examples include Cave paintings of Lascaux and Venus figurines

Ancient Period

• Monumentality, religious themes, and display of power and social order defined ancient art
• Featured detailed figures, idealized forms, hierarchical representation, and use of perspective
• Examples include Greek and Roman temples, Greek and Roman sculptures, and the Chinese terracotta army

Medieval Period

• Religious devotion, storytelling, and moral instruction were the primary focus of medieval art
• Characterized by the use of appropriate colors, symbolism, expressive figures, and Gothic architecture with soaring arches and stained glass
• Examples include illuminated manuscripts, Gothic cathedrals, and Byzantine mosaics

Renaissance

• Renaissance art saw a rediscovery of classical ideals, emphasis on human potential, and naturalism
• Featured realistic depiction of anatomy, perspective, balance, harmony, and display of beauty, with the use of light and decorative subjects
• Examples include paintings by da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Botticelli

Baroque and Rococo

• Drama, emotion, movement, and grandeur were hallmarks of Baroque and Rococo art, with both religious and secular themes
• Characterized by dramatic lighting, dynamic compositions, ornate details, and playful Rococo curves
• Examples include paintings by Caravaggio, Rubens, Rembrandt, and Rococo interiors of Versailles

Romanticism

• Individualism, imagination, emotion, and exploration of nature and the sublime defined Romantic art
• Featured dramatic landscapes, expressive brushstrokes, use of color to evoke emotions, and symbolic imagery
• Examples include paintings by Friedrich, Goya, Blake, and Turner

Realism and Impressionism

• Realism and Impressionism focused on depicting everyday life, social commentary, and capturing fleeting moments of light and color
• Characterized by realistic portrayal of figures and scenes, focus on light and shadow in Impressionism, and looser brushstrokes
• Examples include paintings by Courbet, Monet, Manet, and Van Gogh

Modern Art

• Experimentation, breaking artistic conventions, and diverse styles and movements defined Modern art
• Featured Cubism, Expressionism, Dadaism, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, and Pop Art, emphasizing personal expression and challenging traditions
• Examples include Picasso's Les Demoiselles d'Avignon, Munch's The Scream, Duchamp's Fountain, Pollock's drip paintings, and Warhol's Campbell's Soup Cans

Contemporary Art

• Openness, diverse mediums, technology integration, and social and political commentary define Contemporary art
• Characterized by installations, performance art, video art, conceptual art, mixed media, often challenging definitions of art itself
• Examples include Christo & Jeanne-Claude's The Gates, Ai Weiwei's Sunflower Seeds, Marina Abramović's The Artist is Present, and digital art NFTs