Art History Timeline Overview

Art History Timeline

Art has been an integral part of human culture since prehistoric times. It is used to record history, express emotions, and showcase the skills of artists over thousands of years. This timeline covers some major events and movements from various periods in art history.

Prehistory (Before 500 BC)

• First known cave paintings around 70,000 BC found in France and Spain.
• Ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Babylon, Mesopotamia, China, India, Persia, and Greece developed their unique styles of art.

Classical Period (6th–5th Century BC)

• Greek and Roman art dominated this period with influences from Egyptian, Assyrian, and Phoenician cultures.
• Famous works include Greek pottery, Roman mosaics, and Greek sculpture like Michelangelo's "David".

Middle Ages (400-1400 AD)

• Christian religious themes were prevalent during this time due to the spread of Christianity across Europe.
• Notable artists include Albrecht Dürer, who was one of the first artists to gain fame through prints, and Jan van Eyck, known for his oil painting technique.

Renaissance (1300-1600)

• Characterized by a revival of interest in classical art and literature.
• Major figures include Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, and Michelangelo, known for their mastery of perspective and anatomically correct figures.

Baroque (early 17th century - mid 18th century)

• Emphasis on drama, movement, tension, emotional exuberance, and a tendency towards theatricality and darkness.
• Key artists include Rembrandt van Rijn, Diego Velázquez, Caravaggio, and Peter Paul Rubens.

Rococo (mid-18th century - mid-18th century)

• Light, graceful style contrasting with the grandeur of Baroque.
• Important artists include François Boucher, Jean-Honoré Fragonard, and Thomas Gainsborough.

Romanticism (late 18th century - mid 19th century)

• Focus on emotion, individualism, and the supernatural.
• Pioneering romantic painters include Caspar David Friedrich and J.M.W. Turner.

Modern Art (late 19th century - present)

• Rejection of traditional forms and techniques, embracing new ideas and media.
• Key movements include Impressionism, Cubism, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, Pop Art, Conceptual Art, and Digital Art.

Contemporary Art (1960s - present)

• Characterized by a focus on conceptual thought and the idea behind the artwork.
• Notable artists include Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst, Yoko Ono, and Banksy.

This timeline provides a basic overview of some major events and movements in art history. It is important to note that there are countless more artists, styles, and movements that have shaped the world of art.