Early European and Colonial American Art

• Early European and Colonial American art encompasses artistic traditions and styles from prehistoric times to the 18th century.
• This art includes early European art (Paleolithic to Gothic) and art produced in the Americas during the colonial period.

Paleolithic Art

• Cave paintings and portable sculptures characterize Paleolithic art.
• Paintings frequently depict animals; sculptures include human figures and animals.
• Pigments, stone, and bone were used to create art.
• The purpose is debated, considering theories like hunting magic and symbolic representation.

Neolithic Art

• Neolithic art demonstrates a shift to agricultural societies.
• Stonehenge demonstrates construction techniques and communal efforts.
• Pottery and weaving emerged as art forms.
• Art becomes more geometric and abstract, in contrast to Paleolithic art.

Ancient Aegean Art

• Ancient Aegean art encompasses the Cycladic, Minoan, and Mycenaean civilizations.
• Cycladic art features simple, abstract marble figures.
• Minoan art, centered on Crete, includes frescoes, pottery, and complexes like Knossos.
• Mycenaean art, from mainland Greece, is known for citadels, tombs like the Treasury of Atreus, and gold work.

Ancient Greek Art

• Ancient Greek art is divided into the Geometric, Archaic, Classical, and Hellenistic periods.
• The Geometric period includes pottery with geometric patterns and figures.
• The Archaic period saw the development of kouros and kore sculptures, with poses and smiles.
• The Classical period emphasized idealized human forms, balance, and harmony, exemplified by sculptures like the Doryphoros by Polykleitos and architectural marvels like the Parthenon.
• The Hellenistic period introduced realism, emotion, and dynamic compositions, exemplified by sculptures like the Nike of Samothrace and the Laocoön Group.

Etruscan Art

• Etruscan art flourished in Italy before Rome.
• It blends indigenous and Greek influences.
• Etruscan art is known for terracotta sculptures, bronze work, and tomb paintings.
• Sarcophagi feature reclining figures, and temples were built with Tuscan columns.

Roman Art

• Roman art shows Greek influence but emphasizes practicality, commemoration, and imperial power.
• Roman architecture uses concrete, arches, and vaults, enabling structures like the Colosseum, aqueducts, and bath complexes.
• Portrait sculpture becomes realistic, and relief sculpture depicts historical events, as seen on Trajan's Column.
• Roman painting includes frescoes, mosaics, and panel paintings.

Early Christian Art

• Early Christian art emerged in the Roman Empire and reflects the Christian faith.
• It includes catacomb paintings, sarcophagi, and mosaics.
• Early Christian art adopts Roman forms with Christian symbolism.
• The basilica plan became standard for church architecture.

Byzantine Art

• Byzantine art developed in the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantium).
• It is characterized by rich colors, stylized figures, and gold backgrounds.
• Mosaics are a prominent art form, adorning the interiors of churches like Hagia Sophia in Constantinople.
• Icon painting is a central part of Byzantine religious practice.
• Byzantine architecture features centrally planned churches with domes and decoration.

Early Medieval Art in Europe

• Early Medieval art includes the art of the Migration Period and the Carolingian and Ottonian periods.
• Art of the Migration Period is characterized by intricate metalwork, jewelry, and illuminated manuscripts.
• Carolingian art, under Charlemagne, shows a revival of classical forms and the production of illuminated manuscripts.
• Ottonian art continues the Carolingian tradition, with monumental architecture, bronze casting, and illuminated manuscripts.

Romanesque Art

• Romanesque art flourished in Europe from the late 10th century to the 12th century.
• Romanesque architecture includes stone structures, round arches, barrel vaults, and thick walls.
• Churches feature sculpture on their facades and capitals, depicting biblical scenes.
• Illuminated manuscripts and metalwork are important art forms.

Gothic Art

• Gothic art emerged in France in the 12th century and spread throughout Europe.
• Gothic architecture features pointed arches, ribbed vaults, flying buttresses, and stained-glass windows.
• Cathedrals symbolize spiritual aspiration and civic pride.
• Sculpture becomes more naturalistic and expressive.
• Illuminated manuscripts and panel paintings flourish, with an emphasis on elegance.

Colonial Art in the Americas

• Colonial art in the Americas reflects the cultural exchange between European colonizers and indigenous populations.
• Spanish Colonial art blends European and indigenous traditions, creating styles like Mexican Baroque.
• Churches, cathedrals, and religious structures are built in the Spanish Baroque style, adorned with ornamentation.
• Painting and sculpture promote Christianity and depict religious figures.
• English Colonial art is influenced by English artistic styles, focusing on portraiture, landscapes, and decorative arts.
• Wealthy colonists commission portraits to display their status and wealth.
• Furniture, silver, and decorative objects are imported from England or made locally.

Key Differences Between European and Colonial American Art

• European art developed over millennia, with periods and styles reflecting cultural, religious, and political contexts.
• Colonial American art is a product of cultural exchange and adaptation, blending European traditions with indigenous influences.
• European art served religious, political, and aristocratic patrons, while Colonial American art catered to colonizers and indigenous communities.
• European art uses various materials and techniques, while Colonial American art relied on local resources and craftsmanship.
• European art influenced Colonial American art, which developed its own character and identity.