History of Pictograms and Their Impact

Pictograms

• Ancient Sumerians used pictograms in trades, marking pathways, and locating resources.
• Pictograms evolved into more abstract and stylized symbols, forming the foundation for cuneiforms and hieroglyphics.
• They served as a universal mode of communication in trades, travel, and cross-cultural interactions.
• Other cultures developed their own pictograms, such as Native American imagery of animals, humans, and celestial bodies.
• Pictograms laid the groundwork for more sophisticated writing systems, transitioning from concrete pictorial to abstract symbols.
• They continue to influence contemporary design, conveying information quickly through signage, wayfinding, and user interfaces.
• Pictograms played a crucial role in early communication, especially in societies with limited literacy, serving to record history.
• Their visual forms have influenced modern graphic design.
• Pictograms were integral in preserving cultural knowledge, stories, and histories.
• They reflected societal values, spiritual beliefs, and ways of life of various cultures.

Ancient Greek Art

• Covers the period from 800 BCE to 31 BCE.
• Includes major periods: Archaic, Classical, and Hellenistic.
• Notable for its idealized human forms, religious themes, and emphasis on balance and harmony.

Archaic Period (800 - 480 BCE)

• Characterized by rigid postures with arms at the sides.
• Often featured the "Archaic Smile," signifying life and vitality.
• Included Kouroi (male) and Korai (female) sculptures dedicated as votive offerings in sanctuaries.
• Utilized geometric patterns.

Classical Period (480 - 323 BCE)

• Represents a high point in artistic achievement.
• Focused on balance, idealization, and the representation of the human form.
• Artworks were commissioned for temples and sanctuaries as offerings to the gods.
• Sculptures depicted deities and heroes of Greek mythology.
• Materials used included marble (primarily), limestone, bronze, and clay for pottery.

Hellenistic Period (323 - 31 BCE)

• Characterized by significant cultural, political, and artistic changes due to Alexander the Great's conquests.
• Emphasized emotional expression and dynamic, realistic sculptures.
• Subject matter expanded beyond Greek mythology and heroes to include ordinary people and exotic subjects.
• Painting and pottery remained important artistic expressions.

Medieval Illuminated Manuscripts

• Developed during the Romanesque and Gothic periods (Middle Ages), reaching a zenith in monastic scriptoria.
• Created by artisans with specialized expertise in writing and artistry.
• Contained religious texts, including Bibles, Psalms, and Book of Hours.
• Used for liturgical purposes, devotional practice, and education.
• Visual elements helped convey complex ideas and contributed to their prestige.
• Commissioning an illuminated manuscript was a sign of wealth and status.
• Their artistic heritage influenced subsequent movements, such as the Renaissance.
• The division of labor between scribes and illuminators resulted in a collaborative process.
• Illuminated manuscripts were valuable for preserving knowledge, including religious texts, philosophical treatises, historical records, and literary works.