Prehistoric Art and Cave Paintings

Study Notes

Prehistoric Period/Cave Art

Originates approximately 32,000 years ago with oldest known paintings in Grotte-Vhauvet, France.
Artifacts reflect early human creativity, cultural expressions, and possibly religious or symbolic purposes.
Notable cave paintings depict animals like horses, rhinoceroses, lions, buffalos, and mammoths.
Additional significant site includes Altamira, Spain, known for antelope cave paintings.
Ice Age cave art, prevalent in Europe, dates from approximately 40,000 to 14,000 years ago.
Red pigments from iron oxides and black pigments from manganese dioxide and charcoal were commonly used.

Egyptian Painting

Focuses on concepts over sensory experiences, integrating hieroglyphics as an early art form.
Development stages include:
- Old Kingdom: Art associated with worship and afterlife.
- Middle Kingdom: Depicts local warfare, animal life, and social activities.
- New Kingdom: Found in rock tombs, illustrating funerals and pilgrimages.
Architecture highlights include:
- Skilled construction of temples, palaces, and tombs.
- First use of stone columns with notable accuracy and geometric precision.
Pyramids built during Old and Middle Kingdoms:
- Step Pyramid of Sakkara recognized as the first true pyramid.
- Great Pyramid of Giza, built by King Cheops, listed as one of the Seven Wonders.
Temples served as homes of the gods for worship and rites related to agriculture.
Sculpture characterized by larger depictions of pharaohs to exhibit power and cultural significance.

Greek Art and Civilization

Greece referred to as "The Glory that was Greece" due to its impactful contributions to Western civilization.
Principle of ARETE represents the pursuit of excellence and personal potential.
Minoan Civilization (c. 2600 BCE):
- Ruled by King Minos, known for advanced bronze and gold use and palace of Knossos.
- Complex featured vibrant frescoes, skilled fresco painting, stone carving, ceramics, and maritime trade.
- Experienced decline due to natural disasters.
Mycenaean Civilization (c. 1900 BCE):
- Dominated Crete and Greece with warrior kings and fortified cities.
- Adapted Minoan art styles and engaged in extensive trade with surrounding regions.
- Declined due to invasions by the Dorians.
Greek Art Periods include:
- Archaic Period (c. 650-480 BCE): Characterized by experimentation and large decorated vases.
- Classical Period (c. 480-323 BCE): Peak of artistic and political influence.
- Hellenistic Period (c. 323-27 BCE): Initiated with Alexander the Great's death, influencing a broader cultural spread.
Archaic Greek Pottery: Featured large vases with linear and geometric designs, along with figurines emphasizing the human body.
Greek Architecture:
- Doric Order: Simple columns symbolizing strength.
- Ionic Order: Decorative capitals embodying grace.
- Corinthian Order: Most ornate, with floral capitals representing anxiety.
Archaic Greek Sculpture: Influenced by Egyptian techniques with diverse materials and painting styles, including tempera.