MIDTERM MODULE GEC 5 PDF

Republic of the Philippines **ISABELA STATEUNIVERSITY**  **LESSON 7: Art in Early Civilization** **Introduction** Stone Age is a term used to describe a period of history when stones were used to make tools for survival. The term "conjures an image of men and women dressed...

Republic of the Philippines **ISABELA STATEUNIVERSITY**  **LESSON 7: Art in Early Civilization** **Introduction** Stone Age is a term used to describe a period of history when stones were used to make tools for survival. The term "conjures an image of men and women dressed in skins, huddling before a fire in a cave" (Fitcher-Rathus,2013). Though prehistoric humans would not necessarily possess the compel rational capabilities to tell their story through written records and accounts, some artifacts in the form of cave paintings and sculptures would serve as the "storytellers". In order to talk about prehistoric art, there is a need to situate them within the context of the three periods of the Stone Age culture (which roughly span the 14,000-2,000 BCE): Paleolithic (the late years of the Old Stone Age), Mesolithic (Middle Stone Age), and the Neolithic (New Stone Age). The unearthing of archaeological artifacts and remains provide modern society a glimpse of the beliefs, practices, and activities of early civilizations. The motives and reasons behind the creation of ancient materials such as sculptures, paintings, and architectural structures may not be clearly defined. Nevertheless, the early people produced such materials that reflect their attitudes and belief systems on spiritual, social, political, and economic matters. It can be noted that works of art and architecture were created from a wide array of materials from limestone to precious gems and metals to name a few. As the early humans started to transition from being nomads to permanent settlers, their everyday activities also had some changes, which is evident through the materials and even the works of art they have created. Despite changes as a result of adapting to their environment, there are central themes in their artworks. Most ancient artworks depict religious symbols, a wide array of organisms from nature and activities of everyday life. **PREHISTORIC ART** The stone Age has witnessed how humans were able to lead more stable lives and eventually come up with permanent shelters and tools for survival. To complement this stability and sense of permanence, early humans also turned to the creation of paintings and sculptures that depict humans, animals, and their natural habitats. It would seem that there were attempts to record the kind of lives they led within that period of time. Central to the representation of early civilizations would be the establishing of possible linkages among art, religion, and life. Learning Outcomes: By the end of this lesson, you should be able to: 1. Discuss how art was used by prehistoric people to depict everyday life 2. Identify the central themes of prehistoric art 3. Differentiate techniques used during the three kingdoms of early Egypt, and 4. Explain how art is linked with religion in early Egyptian civilization Learning Content A. **Paleolithic Art** Caves became protective havens for the early humans and these caves paved the way for the birth of their first attempt to create art. Representations in caves, painted or otherwise, include few humans, but sometimes human heads or genitalia appear in isolation.Animal figures always [constitute](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/constitute) the majority of images in caves. Birds and fish were rarely depicted. Geometric signs are always numerous, though the specific types vary based on the time period in which the cave was painted and the cave's location.Most cave art consists of paintings made with either red or black pigment. Cave art is generally considered to have a symbolic or religious function, sometimes both. The exact meanings of the images remain unknown, but some experts think they may have been created within the framework of [shamanic](https://www.britannica.com/topic/shamanism) beliefs and practices. One such practice involved going into a deep cave for a ceremony during which a shaman would enter a trance state and send his or her soul into the otherworld to make contact with the spirits and try to obtain their [benevolence](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/benevolence). Examples of paintings and engravings in deep caves---i.e., existing completely in the dark---are rare outside Europe, but they do exist in the Americas (e.g., the [Maya](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Maya-people) caves in Mexico, the so-called mud-glyph caves in the southeastern United States), in [Australia](https://www.britannica.com/place/Australia) ([Koonalda Cave](https://www.britannica.com/place/Koonalda-Cave), South Australia), and in [Asia](https://www.britannica.com/place/Asia) (the [Kalimantan](https://www.britannica.com/place/Kalimantan) caves in [Borneo](https://www.britannica.com/place/Borneo-island-Pacific-Ocean), Indonesia, with many hand stencils). Art in the open, on shelters or on rocks, is extremely abundant all over the world and generally belongs to much later times. B. **Mesolithic Art** The Mesolithic Period, or Middle Stone Age, is an archaeological term used to describe specific groups of cultures defined as falling between the Paleolithic and the Neolithic Periods. While the start and end dates of the Mesolithic Period vary by geographical region, we can date it approximately from 10,000 BCE to 8,000 BCE. Art from this period responds to the changing weather conditions to a warmer climate and adaptation to relatively sedentary lifestyles, population size, and use of plant foods---all evidence of the transition to agriculture and eventually the Neolithic. Mesolithic rock art moves from caves to outdoor sites such as vertical cliffs or sheer faces of natural rock, often protected from the elements by outcroppings or overhangs. The human figure is frequently the main theme in painted scenes. When it appears in the same scene as animals, the human figure runs towards them. Hunting scenes are the most common, but there are also scenes of battle and dancing, and possibly agricultural tasks and managing domesticated animals. These Mesolithic rock arts have been discovered in numerous locations across Spain, Asia, Africa, Australasia and the Americas. C. **Neolithic Art** In [Prehistoric art](http://www.visual-arts-cork.com/prehistoric-art.htm), the term \"Neolithic art\" describes all arts and crafts created by societies who had abandoned the semi-nomadic lifestyle of hunting and gathering food in favour of farming and animal husbandry.It has developed especially when life for the early humans has become more stable. By 4000 BCE, there were several monument and architectural structures erected. Neolithic sculpture became bigger, in part, because people didn't have to carry it around anymore; pottery became more widespread and was used to store food harvested from farms. Alcohol was first produced during this period and architecture, as well as its interior and exterior decoration, first appears. In short, people settled down and began to live in one place, year after year.  Stonehenge (Southern England) **EGYPTIAN ART** **Fertile Ribbon starts from the banks of the Nile River (length- 6650km), which flows north to Africa and ventures into the Mediterranean. It is in this very ribbon where early Egyptians recognized the integral role of the Nile River to their daily lives. It is this indispensability and utility that eventually led to the belief that the Nile is to be worshipped as a god. With this came the notion that art was something that can be ascribed and associated with religion.** **Three Periods of Egyptian Civilization:** 1. **Old Kingdom** - **It was evident that religion was bound to the afterlife.** - **Tombs are used for keeping the dead bodies of important people particularly PHARAOHS and served as a shelter for the next journey.** **Tombs are decorated with everyday objects that would reflect day-to-day activities as if the afterlife is a mere continuation of what transpired on earth.**  **One of the cosmetic palettes found in Egypt was called NARMER PALETTE. It was a palette that utilized and applied dark colors around King Narmer's eyes. It symbolizes the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt** **During the Old Kingdom, one of the architectural wonders was also constructed. The pyramids in Giza served as tombs since their main purpose was to provide resting place for the Pharaohs.** **The pyramids are massive in size and were constructed using roughly more than two million limestone blocks. The construction of the pyramids highlighted the ingenuity and advancement of the Egyptians for their time. They used wooden rollers to move the stones from the plateau to construction site. Stonecutters on the site carved the blocks in a fine way before stacking them. The stacking process also showed the advancement of the Egyptians since they already used a system of ropes and pulleys.** **The construction of the pyramids did not only show the brilliance of the early Egyptians but it also highlighted the reverence of the people to their pharaoh at the expense of the citizens. They also ensured that the insides of the pyramids would celebrate the life of their pharaoh by lavishly decorating them. However, it posed as a problem since thieves usually plundered the valuable objects used to decorate the inside of the pyramids.** 2. **Middle Kingdom** - **Shift in the Political Hierarchy -- one of the key features of the Middle Kingdom.** - **The most striking aspect of Middle Kingdom art, however, is the subject matter. Common people, instead of nobility, feature more often in art from this period than any other.** - **PORTRAIT SCULPTURES AND FRESCO PAINTINGS that are freely drawn are some of the styles that emerged during this period.** **To solve the problem on thieves, the Egyptians made rock-cut tombs by carving out a living rock. The inside of the tombs where still filled with chamber and the hallways were lavishly decorated to celebrate the life of the deceased.** **Egypt was not immune from foreign invaders and eventually fell into the hands of the Hyksos. This Asiatic tribe introduced bronzed aged weapons and horses to the Egyptians.** 3. **New Kingdom** - **It was a time of expansionism through territorial acquisition. The art of the New Kingdom had references from both of the preceding kingdoms. Monuments and sculptures were still linked with death and reverence for the deceased.** - **Egypt has established itself as a more advanced and powerful civilization. Their high regard for the people can be seen through their sculptures built on massive and monumental scales.** MORTUARY TEMPLES have emerged in New Kingdom. These temples which were carved out of living rocks, served not only a sanctuary for the dead but also a place of worship for the living. **Most sculptures during this period had curving lines and full bodied forms. There is emphasis to life-like features of the face like an elongated jaw and thick-lidded eyes. Most artists created artworks that are natural and seemingly real, highlighting the features of their subjects. Naturalism was not only used to depict the pharaoh but also was used for members of the royal family. The bust of Queen Nefertiti has a long and sensuous neck.** **Probably one of the greatest discoveries from the Egyptian civilization was the tomb of Tutankhamen. He became king at a very young age and died at the age of eighteen. Howard Carter discovered his tomb in 1922. It was a gold artwork and the coffin was made out of solid gold.** **Summary** During the Prehistoric period, the early humans had transitioned from a nomadic lifestyle to taht of a more permanent one, which led to early civilizations. Some of the works discovered from this period would give modern society a glimpse of what was life during that period. Through these unearthed and discovered artworks, the modern world could have a better understanding of the past and how it can affect the present. **Self-Assessment Questionnaire** 1. What was the importance and significance of art during the prehistoric period? **Answer of Self-Assessment Questionnaire** Answers may vary. Reference: Caslib, B. et. al (2018). Art Appreciation. Manila. Rex Book Store, 2018 **\ ** **LESSON 8: Art in Emerging Europe** **Introduction** History shows the intrinsic value of art as a language that narrates the knowledge, belief and experience of each generation of mankind, it shows the foundation of civilization through art, where humanity from the past to the present stipulates their desire for a better life. **Learning Outcome** At the end of the module the students should be able to: a. Identify the underlying history and philosophy of the era or movement. b. Classify the various art movement and cite their characteristics such as historical background, sociopolitical issues, influential persons, prevalent artists, art forms and media. c. Present the historical timeline of the arts through the various era and movement, and d. Cite/recognize the distinct characteristics of an artwork in an era or movement. **Learning Contents** **ANCIENT ROME (500 B.C. to 1453 A.D.)** - Roman art began around 500 B.C. and ended at the fall of Rome in 1453 A.D. - Roman art was developed largely because of the Roman empire, during the time of Romulus to Emperor Constantine. - Roman art often depicted Roman mythology because of their belief in the power of gods, artists also illustrated Roman emperors particularly in sculpture. - The Greeks were a great influence in Roman sculpture. But Roman portraiture showed the skills originality of the Romans by portraying their emperors, generals and senators with a degree of realism unknown to the Greeks. **Great Roman Arts** The Aqueduct of Segovia, Spain Iconic dome of the Florence Cathedral  Saint Peter's Basilica, Rome The Colloseum in Rome, Italy http://www.minutetravelguide.com/gallery/rome/st\_peters\_basilica\_rome.jpg A. **MEDIEVAL ART ( c. 450 C.E to 1400 C.E.)** - Medieval art covered almost ten centuries between the Sack of Rome (c. 450 C.E.) and the early Italian Renaissance (1400 C.E.). - In the beginning of the medieval period, all work of art are commissioned by religious authorities for churches/monasteries. - Prominent use of valuable materials such as gold, for objects in churches, jewelry, mosaic backgrounds. - Art historians generally classify medieval art into the following periods: Early Medieval Art, Romanesque Art, and Gothic Art Early Medieval - Early medieval architecture was predominantly related to building sacred buildings, such as churches, which was the primary structure signifying Christian faith. The Roman basilica was the primary model of medieval architecture. - Castles and walls are the most notable examples of non-religious medieval architecture. Romanesque Art - Romanesque Architectural style flourished across the western part of Europe with France as the center of production and innovation. - It took shape in the eleventh (11th) century, initially developing in France then spreading to Spain, Germany, Italy, and other regions. - Romanesque buildings were characterized by semi-circular arches, thick stone walls, sturdy pillars, barrel vaults,large towers, decorative arcading, and durable construction. - Pre-Romanesque or Carolingian was the north European style of the Renaissance in the late 8^th^ and 9^th^ century during the reign of Charlemagne - Ottonian architecture was the later period of Romanesque, developed under the reign of Emperor Otto the Great (936-975) - Sculpture were prevalent during this time, where stone was used to present biblical subject matter and church doctrines. - Other significant media are stained glass and the tradition of continued illuminated manuscripts.  Gothic Art - Originated in the 12^th^ century with the rebuilding of the Abbey Church in Saint Denis, France. - Gothic architecture offered revolutionary structural advancements such as ribbed vaults, flying buttresses, and decorative pinnacles all contributing to taller and lighter building design. - Gothic architecture was light, graceful and mostly spacious in nature. Heavy piers were replaced by slender ones while window dimensions became larger as vaults and spires increased in height. - Gothic sculptures borrowed motifs from the architecture of the period since it was primarily used to decorate exteriors of cathedrals and other religious buildings. ***Characteristics of Medieval Art*** - Rich colors - Heavily outlined - Flat and stiff figures showing no depth - Religious icons - Architecture is influenced by Greek and Roman- Byzantine, Romanesque and Gothic styles emerged from this period. - Mosaics replaced carved decorations - Large domes central to the church **Medieval Churches and Monasteries** - Romanesque structures featured pointed arches and heavy thick walls,small windows like the Roman style. A lot of sculptural decorations - Gothic structures featured pointed arches and have slender feel as if they soar upward, large stained glass windows filtered in light and color. - Byzantine structures featured large domes that cover soaring spaces, arches and lavish decorations. **Types of Medieval Art** - **Illuminated Manuscripts**- These are religious texts decorated with rich colors, which often featured the use of gold and silver. The word "illuminated" comes from the word illuminare, meaning adorn. - **Metalwork**-Metals with great luster, such as gold, silver, and bronze were frequently used as mediums in the creation of religious artifacts. Metal workers transform these beautiful metals into objects of adornment for the church (sculptures jewelry, and church doors). - **Paintings-** Medieval painting includes artwork in iconography, fresco and panel painting - **Embroidery-** It is made of colored wool sewn together to form a continuous panel. Story of William the Conqueror, the Norman invasion of England and the Battle of Hastings were embroidered in a linen 20 inches high and 230 feet long, "The Bayeux Tapestry". - **Ceramic Art**- it is done handmade and not wheel-turned during the medieval period. - **Mosaics**- is the artful creation of pictures with the use of broken pieces of colored glass, rock, or any other material. - **Sculpture**- elongated style of statues used in Romanesque art, a more naturalistic style in the late 12^th^ and early 13^th^ century. - **Stained Glass**- stained glass art makes use of fragmented pieces of glass set to look like an image or a picture, the pieces are joined together by strips of lead supported by a hard durable frame. It was displayed to the windows of medieval churches, cathedrals and castles. - **Heraldry**- was the art and custom of creating coats of arms and badges of the nobles **Famous Medieval Artists** - Donatello Feast of Herod [www.donatello.net](http://www.donatello.net) - Leon Battista Alberti  Santa Maria Novelle [www.britannica.com](http://www.britannica.com) B. **RENAISSANCE ( Rebirth) 14^th^ to 17^th^ century** - The period in European history, from the 14^th^ to 17^th^ century, was considered the link the middle ages and the modern history. The term "Renaissance" is from the same French word, meaning rebirth or revival. It began as a cultural movement in Italy in the late medieval period and later spread to the rest of Europe. - The revival in classical learning characterized by a sharp increase in secular values and increased interest in learning the classics. - Renaissance is reflected in humanism. Humanism focused on developing the full potential of man. This included not only the traditional virtues of love and honor but also virtues such as judgement, prudence and eloquence. - Leonardo da Vinci, making observational drawings of anatomy and nature. - The most important development of the period was not a specific discovery but rather a process for discovery, the scientific method. Influential promoters of these ideas include Copernicus and Galileo. **Early Renaissance** By 1500, because of the rediscovery of the classical world, the art of painting was radically changed. The Renaissance revived ancient forms and content. The spiritual content of painting changed, and subjects from Roman history and mythology were borrowed. Devotional art became classically humanized. Classical artistic principles , harmony, proportion, realistic expression and rational postures were followed. Active artistic regions in Europe during the period: Flanders and Italy. Almost all early Renaissance art were produced between 1420 and 1550. - Dome of Florence Cathedral by Filippo Brunelleschi  - Expulsion from the Garden of Eden by Masaccio - Jacob and Esau relief, Gates of Paradise by Lorenzo Ghiberti https://i.pinimg.com/originals/f1/6f/3b/f16f3b0b71155ea86a9e306f1bc114ed.jpg [www.pinterest.com](http://www.pinterest.com) - The Adoration of the Kings by Hugo van der Goes  [www.nationalgallery.org.uk](http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk) - The Birth of Venus by Sandro boticelli http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTE0MlgxNjAw/z/obYAAOSwZjJU15Yy/\$\_35.JPG [www.ebay.com](http://www.ebay.com) - The Nativity in the Lower Church by Giotto di Bondone  [www.pinterest.jp](http://www.pinterest.jp) **High Renaissance (c. 1490- 1530)** This was the period when classical ideals of humanism were fully implemented in both painting and sculpture. The preceding Early Renaissance had been centered on Florence and paid for by the ruling Medici family while the High Renaissance was centered on Rome and paid for by the Pontiff. High Renaissance artists wanted beauty and harmony more than realism, they looked for ultimate truths in the study of the classical world of Greek and Roman culture. Some of the best well-known masterpieces of High Renaissance: - Genesis, Sistine Chapel Frescoes by Michelangelo http://www.easynotecards.com/uploads/632/74/1c7a7974\_150bb922c9b\_\_8000\_00001429.jpg [www.easynotecard.com](http://www.easynotecard.com) - Virgin of the Rocks by Leonardo da Vinci  [www.telegraph.co.uk](http://www.telegraph.co.uk) - Last Supper https://www.newagecitytours.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/IMG\_8001-1024x656.jpg [www.getyourguide.com](http://www.getyourguide.com) - Mona Lisa  [www.britannica.com](http://www.britannica.com) - Transfiguration [catholicexchange.com] **Late Renaissance or Mannerism** Mostly, the mannerist painting was more artificial than natural. This could be attributed to such characteristics as the unnatural display of emotions, unproportionate human figures, unnatural poses, uncommon effects of scale, use of lighting or perspective, and bright loud color. The end of the Renaissance was caused largely by the beginning of the protestant Reformation that set off violent conflicts throughout Europe and eliminated much of the funding for art. **Mannerist Painters** - Michelangelo, Sistine Chapel Frescoes - Correggio, First to portray light radiating from the child Christ - Agnolo Bronzino, An Allegory with Venus and Cupid **Characteristics of Renaissance Art** 1. Realism and Expression: - Emotions was depicted in faces - Humans are natural and lifelike-very realistic - Nudity 2. Perspective - Adjustment in size - Depth - Making 3D world on 2D surface 3. Classicism - Influence of ancient Greeks and Romans - Secularism - Symmetry and balance 4. Individualism - Emphasizes on the individual singular subject - Free-standing figures (statues) - Human beauty 5. Light and Shadow - Use of light and shadow to create depth - Chiaroscuro- contrast between light and dark colors 6. Complex Arrangements - Complicated arrangement of objects - Lots of complex interactions - Can be very busy C. **BAROQUE PERIOD** - In Art, the word Baroque was taken from the Portuguese barocco meaning, "irregular pearl or stone" and originating in Rome. - Baroque art showed the religious conflicts of the age, the desire of the Roman Catholic Church to restate itself after the Protestant Reformation as annunciated at the council of Trent - Baroque defined something that was extravagant or intricate and highly detailed. - The popularity of the style was due to the Catholic Church, which was determined at the Council of Trent that the art should convey and express religious ideas and direct emotional involvement in reply to the Protestant Reformation. - Catholic- inspired Baroque art served a propagandist role that tended to be large-scale works of public art, such as monumental wall painting and huge frescoes for the ceilings and vaults of palaces and churches. **Famous Baroque Artists** - Peter Paul Rubens, The Massacre of the Innocents - Caravaggio, The Crucifixion of Saint Peter - Rembrandt - Bernini, Ecstasy of Saint Teresa - Gian Lorenzo Bernini, created a remarkable series of monumental statues of saints and figures whose faces and gestures lively expressed their emotions. D. **ROCOCO PERIOD** - **Rococo** is referred to as **Late Baroque**, which is a hybrid word combining rocaille (French for "shell") and barocco. It was also known as the age of artificiality as depicted in artworks showing unreal or artificial subjects. - Rococo appeared in France and scattered around the world in the late 17^th^ and early 18^th^ century. - It started when King Louis XIV requested more youthful art to be created in his reign. - Artists in this period emphasized more attention to detail, ornamentation, and use of bright colors. - Rococo is focused on secular, light-hearted, asymmetrical design while continuing the Baroque taste for decorative style. - Canvasses were decorated with cherubs and myths of love while keeping with the playful trend of the period. Known artists during the Rococo Period - Francois Boucher, the Toilette of Venus - Jeane Antoine Watteau, Pilgrimage in the Isle of Cythera known as the father of the Rococo art - Jean-Honore Fragonard, The Swing E. **NEOCLASSICAL ART ( 18^TH^ CENTURY)** - Began in Europe around 1750 until the mid-nineteenth century, This movement aspired to save and resurrect the aesthetic and cultural values of the Greco-Roman civilization. - The archaeological findings in the excavation of the roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum in the mid 18^th^ century had rekindled the interest in the art of Greco-Roman culture. - The industrial revolution's effect led to the rise of the Age of Enlightenment that saw the importance of technological innovation for the advancement of humanity. - Heroes and beings from the Greco-Roman mythology were repeated subjects in neoclassical paintings and sculpture. - In sculpture, artists used natural white marble as medium. - Cool colors in painting and the removal of perspective is were widely used - It gave importance to simplicity and aesthetic purity **Famous Artists of Neoclassical Art** - Anton Raphael Mengs, German portraitist - Joseph-Marie Vien,French - Pompeo Batoni, Italian - Angelica Kauffmann, Swiss - Jacques-Louis David - Antonio Canova - John Flaxman - Bertel Thorvaldsen F. **ROMANTICISM** The industrial revolution began in the latter part of the 18^th^ century. This revolution brought a new market economy based on new technology. During that same time, there was a growing reaction against the ideals of the enlightenment that emphasized science, empirical evidence and rational thought. - The Romantics opposed the idea that reason was the only way to truth. - Romantics argued that mysteries could be revealed with emotion, imagination, and intuition. - Romantics emphasized a life filled with deep feeling, spirituality, and free expression as a defense against the dehumanizing effects of industrialization. - Romanticism strongly placed emphasis on emotion and individualism, as well as glorification of the past and of nature. Famous Artist - Theodore Gericualt - Eugene Delacroix - Francisco de Goya - J.M.W. Turner - John Constable G. **IMPRESSIONISM** Impressionism was created by Claude Monet and the other Paris based artists in the early 1860. They relaxed their brushwork and included pure intense colors. They abandoned traditional linear perspectives and avoided the clarity of form. Because of these, many critics questioned Impressionist paintings for their unfinished appearance and unprofessional quality. - Impressionism could be regarded as the first modern movement in painting - It began in Paris and influenced the entire Europe and eventually, the United States. - Its founders were artists who refused the official, government exhibitions, and were rejected by the powerful academic art institutions. - In the official yearly art salon of 1863, many artist were not allowed to join, leading to public outcry. - In 1863, the Salon des Refuses was formed to allow the exhibition of works by artist who were refused entrance to the official salon. ### The Thames Below Westminster  **Impressionism Artists** - Cezanne - Pissarro - Whistler - Manet - Renoir - Sisley - Degas **POST- IMPRESSIONISM** Post- Impressionism is a French art movement that developed roughly between 1886 and 1905. Post impressionism emerged as a reaction against Impressionist' concern for the naturalistic depiction of light and color. The movement was led by Paul Cezanne ( known as the father of Post-Impressionism) - Post-Impressionists rejected the idea of the impressionist that the main focus of the artwork should be on the opticality of the creation. - The Impressioniost interest for the depiction of light and color drew a negative reaction from the Post-Impressionist - Post-Impressionist artist fought to bring back the emphasis on the subject matter and the structure in painting that they felt was lost - Post-Impressionist movement focused on the emotional, structural, symbolic and spiritual elements that they felt were lacking in Impressionism. A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte by Georges-Pierre Seurat ============================================================================ [www.theartist.me/art-inspiration/] =============================================== **Post-Impressionist Artist** - Paul Cezanne - Vincent van Gogh - Paul Gauguin **NEO-IMPRESIONISM** **ART NOUVEAU** **FAUVISM** **CUBISM** **FUTURISM** **DADAISM** **POINTILISM** **Summary** Throughout history, Europe has seen tremendous changes in its political landscape and social makeup, and witnessed transitions of different art movements on different timeframes. The use of art as a medium of communication of different cultural elements originated from the Greek and Roman civilizations. These two civilizations have greatly influenced the succeeding periods in art history. There were movements like realism that highlights the primacy of individuality. Man being the focal point of most work is not new since the Greeks and even during the Renaissance Period highlighted the centrality of man in any society. The evolution of art in Europe helped them shaped their culture, which was reflected in their societies.