Information Sheet # 5

ART HISTORY TIMELINE

Learning Objectives:

After reading the information sheet 1 the students are expected to:

a) Analyze artworks from diverse periods and movements, such as prehistoric,

Renaissance, and contemporary, to understand artistic styles, techniques, and
themes.
b) Explore how socio-cultural, political, and religious contexts influenced artistic
production, shaping content, form, and reception across civilizations and time
periods.
c) Develop visual analysis and critical thinking skills through close observation,
contextual research, and comparative analysis, enabling informed interpretations
and evaluations of artistic significance.

ART
History
Art history is a fascinating journey through time, tracing the evolution of human
creativity across diverse cultures and civilizations. From the enigmatic cave
paintings of prehistoric times to the grandiose monuments of ancient Egypt, the
idealized human forms of ancient Greece, and the intricate mosaics of the Roman
Empire, each period reflects the unique socio-cultural context of its era. The
medieval period saw art intertwined with religious devotion, while the Renaissance
ushered in an era of unprecedented artistic innovation. The Baroque and Rococo
periods dazzled with their emotive compositions and ornate decorations, while the
nineteenth century responded to industrialization with movements like
Romanticism and Impressionism. The twentieth century brought forth a whirlwind
of experimentation, from the bold colors of Fauvism to the conceptual challenges
of conceptual art. Through the study of art history, we gain insight into the
complexities of human experience and the enduring power of creative expression
to shape our understanding of the world.
PREHISTORIC
The art history timeline of prehistoric art spans from approximately 30,000 BCE to 3000
BCE. During this period, early humans created some of the earliest known forms of art,
primarily in the form of cave paintings, rock engravings, and sculptures. Notable examples
include the intricate cave paintings found in Lascaux and Altamira, depicting animals and
hunting scenes, as well as the Venus figurines, small sculptures representing the female
form. Megalithic structures such as Stonehenge also date back to this period, serving as
monumental expressions of prehistoric cultures' spiritual and architectural capabilities.
Overall, prehistoric art provides valuable insights into the beliefs, daily lives, and artistic
practices of our ancient ancestors.
Here are some examples of Prehistoric art:
1. Cave Paintings:

• Lascaux Cave Paintings (France): Famous for their vivid depictions of

animals such as bison, horses, and deer, believed to be around 17,000
years old.
• Altamira Cave Paintings (Spain): Known for its polychrome paintings of
animals, particularly bison, dating back approximately 14,000 years.
• Chauvet Cave Paintings (France): Remarkable for its realistic portrayals of
animals including mammoths, rhinoceroses, and lions, thought to be around
30,000 years old.

2. Venus Figurines:

a) Venus of Willendorf: A small limestone figurine depicting a woman with

exaggerated features, believed to be around 30,000 years old, found in
Austria.
b) Venus of Dolní Věstonice: Another example of a Venus figurine, discovered
in the Czech Republic and estimated to be around 29,000 years old.

3. Megalithic Structures:

• Stonehenge (United Kingdom): a prehistoric monument consisting of large

standing stones arranged in a circular pattern, believed to have been
constructed between 3000 BCE and 2000 BCE.
• Newgrange (Ireland): a passage tomb dating back to around 3200 BCE,
known for its elaborate stone carvings and alignment with the winter solstice
sunrise.
EGYPTIAN

The art history timeline of ancient Egyptian art spans from around 3100 BCE to 30
BCE. This period is characterized by a rich artistic tradition that flourished
alongside the rise and fall of various Egyptian dynasties. Key developments in
Egyptian art include:

1. Predynastic Period (c. 3100 BCE–2686 BCE):

• Early examples of Egyptian art include pottery decorated with
geometric designs and figurines.
• The development of funerary practices and burial customs led to the
creation of simple tomb structures.
2. Old Kingdom (c. 2686 BCE–2181 BCE):
• Construction of monumental pyramids as tombs for pharaohs, such
as the Great Pyramid of Giza.
• The hieroglyphic writing system begins to emerge and is
incorporated into artistic compositions.
• Idealized representations of pharaohs and deities in sculpture, with
rigid poses and frontal views.
3. Middle Kingdom (c. 2055 BCE–1650 BCE):
• Expansion of artistic themes beyond royal imagery to include scenes
of daily life, literature, and mythology.
• Introduction of more naturalistic and expressive forms in sculpture,
with greater attention to detail and individuality.
4. New Kingdom (c. 1550 BCE–1070 BCE):
• Height of Egyptian artistic achievement, marked by the construction
of grand temples such as Karnak and Luxor.
• The development of the Amarna Period was characterized by a brief
departure from traditional artistic conventions under the rule of
Akhenaten and Queen Nefertiti.
• Mastery of relief sculpture and vibrant polychrome painting, seen in
temple walls and tomb decorations.
5. Late Period (c. 664 BCE–332 BCE):
• The influence of foreign powers such as the Assyrians and Persians
leads to stylistic changes in Egyptian art.
• Revival of traditional artistic motifs and techniques, especially in
temple construction and tomb decoration.
6. Greco-Roman Period (c. 332 BCE–30 BCE):
• Egyptian art undergoes further syncretism with Greek and Roman
artistic traditions following the conquest of Egypt by Alexander the
Great and later the Roman Empire.
• Continued production of temple reliefs, funerary art, and portrait
sculpture reflecting both Egyptian and Hellenistic influences.
GREEK

The art history timeline of ancient Greek art spans from roughly the 8th century
BCE to the 4th century BCE. Here's an overview of key periods and examples:

1. Geometric Period (c. 900 BCE–700 BCE):

• Characterized by abstract geometric motifs on pottery and simple
figurative designs.
• Example: Dipylon Amphora, a large ceramic vessel decorated with
bands of geometric patterns and stylized figures, found in Athens.
2. Archaic Period (c. 700 BCE–480 BCE):
• Introduction of freestanding sculpture, initially with stylized, rigid
forms known as kouros (male) and kore (female) statues.
• Development of the doric and ionic architectural orders.
• Example: Kouros of Anavysos: a marble statue of a standing youth,
showcasing the typical Archaic smile and stylized proportions.
3. Classical Period (c. 480 BCE–323 BCE):
• Height of Greek artistic achievement, marked by naturalistic and
idealized representations of the human body.
• Flourishing of monumental sculpture, including the creation of iconic
sculptures such as the Parthenon frieze and pediments.
• Example: Parthenon Marbles (Elgin Marbles): Sculptural friezes and
metopes from the Parthenon in Athens, depicting mythological
scenes and battles.
4. Hellenistic Period (c. 323 BCE–31 BCE):
• Expansion of artistic themes to include emotion, movement, and
realism.
• Increased experimentation with materials and techniques, leading to
dynamic and expressive sculptures.
• Example: Laocoön and His Sons: A marble sculpture depicting the
Trojan priest Laocoön and his sons being attacked by sea serpents
is known for its dramatic composition and intricate detailing.

ROMAN

The art history timeline of ancient Roman art spans from roughly the 8th century
BCE to the 4th century CE. Here's an overview of key periods and examples:

1. Etruscan Influence (c. 8th century BCE–4th century BCE):

• Early Roman art was heavily influenced by Etruscan civilization and
was characterized by tomb paintings, terracotta sculptures, and
bronze work.
 • Example: Sarcophagus of the Spouses: A terracotta sarcophagus
depicting a married couple reclining together, showcasing Etruscan
funerary art traditions.
2. Republican Period (c. 509 BCE–27 BCE):
• The development of Roman Republican architecture, including
temples, fora, and public buildings, was influenced by Greek
architectural styles.
• Portrait sculpture becomes prominent, with veristic portrayals of
political leaders and patrician families.
• Example: Portrait of a Roman Senator: A marble bust depicting an
elderly man with wrinkles and individualized features is typical of
Republican portraiture.
3. Imperial Period (c. 27 BCE–476 CE):
• Rise of monumental architecture under the Roman Empire, including
triumphal arches, basilicas, and amphitheaters.
• Expansion of public art and propaganda, with sculptural reliefs and
statues glorifying emperors, military victories, and mythological
themes.
• Example: Colosseum (Flavian Amphitheater): an iconic
amphitheater in Rome known for its innovative engineering and
grandiose scale, hosting gladiatorial contests and public spectacles.
4. Late Antiquity (c. 3rd century CE–6th century CE):
• Transition from classical forms to early Christian art, marked by the
adoption of Christian iconography and symbolism.
• Continued production of mosaics, frescoes, and sarcophagi,
blending Roman and Byzantine artistic traditions.
• Example: The Catacomb of Priscilla, an underground burial complex
in Rome featuring early Christian frescoes depicting biblical scenes
and symbols.

MEDIEVAL

The art history timeline of the Medieval period spans roughly from the 5th century
CE to the 15th century CE. Here's an overview of key periods and examples:

1. Early Medieval (c. 5th century CE–10th century CE):

• Art is largely influenced by Christian iconography and the Byzantine
Empire.
• Manuscript illumination and decorated gospel books, such as the
Book of Kells and the Lindisfarne Gospels, reflect intricate interlacing
patterns and religious narratives.
• Architectural forms include early Christian basilicas, Celtic crosses,
and the Carolingian Renaissance under Charlemagne.
2. Romanesque (c. 10th century CE–12th century CE):
• Characterized by the revival of monumental architecture with thick
walls, rounded arches, and barrel vaults.
 • Decorative sculpture adorns portals and tympanums, often depicting
biblical scenes and symbols with a focus on spiritual instruction.
• Examples include the Abbey Church of Saint-Savin-sur-Gartempe in
France and Durham Cathedral in England.
3. Gothic (c. 12th century CE–15th century CE):
• The emergence of Gothic architecture with pointed arches, ribbed
vaults, and flying buttresses allowed for greater height and light in
cathedrals.
• Stained glass windows become a prominent feature, illustrating
biblical stories and saints in vibrant colors.
• Sculptural decoration becomes more naturalistic and emotive, as
seen in the portals of Chartres Cathedral and the statues of Notre-
Dame de Paris.
4. Late Medieval (c. 14th century CE–15th century CE):
• International Gothic style flourishes in manuscript illumination, panel
painting, and courtly arts, characterized by delicately rendered
figures and intricate ornamentation.
• The emergence of the Renaissance in Italy marks a transition away
from medieval artistic conventions towards a renewed interest in
classical antiquity and humanism.

RENNAISSANCE

The art history timeline of the Renaissance spans roughly from the 14th century to
the 17th century. Here's an overview of key periods and examples:

1. Proto-Renaissance (c. 13th century–early 15th century):

• Transition period characterized by the revival of classical forms and
techniques.
• Giotto di Bondone's frescoes in the Arena Chapel and Duccio's
Maestà are early examples of proto-Renaissance art in Italy.
2. Early Renaissance (c. 15th century):
• Pioneered by artists such as Masaccio, Donatello, and Brunelleschi
in Florence.
• Emphasis on naturalism, perspective, and human anatomy.
• Filippo Brunelleschi's dome for Florence Cathedral and Masaccio's
frescoes in the Brancacci Chapel are exemplary works of the early
Renaissance.
3. High Renaissance (c. late 15th century–early 16th century):
• Culmination of Renaissance ideals with artists like Leonardo da
Vinci, Michelangelo Buonarroti, and Raphael Sanzio.
• Achievements include Leonardo's "Mona Lisa" and "The Last
Supper," Michelangelo's "David" and Sistine Chapel ceiling, and
Raphael's "School of Athens."
• Humanism, idealism, and the revival of classical motifs are hallmarks
of high Renaissance art.
 4. Late Renaissance or Mannerism (c. mid-16th century–late 16th
century):
• Reaction against the idealism and naturalism of the High
Renaissance.
• Characterized by exaggerated poses, elongated figures, and
intricate compositions.
• Examples include Parmigianino's "Madonna with the Long Neck" and
Bronzino's portraits.
5. Northern Renaissance (c. 15th century–16th century):
• Flourishing art in Northern Europe, particularly in Flanders and the
Netherlands.
• Artists like Jan van Eyck, Albrecht Dürer, and Hieronymus Bosch
emphasize detail, realism, and symbolism.
• Works include van Eyck's "Arnolfini Portrait," Dürer's woodcuts and
engravings, and Bosch's fantastical landscapes.

BAROQUE ROCOCO

The art history timeline of the Baroque and Rococo periods spans from the late
16th century to the late 18th century. Here's an overview of each period:

1. Baroque (c. late 16th century–late 17th century):

• Characterized by dramatic and emotional intensity, dynamic
compositions, and a sense of movement.
• Baroque art emerged in response to the Catholic Church's efforts to
counter the Protestant Reformation.
• Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Caravaggio, Peter Paul Rubens, and
Artemisia Gentileschi are notable Baroque artists.
• Examples include Bernini's "Ecstasy of Saint Teresa," Caravaggio's
"The Calling of Saint Matthew," and Rubens' "The Descent from the
Cross."
2. Rococo (c. early 18th century–late 18th century):
• A reaction against the grandeur and solemnity of Baroque art,
characterized by elegance, lightness, and decorative excess.
• Rococo art is associated with the European courts, particularly in
France and Germany, and reflects the tastes of the aristocracy.
• François Boucher, Jean-Honoré Fragonard, and Antoine Watteau
are prominent Rococo artists.
• Examples include Boucher's "The Toilet of Venus," Fragonard's "The
Swing," and Watteau's "Pilgrimage to Cythera."
NINETEENTH CENTURY

The art history timeline for the nineteenth century spans from 1800 to 1900 and
encompasses a wide range of artistic movements and styles. Here's an overview:

1. Neoclassicism (c. late 18th century–early 19th century):

• Inspired by the classical art of ancient Greece and Rome,
neoclassical artists aimed for clarity, order, and simplicity.
• Jacques-Louis David is a key figure in neoclassical painting, known
for works like "The Oath of the Horatii" and "Napoleon Crossing the
Alps."
2. Romanticism (c. late 18th century–mid-19th century):
• Characterized by emotion, imagination, and a fascination with
nature, the sublime, and the exotic.
• Artists such as Eugène Delacroix, Caspar David Friedrich, and
J.M.W. Turner explored themes of individualism, nationalism, and
the supernatural.
• Delacroix's "Liberty Leading the People" and Friedrich's "Wanderer
above the Sea of Fog" are iconic examples of Romantic art.
3. Realism (c. mid-19th century):
• Reacting against the idealism of Romanticism, realist artists sought
to depict everyday life with accuracy and honesty.
• Gustave Courbet's "The Stone Breakers" and Honoré Daumier's
caricatures are exemplary works of realism, reflecting social and
political commentary.
4. Impressionism (c. late 19th century):
• Characterized by an emphasis on capturing fleeting moments of light
and atmosphere, as well as the effects of color and movement.
• Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Edgar Degas are
prominent Impressionist painters known for their plein-air techniques
and loose brushwork.
• Monet's "Impression, Sunrise" and Renoir's "Luncheon of the
Boating Party" are iconic examples of Impressionist art.
5. Post-Impressionism (c. late 19th century):
• Building upon the innovations of Impressionism, post-impressionist
artists experimented with color, form, and abstraction to express
subjective emotions and ideas.
• Vincent van Gogh, Paul Cézanne, and Georges Seurat are key
figures in post-impressionism.
• Van Gogh's "Starry Night," Cézanne's "Mont Sainte-Victoire," and
Seurat's "A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte" are
notable examples.
TWENTIETH CENTURY

The art history timeline of the twentieth century is marked by a vast array of artistic
movements, styles, and innovations. Here's an overview:

1. Fauvism (c. early 20th century):

• Characterized by bold colors, simplified forms, and a departure from
realistic representation.
• Henri Matisse and André Derain are key figures in the Fauvist
movement.
• Matisse's "The Joy of Life" and Derain's "Mountains at Collioure" are
notable examples.
2. Cubism (c. early 20th century):
• Developed by Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque, Cubism
revolutionized the representation of form and space by breaking
objects down into geometric shapes and planes.
• Analytical Cubism and Synthetic Cubism are the two main phases of
the movement.
• Picasso's "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon" and Braque's "Violin and
Candlestick" are seminal works of Cubism.
3. Surrealism (c. 1920s–1930s):
• Influenced by Freudian psychology and the unconscious mind,
surrealist artists sought to depict dreamlike imagery, irrational
juxtapositions, and subconscious desires.
• Salvador Dalí, René Magritte, and Joan Miró are prominent
Surrealist artists.
• Dalí's "The Persistence of Memory," Magritte's "The Son of Man,"
and Miró's "The Birth of the World" exemplify Surrealist aesthetics.
4. Abstract Expressionism (c. 1940s - 1950s):
• Characterized by gestural brushwork, spontaneous improvisation,
and an emphasis on the artist's emotional and psychological state.
• Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, and Mark Rothko are leading
figures in Abstract Expressionism.
• Pollock's "Autumn Rhythm (Number 30)," de Kooning's "Woman I,"
and Rothko's "No. 61 (Rust and Blue)" are iconic works of the
movement.
5. Pop Art (c. 1950s–1960s):
• Drawing inspiration from popular culture and consumerism, pop art
employed imagery from advertisements, mass media, and everyday
objects.
• Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, and Claes Oldenburg are key figures
in pop art.
• Warhol's "Campbell's Soup Cans," Lichtenstein's "Drowning Girl,"
and Oldenburg's "Floor Cake" are quintessential examples.
6. Minimalism (c. 1960s–1970s):
 • Characterized by simplicity, geometric forms, and an emphasis on
materiality and space.
• Donald Judd, Dan Flavin, and Sol LeWitt are leading Minimalist
artists.
• Judd's "Untitled (Stack)," Flavin's fluorescent light installations, and
LeWitt's "Wall Drawing #260" exemplify minimalist principles.

ART SINCE 1945

The art history timeline of art since 1945 is characterized by a multitude of diverse
movements and styles. Here's an overview:

1. Abstract Expressionism (c. 1940s–50s):

• Emerged in New York City in the aftermath of World War II,
characterized by gestural brushwork, spontaneous improvisation,
and an emphasis on the artist's emotional expression.
• Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, and Mark Rothko are leading
figures.
• Works such as Pollock's "Number 1A, 1948," de Kooning's
"Excavation," and Rothko's "No. 14" are exemplary of Abstract
Expressionism.
2. Pop Art (c. 1950s–1960s):
• Inspired by popular culture and consumerism, pop art incorporates
imagery from advertisements, mass media, and everyday objects.
• Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, and Claes Oldenburg are key
figures.
• Works such as Warhol's "Campbell's Soup Cans," Lichtenstein's
"Whaam!" and Oldenburg's "Floor Cake" exemplify pop art.
3. Minimalism (c. 1960s–1970s):
• Emphasizing simplicity, geometric forms, and industrial materials,
often exploring concepts of space, repetition, and seriality.
• Donald Judd, Dan Flavin, and Sol LeWitt are leading Minimalist
artists.
• Works such as Judd's "Untitled (Stack)," Flavin's fluorescent light
installations, and LeWitt's "Wall Drawing #260" exemplify
minimalism.
4. Conceptual Art (c. 1960s–1970s):
• Emphasized ideas and concepts over traditional aesthetic concerns,
often manifesting as text-based works, performances, and
installations.
• Key artists include Joseph Kosuth, Sol LeWitt, and Yoko Ono.
• Works such as Kosuth's "One and Three Chairs," LeWitt's
"Paragraphs on Conceptual Art," and Ono's "Cut Piece" exemplify
conceptual art.
5. Postmodernism (c. 1970s–present):
• Rejects modernist ideals of universal truth and progress, embracing
diversity, plurality, and hybridity.
• Incorporates pastiche, parody, and irony, often blurring the
boundaries between high and low culture.
• Key artists include Cindy Sherman, Jeff Koons, and Barbara Kruger.
• Works such as Sherman's "Untitled Film Stills," Koons' "Balloon
Dog," and Kruger's "Untitled (I Shop Therefore I Am)" exemplify
postmodernist approaches.
SELF-CHECK 5
Directions: Read the questions carefully and encircle the letter of the correct answer.
1. Which artistic movement is characterized by the use of bold colors and simplified forms?
a) Abstract Expressionism
b) Fauvism
c) Surrealism
d) Cubism
2. Which period in art history is known for its emphasis on naturalism, perspective, and human
anatomy?
a) Neoclassicism
b) Romanticism
c) Realism
d) Baroque
3. Who is considered a leading figure in Abstract Expressionism?
a) Salvador Dalí
b) Jackson Pollock
c) Andy Warhol
d) Claude Monet
4. What artistic movement emerged in reaction to the grandeur and solemnity of Baroque art?
a) Rococo
b) Realism
c) Impressionism
d) Cubism
5. Which artist is associated with the creation of monumental sculptures during the Renaissance
period?
a) Leonardo da Vinci
b) Donatello
c) Raphael Sanzio
d) Michelangelo Buonarroti
6. Which movement in art history emphasized ideas and concepts over traditional aesthetic concerns?
a) Impressionism
b) Surrealism
c) Post-Impressionism
d) Conceptual Art
7. The Parthenon Marbles (Elgin Marbles) are associated with which period of art history?
a) Ancient Egyptian
b) Romanesque
c) Ancient Greek
d) Renaissance
8. Who painted "The Persistence of Memory," a famous work featuring melting clocks?
a) Salvador Dalí
b) Vincent van Gogh
c) Pablo Picasso
d) Georges Seurat
9. Which artistic movement aimed to capture fleeting moments of light and atmosphere?
a) Abstract
b) Expressionism
c) Impressionism
d) Pop
10. What period in art history saw the emergence of monumental architecture like the Colosseum and
the Pantheon?
a) Hellenistic Period
b) Romanesque
c) Early Renaissance
d) Gothic
ANSWER KEY:
1. B
2. A
3. B
4. A
5. D
6. D
7. C
8. A
9. C
10. B

REFERENCES:
https://www.moma.org/learn/moma_learning/jackson-pollock-1/
https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/rococo/hd_rococo.htm
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Michelangelo
https://www.tate.org.uk/art/art-terms/c/conceptual-art
https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/galleries/ancient-greece/parthenon-sculptures
https://thedali.org/the-persistence-of-memory/

Prepared by:
Villanueva, Shinamae
Soposo, Evangeline
Ruelo, Serelyn
Turawan, Ronald
Quinapondan, Ian Van
Pedroza, Erel Kryst

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To God be the Glory!