STONE AGE ART • Paint composition: Made from minerals, animal Characteristics of Egyptian Painting

The Stone Age was a prehistoric period bone, charcoal, and other natural elements;
Egyptian painting had several unique features:
characterized by the use of stone tools and the absence possibly mixed with water, animal fat, or blood.
A. Symbolism and perspective: Egyptians created
of metal tools, agriculture, or domesticated animals. This • Application methods: Used hands, animal hair
the first portraits of individuals. The size of
era saw the emergence of the first human-created art brushes, and hollow bones for spraying paint.
figures was highly symbolic, with pharaohs
forms, with artistic expression beginning around 30,000
Neolithic Period (8,000 - 2,000 BC) often being the largest to represent their
BC.
A. Time frame: Marked the end of the Stone Age. power. They used mixed perspective, showing
Stone Age art is classified into two main categories: B. New art surfaces: Clay pottery, sculptures, and different body parts from various angles to
A. Stationary art: Primarily cave paintings found plastered buildings. make each feature distinctly recognizable.
in Western Europe. C. Architecture: First permanent structures B. Use of color: Color had symbolic meaning. For
B. Portable art: Small, compact pieces such as including houses, temples, towers, monuments, example, men who worked outside were often
figurines, clay pots, and bowls designed for and tombs (e.g., Stonehenge). painted red, while women and indoor workers
easy transport. were yellow.
Significance of Stone Age Art C. Composition techniques: Egyptian paintings
Common themes in prehistoric art included: Stone Age art played a crucial role in early were characteristically flat, with no horizon or
A. Hunting: Depictions of hunting activities, reflecting human society, possibly serving spiritual and ritualistic vanishing point. They used parallel lines called
its crucial role in survival. purposes. The passion and effort invested in creating registers to order subjects and provide a sense
B. Nature: Expressions of desires for natural these works laid the foundation for further of depth. The absence of registers indicated
abundance and protection from wilderness developments in art, language, agriculture, and chaos, often seen in battle or hunting scenes.
dangers. government, ultimately leading to the world's first
C. Fertility: Represented by figurines of pregnant civilizations in Mesopotamia. Egyptian Sculpture and Architecture
women (known as "Venuses"), symbolizing A. Monumental scale: Egyptians are known for
prosperity and tribal expansion. EGYPTIAN ART building on a colossal scale.
Ancient Egyptian art has had a profound impact B. Obelisks: Tall, rectangular monuments with
Cave Paintings on Western art and civilization. Their use of symbolism pyramid-like points, symbolizing petrified sun
➢ Subject matter: Primarily animals (e.g., bears, influenced Renaissance paintings and subsequent art rays. The Obelisk of Hatshepsut, at 97 feet tall,
bison, deer, horses, wild cats, mammoths) and movements. Egyptian architectural methods for creating is the tallest remaining Egyptian obelisk.
occasionally human figures. bricks and preparing building materials formed the C. Stone columns: An Egyptian innovation that
➢ Techniques: Use of mixed perspectives (profile, basis for enduring monumental structures. Egyptian became a staple of ancient architecture. These
frontal, composite) to enhance recognition; hieroglyphs, one of the world's earliest scripts, reflect columns often featured floral decorations
overlapping images; inclusion of handprints, society's enduring desire to communicate through called capitals.
roof-shaped markings, and dotted art. images. The ancient Egyptian worship of pharaohs and D. The Great Sphinx: Perhaps the best-known
➢ Purposes: Possibly used for hunting rituals, as animal gods mirrors contemporary celebrity culture in piece of Egyptian sculpture, featuring a human
evidenced by painted or real arrows piercing some ways. head on a lion's body.
some images.
Ancient Egyptian art lasted from about 3,000 BC to 30 Amarna Period (1085 to 1055 BC)
Stone Age Artists and Materials BC and is generally divided into three kingdoms: This period marked a high point in ancient Egyptian
• Artists: Men and women of all ages created cave - Old Kingdom art:
art, as revealed by fossilized handprint analysis. - Middle Kingdom - Increased attention to detail
- New Kingdom - Full use of artistic materials
- More figures included in each scene, with overlapping Greek Pottery and Ceramics innovations spread widely, particularly during
to create a sense of movement o Early Geometric period: Ceramic vessels were Alexander the Great's reign, establishing the classical
- More stylized human figures, particularly in primarily used as funerary items, featuring style as a cornerstone of Western art.
depictions of Pharaoh Akhenaten repetitive geometric shapes and stick figures.
o Black figure technique: Involved scratching ROMAN ART
Purpose and Accessibility of Egyptian Art incisions to reveal black silhouette designs against Roman art was created between approximately
➢ Funerary art: Most Egyptian art was created as an orange clay background. 800 BC and 500 AD. It encompassed a wide range of
sacred tomb decorations for pharaohs and other o Red figure technique: Replaced chisels with mediums, including architecture, sculpture, metalwork,
important figures, not for public display. paintbrushes, painting black backgrounds to glasswork, jewelry, and coinage. Roman artists were
➢ Art for the living: Wealthy living Egyptians had reveal red figures. This technique involved a open to influences from other cultures, particularly
access to amulets, jewelry, cosmetic containers, complex three-step firing process. Etruscan and Greek art. The period also saw the
pottery, and furniture. development of important literary works by authors like
Greek Sculpture Cicero, Virgil, Ovid, and Horace, which influenced artistic
GREEK ART ➢ Evolution of style: Early sculptors struggled with themes.
Ancient Greek art is typically categorized into four naturalism, but over time developed a keen eye for
proportion. The Classical period saw a shift from Characteristics of Roman Art
main periods: A key characteristic of Roman art was its
1. Geometric Period: Preceded the Archaic style, idealized to more realistic representations.
➢ Notable works: The Aphrodite of Knidos realism, in contrast to Greek idealism. While influenced
characterized by geometric patterns on by Greek styles, Roman artists preferred more realistic
pottery. popularized the contrapposto pose. The Venus de
Milo and Winged Victory of Samothrace are famous representations of their subjects. This was partly due to
2. Archaic Period: Saw the development of the the influence of nearby Etruscans. Roman art was also
black figure technique in pottery. examples from the Hellenistic period.
➢ Innovations in technique: The contrapposto stance, used extensively for political purposes, particularly
3. Classical Period: Marked by realism and during the reign of Augustus, who used art to
idealization in sculpture and architecture. giving figures a more dynamic and relaxed
appearance, was a significant development. communicate with the masses and promote his divine
4. Hellenistic Period: Characterized by more right to rule.
dynamic and emotional art. Greek Architecture
➢ The Parthenon: Commissioned by Pericles, it Roman Sculpture
Historical and Cultural Context Roman sculpture is known for its portraiture,
A. Golden Age of Greece: Coincided with the housed the Athena Parthenos statue and featured
prominent sculptures like the birth of Athena. which aimed to create accurate likenesses of subjects,
emergence of great philosophers like Socrates, including imperfections. Relief work was a distinctive
Plato, and Aristotle, as well as playwrights like ➢ Column styles: Corinthian columns, more
decorative than Doric and Ionic, became popular style that developed, especially after Augustus came to
Sophocles and Aristophanes. power. These reliefs often depicted rulers interacting
B. Political developments: The law of Draco (621 during the Classical period.
➢ Friezes: Carved in relief, these decorative elements with gods or in scenes of victory. Later, as sculpting
BC) was a step towards democracy in Athens. techniques evolved from chisels to drills, the art form
The defeat of the Persians (479 BC) led to featured mythological and historical scenes. The
Parthenon's frieze is a notable example. became more common and accessible.
Athenian dominance.
C. Pericles' influence: Around 450 BC, Athenian Greek art had a lasting impact on Western art and Roman Architecture
general Pericles commissioned numerous culture. It influenced neighboring cultures and set the Roman architecture saw significant innovations,
buildings and temples to promote Athens, foundation for many modern art practices, from the particularly with the development of concrete in the
including the Parthenon. representation of the human figure to techniques used first century. This allowed for the construction of
in pottery and painting. The emphasis on arts in Greek arches, domes, and vaulted ceilings. Notable structures
society remains influential today. Greek artists' include:
 - The Pantheon, with its impressive dome and Early Christian art had to navigate religious representations were intentionally ambiguous to avoid
oculus restrictions on imagery. While three-dimensional suspicion.
- The Colosseum, showcasing various column sculptures were prohibited due to their association with
styles and advanced architectural features idol worship, relief sculptures, paintings, and other Post-Edict of Milan Period
mediums were allowed. This period's art was After the Edict of Milan in 313 AD, which
Roman architecture is characterized by elements such as characterized by a combination of styles, drawing from legalized Christian worship, Early Christian art entered
decorative columns (Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian), various cultures and previous religious beliefs. Artists a new phase. The need for disguised symbolism
arched aqueducts, bridges, public baths, and spacious came from diverse backgrounds, and there was no diminished, and more overt Christian imagery emerged.
domes. existing precedent for Christian art, resulting in a unique Emperor Constantine's conversion and subsequent
blend of styles and imagery. commissioning of churches greatly influenced Christian
Roman Painting art. These churches, often designed like Roman basilicas
Much of our knowledge of Roman painting Early Christian Art in Catacombs with some innovations, featured stunning mosaics
comes from the preserved murals of Pompeii, buried by The first examples of Early Christian art are depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments.
the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. These murals found in Roman catacombs. Frescoes were a common art
decorated the interior walls of homes with scenes of form in these burial places. Early Christian catacomb MEDIEVAL ART
nature, mythology, and status-enhancing imagery. frescoes featured quick, unblended brushstrokes, giving Medieval art spans almost a thousand years,
Common colors included white, yellow, black, and them an impressionistic style. Common symbols from 400 to 1300 AD. This period encompassed eight
"Pompeii red." Roman painters demonstrated a keen eye included the Good Shepherd, the dove, the Phoenix, the major artistic movements: Byzantine, Islamic, Viking,
for contrast between light and shadow. fish, and the orans (praying person). Notable examples Carolingian, Celtic, Ottonian, Romanesque, and Gothic.
include the frescoes in the Catacombs of San Callisto and The art of this era heavily reflected the flourishing of
Late Roman and Early Christian Art
St. Domitilla, the latter featuring Jesus teaching ten Christianity across Europe, which led to a rejection of
In the later years of the Roman Empire (from
disciples. older pagan ways of life. The collapse of the Western
the 3rd century AD), there was a shift in artistic themes.
Roman Empire and the rise of the Byzantine Empire in
Battle scenes and scenes of punishment became more Sarcophagi in Early Christian Art the East significantly influenced artistic styles and
common. With the rise of Christianity, Roman art began Wealthy Roman Christians continued the themes.
to incorporate Christian themes. This period saw a tradition of elaborate sarcophagi. These featured a blend
gradual shift towards more stylized art, which would of traditional Roman symbols and biblical scenes 1. Early Medieval Art (500-800 AD)
characterize later medieval art. After Emperor representing salvation, such as Daniel in the lion's den Early medieval art is best known for two distinct styles:
Constantine moved the capital to Constantinople and Jonah and the whale. Interestingly, direct images of A. Islamic Art: Reflected Muslim ideas of Heaven
(modern-day Istanbul), Roman art began to decline and Jesus, the crucifixion, or the cross were absent. Instead, as a natural paradise, featuring floral patterns,
give way to Byzantine art styles. Jesus was represented by allegorical images like the repeated geometric forms, and elegant
Good Shepherd, the peacock, the anchor, and the lamb. calligraphy.
EARLY CHRISTIAN ART B. Viking Art: Excelled in woodwork and
Early Christian art emerged after Christ's death Symbolism in Early Christian Art metalwork, featuring interlace patterns and
and lasted until 313 AD. It developed as Christianity Due to persecution, Early Christian art relied abstract depictions of animals. Notable for
began to spread through the Roman Empire, coinciding heavily on symbolism. The cross was used as a sign of portable art like the Østergøtland Golden Eagle
with the empire's decline. This new religious movement protection and identification among Christians but had fibula.
significantly impacted Roman art, shifting focus from to be disguised. Hidden forms included anchors,
human to spiritual aspects. The art of this period Egyptian ankhs, and the Chi-Rho (the first two letters of 2. Carolingian Period (Late 8th - Early 10th century)
reflected the assurance that the new Christian religion Christ interwoven). Jesus was often represented A. Charlemagne's influence: Sponsored the
provided to people in a rapidly changing empire. metaphorically, sometimes depicted as well-loved construction of churches and monasteries,
Characteristics of Early Christian Art Roman heroes or pagan gods like Apollo, though these
 encouraged depictions of human forms in As 1300 AD approached, leading medieval They sponsored numerous artists including
liturgical art. artists like Giotto began experimenting with new styles, Masaccio, Fra Angelico, Donatello, Galileo,
B. Illuminated manuscripts: Elaborately moving away from the older Byzantine influence. These Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo.
illustrated books with precious metal covers experimentations laid the groundwork for the ➢ Commissioned works often fused Christian
and jewels became popular. Renaissance style, which would produce masters like themes with classical imagery and techniques.
C. Celtic art: Known for intricate knot-like Michelangelo, Da Vinci, and Raphael.
paintings in illuminated manuscripts, Renaissance Masters
influenced by geometric patterns from Coptic RENAISSANCE ART 1. Leonardo da Vinci: A quintessential "Renaissance
Egypt and Anglo-Saxon animal art. The Renaissance was a period of rebirth and man," skilled in art, science, and architecture. His
expansion in religious interpretation, scientific famous work "The Last Supper" exemplifies his
3. Ottonian Period discovery, exploration, and the arts. It spanned from the innovative techniques and ability to convey
Named after King Otto the Great and his successors, 14th to 16th centuries, primarily in Italy but with emotion.
this period saw a continuation of Charlemagne's cultural influence spreading across Europe. This era marked a 2. Michelangelo: Primarily a sculptor but also excelled
revival with an increasingly Germanic style. Notable shift from medieval values of obedience and faith to an in painting and architecture. His Sistine Chapel
illuminated manuscripts from this period include the emphasis on knowledge and personal responsibility. ceiling, particularly "The Creation of Adam,"
Book of Durrow, Book of Kells, Lindisfarne Gospels, and showcases his mastery of human anatomy and
Renaissance art is known for: emotional expression.
Ebbo Gospels. A. Realism: Accurate depiction of scenery and 3. Raphael: Known for his mastery of linear
Romanesque Art and Architecture figures. perspective and harmonious compositions. His
➢ Characteristics: Semicircular Roman arches, thick B. Linear perspective: Mathematical representation fresco "The School of Athens" in the Vatican
stone walls, and separated spaces according to of three-dimensional space on a two-dimensional demonstrates his skill in depicting complex scenes
function. surface. and philosophical concepts.
➢ Religious themes: Large, imposing relief work and C. Chiaroscuro: Innovative use of light and shadow to
frescos depicting religious scenes, often featuring create depth and volume. Legacy and Transition
battles between monsters, beasts, and heroes. The Renaissance set in motion a series of
Early Renaissance Developments inquiries and discoveries that radically changed the
Gothic Art The Renaissance began as a literary movement world. It influenced subsequent art movements,
➢ Emergence and characteristics: Began in early 12th with the rediscovery of ancient texts. In art, there was a particularly Mannerism, which continued some
century France, featuring more realistic styles and transition from flat, stacked medieval imagery to more Renaissance traditions while moving towards more
elegant new designs. realistic depictions. The discovery of perspective was a stylized and distorted figures. The individualistic focus
➢ Architectural innovations: Integration of sculpture crucial development, allowing for the creation of and scientific exploration of the Renaissance continue to
into buildings, such as saint-shaped pillars and mathematically accurate images with dimension and influence modern thinking and artistic approaches.
angels on window frames. depth. Masaccio's "Holy Trinity" is cited as the earliest
➢ Stained glass: Gothic architecture allowed for surviving painting using linear perspective. BAROQUE ART
larger windows, leading to spectacular stained The Baroque period in art began in the mid-
Patronage and Influence 1500s as a response to the Protestant Reformation,
glass work, often depicting the Virgin Mary and ➢ The Church, as a powerful and wealthy
Christ child. particularly the spread of Lutheranism. The Catholic
institution, commissioned many artworks Church felt threatened by the increasing conversion of
that combined Christian iconography with its followers to Protestant faiths. In response, the Church
influences from Greek and Roman antiquity. convened the Council of Trent (1545-1563) to address
Transition to Renaissance ➢ The Medici family, owners of Europe's largest religious reforms and combat Protestant criticisms.
bank, became significant patrons of the arts.
Purpose of Baroque Art C. Caravaggio: His "Crucifixion of St. Peter"
The Catholic Church launched what can be exemplifies Baroque storytelling through art,
described as an "advertising blitz" using art as its evoking spiritual responses and reinstating faith.
primary medium. This campaign aimed to reaffirm The piece showcases skillful depiction of body
fundamental Catholic teachings and inspire loyalty language and use of light to convey meaning.
among the masses. Since most people at the time were
illiterate, visual art became the ideal tool to Impact and Legacy
communicate religious messages and maintain the The Baroque period had a lasting impact on art
Church's power and influence. history. Its techniques and ideas continue to influence
modern art. The movement gradually transitioned into
Characteristics of Baroque Art the Rococo (or Late Baroque) style in the 1700s. Rococo
Baroque art flourished from the 1600s to the 1750s, preserved many Baroque techniques but focused on less
spreading from Rome and Italy to other parts of political themes, softer colors, and a more light-hearted
Europe. Key characteristics include: tone.

• Realistic, intense, and extravagant imagery

• Vivid use of color
• Overlapping composition elements
• Dramatic and theatrical scenes
• Depiction of intense personal visions,
conversions, and martyrdom
• Capturing ultimate dramatic moments and
unfolding events

Initially, the term "Baroque" was derogatory, implying

exaggeration and unflattering details. However, it
evolved to represent a rich, dramatic, and honest artistic
style.

Notable Baroque Artists

Several artists gained prominence during the Baroque
period:

A. Rembrandt: Known for his exceptional use of light

and shadows, as seen in works like "Philosopher
in Meditation" and "Descent from the Cross."
B. Poussin: Created didactic religious paintings
meant to teach moral lessons, such as "The
Adoration of the Magi" and "The Adoration of the
Golden Calf." He developed the theory of modes,
advising artists to use forms and methods specific
to each work.