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Table of Contents
Any human action or creation having a communicative or aesthetic goal, something that expresses an idea, an emotion, or broadly, a worldview, is considered to be art. Let us learn about its history!
See the fact file below for more information on Art History, or you can download our 30-page Art History worksheet pack to utilise within the classroom or home environment.
Key Facts & Information
WHAT IS ART?
- Art is part of the culture and exhibits economic and social underpinnings in its design. It transmits concepts and principles common to all cultures through time and location. As time goes on, its function shifts, becoming more of an aesthetic element here and a socio-educational function there.
- Even though art is a medium through which we can express our ideas, feelings, intuitions, and wishes, it also allows us to share how we view the world, which for many, is a reflection of who we are as people. It is an accurate representation of private ideas that cannot be expressed by words alone.
ART HISTORY – PREHISTORIC
- Prehistoric art refers to the period before written history and includes works from the Stone Age, which was divided into three periods known as the Paleolithic, Neolithic, and Mesolithic.
Paleolithic Period
- Small sculptures, enormous paintings, and engravings on cave walls are two primary examples of this period’s art.
- Additionally, there are numerous instances of carved bone and ivory flutes from the Paleolithic period, demonstrating that prehistoric humans also used this creative medium.
Mesolithic Period
- Cave paintings and portable artwork, including figurines, statuettes, and beads, predominated from the Paleolithic to the Mesolithic, with beautifully figured workings appearing on some utilitarian objects.
- Venus sculptures, a catch-all phrase for a variety of prehistoric female statuettes depicted with comparable physical characteristics, were very favored at the time. These sculptures were made of bone, ivory, soft stone, clay, and by firing. The latter are some of the earliest ceramics ever discovered.
Neolithic Period
- Neolithic human settlements saw the transition from nomadic to agrarian communities in need of long-term habitation. Early pottery, sculpture, architecture, and megalithic construction are all dated to this time period. Neolithic times also saw the emergence of early rock art.
ART HISTORY – ANCIENT
- The term “ancient art” refers to the diverse forms of artwork created by the highly developed ancient civilizations that had some form of writing, including those of ancient China, India, Mesopotamia, Persia, Sumer, Egypt, Greece, and Rome.
Mesopotamia
- The ornate and abstract painting on burned clay jars, bowls, and vases made by Mesopotamian artists is known across the region.
- The development of the potter’s wheel allowed for easier and more efficient production of ceramics throughout the ensuing age.
Sumer
- The early Sumerian period saw the development of an early wedge-shaped writing style known as cuneiform.
- Cuneiform writing and pictograms from this era allude to the prevalence of pottery and other artistic traditions. Clay was also used to build tablets for writing on and other written materials in addition to making vessels.
Persia
- In ancient Persia, architecture, painting, sculpture, and goldsmithing are examples of art from the early Iranian kingdom in southwest Asia.
- Beautiful flattened areas and ornamented surfaces in their art and architecture were realistic and stylized. Ceramics, ivory sculptures, and beautiful bronzes from Luristan were all examples of early Persian art.
Egypt
- Papyrus paintings, faience, ivory art, architecture, sculptures, paintings, jewelry, and more are examples of ancient Egyptian art. Even though it spans a vast amount of historical time, the art’s aesthetic has remained mainly constant.
Greece
- The emergence of natural but idealized images of the human body, in which mainly naked male figures were the center of invention, makes ancient Greek art unique among other ancient cultures.
Rome
- The commemoration of notable individuals was a distinctive component of Roman public art, and in the later Republic, realistic representations of prominent Romans were created.
China
- Painting and calligraphy were the most highly regarded arts in court circles in ancient China. These artworks were almost exclusively created by amateurs, aristocrats, and scholar-officials who were the only ones with the leisure time to hone the skill and sensibility required for intricate brushwork.
ART HISTORY – 18TH CENTURY
- A classification for any artwork produced in the 18th century, includes the French Revolution and the Enlightenment, two of the most important historical movements of the modern era.
Rococo Art
- The term “rococo” comes from the French word rocaille for ornamental rock and shell gardens. The rococo style first appeared in the decorative arts and focused on pastel hues, slender curves, and designs inspired by flowers, vines, and shells.
Neoclassicism Art
- Neoclassicism is an artistic philosophy that draws inspiration from the ancient art of Greece and Rome and emphasizes harmony, clarity, restraint, universality, and idealism. The primary principle of this art is that it should represent the best qualities in human nature and have the power to uplift the viewer through its moral lesson.
ART HISTORY – 19TH CENTURY
- Realism, Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, and Fauvism were among the art movements of the nineteenth century. Artists from this century created museums, displayed artwork, painted famous individuals, went from one location to another, and imparted their knowledge to others.
Realism
- The primary goal of realism in art is to faithfully and honestly depict the world in paintings or other forms of art. In order to portray reality and convey the truth of the world, realism frequently deals with themes like the lives of the working classes and the poor.
Impressionism
- Impressionism is based on the technique of painting outdoors or on the spot as opposed to in a studio from preparatory sketches. Landscapes and sceneries from daily life were the primary subjects of impressionist art.
Post-Impressionism
- In addition to extending the use of vibrant colors, thick paint applications, distinct brush strokes, and realistic subject matter, post-impressionist painters were more likely to emphasize geometric shapes, distort shapes for expressive effect, and use unnatural or arbitrary colors in their compositions.
ART HISTORY – 20TH CENTURY
- Early 20th-century art was influenced by expressionistic art, which is best classified as non-representational. Among the most significant modern and contemporary art movements of the past century are Cubism, Futurism, Dada, Surrealism, Minimalism, Conceptual Art, Photorealism, and Neo-Expressionism.
Cubism
- Without employing methods like perspective or graduated shading to make the items in their paintings appear realistic, cubism concentrates on exposing the entire structure of the objects.
Futurism
- Futurism focuses on constructing a distinctive and dynamic image of the future, and artists include depictions of urban settings as well as emerging technologies like trains, automobiles, and airplanes in their works.
Dada
- Dada or Dadaism, was an artistic movement that emerged in Zurich during the First World War in opposition to the atrocities and foolishness of the conflict. Dada artists frequently create art, poetry, and performances that are satirical and absurd.
Surrealism
- The goal of surrealism is to transform the human experience. It is avant-garde, experimental, and innovative art and literature seeking to release the creative potential of the unconscious mind, for example, by the irrational juxtaposition of images.
Minimalism
- In order to expose the essence of the forms and materials employed, minimalism art typically depicts its subject through hard edges and simple shapes.
Conceptual Art
- Conceptual art is more concerned with “ideas and intentions” than actual “pieces of art.” It is distinguished by the use of a variety of impermanent, commonplace materials and “ready-made things,” as well as various media and supports.
Photorealism
- Photorealism, often referred to as new realism or verism, is a contemporary art style that employs a photograph to produce an incredibly accurate image in another medium, most often painting, drawing, or other graphic media.
Neo-Expressionism
- Neo-Expressionism art is classified by its intensely expressive subjectivity, extremely textural paint applications, sharply contrasting hues, and return to large-scale narrative imagery.
Art History Worksheets
This is a fantastic bundle that includes everything you need to know about Art History across 30 in-depth pages. These are ready-to-use worksheets that are perfect for teaching students about Art History, a rich and complex tapestry of human creativity and expression, spanning thousands of years and countless cultures. From the earliest cave paintings to contemporary digital art, the history of art reflects the beliefs, values, and desires of societies throughout time.
Complete List Of Included Worksheets
- Art History Facts
- Quick Review
- Men of Art
- Women of Art
- Prehistoric Art Project
- Draw like an Ancient Artist
- Beauty with Curves
- Picture Story
- 20th-Century Art
- The Minimalist
- Our Local Artists
- Artistic Take
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the earliest form of art?
The earliest form of art discovered is prehistoric cave art, dating back approximately 40,000 years ago. This art primarily includes rock paintings and engravings depicting animals, handprints, and other abstract forms. These early works of art provide valuable insights into our prehistoric ancestors’ beliefs, values, and daily lives. They also suggest that the urge to create art is deeply ingrained in human nature and has been present since the very beginnings of our species.
How has art evolved?
Art has evolved and changed significantly over time, reflecting each era’s social, political, and cultural influences. During the medieval period, art was primarily religious in nature and was commissioned by the Church. The Renaissance marked a turning point in art history, as artists began experimenting with new techniques and styles, such as linear perspective and realism. The Modernist movements of the 19th and 20th centuries challenged traditional forms and conventions, leading to new styles like Impressionism, Abstract Expressionism, and Pop Art. Today, contemporary art continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in art, incorporating new technologies and media.
What is the role of art in society?
Throughout history, art has played a vital role in society, serving as a means of communication, religious worship, political propaganda, and personal expression. Art commemorates important events, and people conveyed political messages and evoked emotional responses. It has also been a source of inspiration and creativity, fostering new ideas and perspectives. In this way, art can shape our understanding of the world and challenge our beliefs and values.
Who are some of the most famous artists in history?
There have been countless famous artists, each with unique styles and techniques. Some notable artists include Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Rembrandt, Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, and Frida Kahlo. These artists are revered for their exceptional talent, innovative techniques, and lasting impact on the art world. Their works continue to inspire new generations of artists and art lovers.
What are some of the most important art movements in history?
There have been many important art movements throughout history, each reflecting the cultural and social influences of the time. Some of the most significant art movements include the Renaissance, Baroque, Romanticism, Impressionism, Abstract Expressionism, and Pop Art. Each of these movements marked a departure from traditional forms and conventions, pushing the boundaries of what was possible in art and shaping the direction of art for generations to come.
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