History of Visual Art

The Beginning of Art

• First visual art dates back 40,000 years.
• Created by Neanderthal ancestors before written language.
• Art as intrinsic to human nature as eating or protection.

Early Art and Society

• Early humans used art (cave paintings and rock engravings) for communication.
• Art from this era focused on survival themes (e.g., hunting scenes).
• Example: Venus of Willendorf, possibly a fertility symbol.

Ancient Civilizations

• Civilizations in Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, Persia, China, and Rome advanced art.
• Art reinforced religious and political ideologies.
• Code of Hammurabi as an example of symbolic ancient art.

Medieval Art

• Art was dominated by religious themes.
• Use of gold and jewels to attract people to the church.

Renaissance (14th-17th Century)

• Period of enlightenment in Italy.
• Revival of classical art. Inspired by ancient Rome and Greece.
• Invention of the printing press increased literacy and appreciation for art.

Baroque and Rococo

• Baroque (extravagant emotion) and Rococo (playful, decorative) followed Renaissance.
• Rococo known for asymmetrical forms and light colors.

Neoclassicism

• Renewed interest in simplicity and classical art principles.
• Discovery of Pompeii and Herculaneum influenced this movement.

Romanticism

• Focus on imagination, nature, personal freedom.
• Reaction to Neoclassical art.

Realism (Post-1848 French Revolution)

• Depiction of real people and everyday life.
• Rejection of previous art themes (mythology, nobility).

Impressionism

• Originated from French artists painting outside (en plein air).
• Visible brushstrokes, vibrant colors.

Post-Impressionism

• Extension and divergence from Impressionism.
• Emphasized individual vision.

Expressionism

• Presented subjective views, often with distorted scenes.
• Used vivid colors to convey emotions.

Art Nouveau

• Known as Modernisme, Vienna Secession, etc.
• Featured in multiple mediums, focusing on nature.

Cubism

• Founded by Picasso and Braque.
• Abstract form, multiple viewpoints in one plane.

Futurism

• Embraced technology and modernity.
• Critique of past cultural oppression.

Dada and Surrealism

• Dada: anti-war, anti-bourgeois.
• Surrealism: tapped into the subconscious, influenced by Freud.

Bauhaus

• Art in everyday life, founded by Walter Gropius.
• Abstract styles, geometric shapes.

Abstract Expressionism

• First major American movement post-WWII.
• Included action painters and color field painters.

Pop Art

• Inspired by mass media and consumer culture.
• Used bold colors and imagery.

Minimalism

• Extreme form of abstract art, focused on literalism.

Contemporary Art

• Often about ideas, reflects current societal issues.
• Moves beyond traditional art venues.

Conclusion

• Art history shows the evolution of society and the universal need to create.
• Recognition of non-Western influences is crucial for a holistic understanding.
• Learning about art history helps in making informed cultural decisions.

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