The history of art is often broken down into distinct periods and styles, which are typically named after a particular dominant trend or influential artist. This timeline covers major art periods in human history, from the prehistoric era up to the present day.
Prehistoric
The earliest known art dates from the Upper Paleolithic period, approximately 40,000 years ago. This includes prehistoric cave paintings, sculptures and decorated objects found in archaeological sites around the world. These works often depict animals and hunting scenes.
Ancient
The ancient period is divided into three main eras: Ancient Near East (3000-500 BCE), Ancient Egypt (3000-100 BCE) and Ancient Greece (800-300 BCE). Ancient art is characterized by the use of natural materials such as stone and clay, as well as stylized figures and geometric patterns.
Classical
The Classical period (500-323 BCE) was marked by a flowering of Greek art and culture. Sculptures were often large-scale commissions for temples or public spaces, while pottery featured painted figures in black-figure or red-figure styles.
Medieval
The Medieval period (400-1400 CE) saw a turn away from classical forms towards more religious themes. Illuminated manuscripts featured intricate decorations with gold leaf or paint, while sculpture tended to be small scale and focused on religious figures.
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Renaissance
The Renaissance period (1400-1600 CE) was an era of artistic innovation, with an emphasis on realism in both painting and sculpture. Artists such as Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci created some of the most iconic works of this period.
Baroque:
The Baroque period (1600-1750 CE) was a time of grandeur and complexity in European art. Paintings were highly detailed, featuring ornate details such as drapery and trompe l’oeil effects; sculptures were equally elaborate.
Romanticism:
Romanticism (1750–1850 CE) saw a shift away from rationalism towards an emphasis on emotion in art. Paintings featured dramatic lighting effects with vivid colors; sculptors favored naturalistic representations rather than idealized forms.
Realism/Impressionism:
Realism/Impressionism (1850–1900 CE) was an era dominated by painters like Monet who sought to capture fleeting moments of life on canvas. Sculptors like Rodin used this same approach to create works that emphasized texture over idealized forms.
Modern Art/Postmodern Art:
Modern Art/Postmodern Art (1900–Present Day) has seen artists experiment with non-traditional materials, abstract expressionism, performance art and other avant garde techniques. In recent decades there has been a resurgence of interest in figurative work that takes inspiration from traditional styles.
.In conclusion, the major art periods in human history cover a wide range of eras ranging from prehistoric cave paintings to modern day postmodern works – each with its own unique style that reflects its historical context.