What Came Before Modern Art?

Art|Modern Art

Modern Art is a broad term used to describe art from the late 19th century to the present day. It covers a huge range of artistic styles and movements, from Impressionism and Post-Impressionism to Cubism, Abstract Expressionism and beyond. But what came before it?

The answer to this question lies in the history of art, which goes back thousands of years. Our earliest ancestors created art as a way of expressing themselves and their beliefs, often using cave paintings or simple sculptures. As time passed, this primitive form of art evolved into more complex works such as ancient Greek sculpture or Renaissance painting.

In the 18th century the Romantic period saw a shift in taste towards emotion-filled works that were more expressive than realistic. This was followed by an equally influential period known as Realism which focused on creating accurate representations of life in all its forms. Finally, late 19th century Europe saw the emergence of Impressionism which focused on capturing light and atmosphere in an almost abstract manner.

These artistic movements all contributed to the development of Modern Art as we know it today. Artists such as Monet, Manet and Degas were all influenced by earlier movements while creating their own unique style that would go on to influence generations of artists.

Conclusion:

It is clear that modern art has its roots firmly planted in centuries-old traditions. From primitive cave paintings to Renaissance era masterpieces, every era has seen artists pushing boundaries and creating new styles. These countless contributions have culminated in the diverse range of styles we see today as modern art.