ART APPRECIATION

CHAPTER 5: ART HISTORY TIMELINE (Evolution of ART)

1. PALEOLITHIC PERIOD (Old Stone Age 40,000-8,000 BCE)

The Period is known as the ancient cultural stage or level which emphasizes human development and the use of
rudimentary chipped stone tools. These tools predate the existence of HOMO by almost 400,00 years and give rise to
the possibility that AUSTRALOPITHECUS originated the tool making.

The Paleolithic or Palaeolithic, also called the Old Stone Age, is a period in human prehistory distinguished by
the original development of stone tools that covers c. 99% of human technological prehistory. It extends from the
earliest known use of stone tools by hominins c. 3.3 million years ago, to the end of the Pleistocene c. 11,650 cal BP.

A stone tool is, in the most general sense, any tool made either partially or entirely out of stone. Although stone
tool-dependent societies and cultures still exist today, most stone tools are associated with prehistoric (particularly
Stone Age) cultures that have become extinct. Archaeologists often study such prehistoric societies, and refer to the
study of stone tools as lithic analysis. Ethno archaeology has been a valuable research field in order to further the
understanding and cultural implications of stone tool use and manufacture.

Flute Carved from bones Venus of Willendorf Stone Tools

Drawing on Chauvet-pont d’Arc Altamira, Spain Cave art

2. MESOLITHIC PERIOD (Middle Stone Age Europe 10,000-5,000 BCE)

This is the period between the Paleolithic and Neolithic period wherein its material culture is characterized by
greater innovation and diversity. Mesolithic paintings were schematic: no realistic figures are present and only the color
red is used. The improved chipped stones presented are called MICROLITHS.

This period is also known as Epipaleolithic which means the final Upper Paleolithic industries accuring at the end
of the final glaciation.

Microliths Rock Painting Pottery

3. NEOLITHIC PERIOD (New Stone Age 8,000- 1,500 BCE)

This period is the final stage of the stone age. It was known for polishing or grinding the stone tools and
domestication of plants and animals. The period was also marked by the use of refined weapons and tools to be used
not only for digging the ground, hunting animals or rock painting but also for sculpting, creating pottery, painting etc.

CERAMICS STATUETTES/SCULPTURE Megalith known as STONEHEDGE

Ancient Greek and Roman Art

4. Egyptian Art- The Egyptian are known for their obsession for accuracy and precision. The people behind the
prestigious works of this Egyptians art supervised rigorously the multitude of workers and the constructive details to
ensure that they comply with expected levels and standards. Also the Egyptians were interested mainly in architechture
and sculpture.

KOM OMBO TEMPLE ALL GIZAH PYRAMID

EGYPTIAN DETAILS Columns/Capitals

5. The geometric period was a time of starting innovation and transformation in GREEK society and characterized by
geometric motifs in vase painting that flourished towards the end of the Greek Dark ages. It was also subsequently
divided into four different periods namely the Protogeometric Early, middle and late period.

Pottery and Vase Painting

6. GREEK ART: The Archaic Period (700-500BC)

The Archaic Period from the word itself was considered as the old-fashioned style of sculpture and other forms
of art and crafts. By this period artist began working to create more realistic human forms. The images depicted some
Egyptian influence but much of it seems to be originated by the Greeks. One point of originality is the smile seen on the
Archaic Statues almost staring back to the viewers.

KOURUS BLACK FIGURE STYLE RED FIGURE

7. GREEK ART THE CLASSICAL PERIOD

Greek artist of this time attained a manner of representation that conveys a vitality of life as well as a sense of
permanence, clarity and harmony. They also began consciously to attempt to render human and animal forms
realistically. This entailed careful observation of the model as well as understanding the mechanics of anatomy how a
body adjust to a pose which is not stiffly frontal but with the weight shifted to one side of the body and how a body
behaves in a violent motion.

Kritos Boy Gold Box Ring Amphora Calyx Crater

8.HELLENISTIC ART (323-27 BC)

Dating from the death of Alexander the Great, he had extended his Empire as far as the Middle East, conquering
Greece’s old enemies: Persia and Egypt. The term Hellenistic is a modern invention which not only included to a huge
area covering the whole of the Aegean and also a huge time of range. In artistic terms, this means that there is a huge
variety which is often put under the heading of “Hellenistic Art” for convenience.
Winged Victory of Samothrace Pergamon Altar

Alexander Mosaic Venus de Milo

Laocoon and his Sons Venus de Milo

9. ROMAN ART (500 BC-AD 476)

Ceasar Augustus won the battle of Actium 27BC and a new republic was born: The Roman Republic- a new
empire and become dominant power in in the Western World. Roman Art refers to the visual arts made in Ancient Rome
and in the Territories of the Roman Empire. Roman art includes architecture, sculpture and mosaic work. Luxury objects
in metal-work, gem engraving, ivory carvings and glass are sometimes considered in modern terms to be minor forms of
Roman art.
Fresco Bust Mummy’s Portrait Trajan’s Column

Trajan’s Column Arc of Constantine Gold Glass Medallion

Severan Tondo Augustus of Prima Porta