How would you compare the artistic representations of the Paleolithic period to the Neolithic

period?

The Paleolithic Era or commonly referred to as the “Old Stone Age” is a period of ancient
history from about 2.6 millions years ago to around 10,000 years ago. The Neolithic Era or
commonly referred to as the “New Stone Age” began around 10,000 BC and ended shortly
before 2000 BC in various parts of the world. Humans first made art during the Stone Age, but it
quickly evolved as things shifted from Paleolithic to Neolithic. The methods for making art
became more varied especially due to tools that were developed, along with humans learning to
make crafts like pottery. It is suggested that both Paleolithic and Neolithic people made art for
ritualistic purposes, but it certainly became more prominent during the Neolithic times.

As we break down both periods, it becomes noted that the most famous pieces of Paleolithic art
are cave paintings. These paintings can be found in various places consisting of Altamira, Spain,
and Lascaux, France. Examples such as the animals in the Lascaux caves are extremely detailed
and show lively animals painted in a realistic form. Shading also contributes to highlighting the
form of the animals, which ultimately makes them appear more lifelike. The exact reasoning
behind these paintings is unknown, but researchers believe it may have been ritualistic.

Looking now at the Neolithic period, it also becomes noted they were the first to apply pigment
to a man-made surface. An example of this would be the Turkish site at Catal Huyuk which
consisted of a large complex of plaster and mud brick buildings. The painting still adorns the
remains of the walls. Hunting scenes show animals that are simpler and less life-like. The
reasoning behind these paintings is also unknown, however, researches suggest the paintings
were part of ritual to honor a deity.

Paleolithic art was often made with small carvings out of bone, horn, or stone at the end of the
ear. The Venus of Willendorf is an example of the carvings which was created by flint tools. The
small image of a full figured woman is made from stone and the details are crudely carved.
Neolithic artists were different then Paleolithic artists in that they developed skills in pottery.
They learned to model while also making baked clay statutes. The Catal Huyuk also displays a
goddess figure that is seated while also being flanked by two leopards.

Both of these periods are similar yet different in their own ways. Regardless of differences, both
periods were able to create significant pieces of art while also laying the foundation for what we
refer to as art.

https://www.ehow.com/info_8484435_differences-paleolithic-neolithic-art.html
https://www.diffen.com/difference/Neolithic_vs_Paleolithic

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