FIRST PRELIMINARY

Week No.: 3
Module No.: 3
Main Topic: EARLY VISUAL WORKS OF ART IN OTHER COUNTRIES
Josefina V. Estolas, Clarita G. Javier and Nieves Pada-Payno,
Introduction to humanities (arts for fine living), National book store,
References: 1995.

EARLY VISUAL WORKS OF ART IN OTHER COUNTRIES

The nature of early art works particularly in Asia and in Europe is briefly discussed here. It is neither
comprehensive nor an exhaustive treatment, since only a few representative areas are presented where ancient
art evolved. The aim is to provide background information about the early contributions of various peoples to
the world of art, particularly the painters, architects, sculptors and dancers.

Asian Art

General characteristics. Asian art is essentially religious in nature. In India and Southeast Asia, all the
arts from architecture, painting, sculpture, music to dance and theater, have their sole theme focused on the life
of the gods, legendary heroes, and mythical beings. The oriental artists reflect their religious knowledge, beliefs,
and experiences in their art works. The Thai artist portrays the people's aim at serving and exalting their faith. In
India, art is a "concrete" example of religion. Sculpture is a religious art in Tibet. Japanese art depicts
purification and self-control. These are the essential aims of Shintoism, the national religion of Japan.

Dance is highly developed as an art in Indonesia and such form of entertainment. The Bali dance is an
aristocratic art that stresses refinement of gesture. Bali and Djapara are famous for their silver ware; Solo and
Jojakarta for bati designs; Bandung for ceramics; and Bogo and Bangka of In China, pottery is the oldest form
of art. During the Shang dynasty (1523-1028 B.C.), the chief artistic productions were vessels and other objects
cast in bronze. Glazed (202 B.C. to 220 A.D.), Chinese ceramics was finest tinwork. during the Sung Dynasty
(1260-1279). Ceramics in floral and pictorial designs in cobalt compound and in blue and white porcelain were
manufactured during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

China is noted for its pottery, while India is famous for its Taj Mahal in Agra as its architectural
masterpiece. This mausoleum was built in 1632-1653 by Shah Jahan for his wife, Muntaz Mahal. This temple is
made of white marble and decorated with semi-precious stones and colored marble. Taj Mahal is celebrated for
its lovely garden setting.

Persia (Iran) is noted for its famous rugs and carpets. Artistry is depicted in color, design and the
weaving skill the rugs and carpets.
 Calligraphy is the art of writing beautifully, generally in freehand, with pen or brush on paper or any
similar material. Calligraphy is used in countries using the Arabic alphabet or Chinese ideograms. In countries
using the Arabic script, calligraphy is used in creating real works of art.

In Muslim countries, calligraphy is connected with sculpture and architecture by supplying their
decorative motifs and the style to go with the decoration. The pavilions and temple in China use Chinese
calligraphy. Calligraphy is also linked to literature particularly in a Chinese or Japanese poem and graphic
presentation, music, theater and dance These in brief, are some outstanding artistic exemplifying Asian art.

Prehistory. Knowledge of art during the prehistoric period is based on archaeological discoveries. The
prehistoric calendar in Europe begun with the Paleolithic Age (about 10,000 B.C.). It developed consecutively
through the Mesolithic, Neolithic, Bronze, and Iron ages (10,000-1,000 B.C.).

In Europe, most of the archaeological findings have been made along the Danube River in the East and
in the caves of Southern France and Spain. The sculpture of the Paleolithic period (ancient) is characterized by
engraved bones and ivory usually with animals as the reindeer or bison. They are lightly incised with fluid,
curving lines. Naturalism was predominantly depicted. Some sculpture objects during the era included small
female statuettes, carved in ivory and stone, apparently with religious importance. These objects revealed great
concern with fertility. Painting in the upper Paleolithic age (Magdalena Period) were found in the caves of
Southern France, especially Lascaux and Altimira (as shown in Fig. 1). These are noted for their expensive form
and treatment of animal subjects.

The agrarian economy of the Mesolithic and Neolithic periods made by the people need new tools and
implements such as bowls and jugs to cool and store their food. Their shapes were rugged and utilitarian. Their
surfaces were painted with simple geometric patterns compose of dots, lozenges and whorls. Basketweave motif
was used in their pottery. An architectural structure dating back from the late Neolithic or Bronze age is located
in Stonehenge, England. It was probably a sacred precinct for nature-worshipping rituals. It is circular with
monolithic slabs of stone from the ground to the top. These early artistic attempts were dictated by
circumstances which provided solutions to problems.

Egypt. The art of Egypt (2780-2280 B.C.) is exemplified by the pyramid used as tomb of the paraoh (as
shown in Fig. 2). It symbolized the supremacy of the paraoh and the stability of the state. The pyramid is an
impressionic structure, rectangular and with enclosed elaborately engineered interior. Its chambers are for the
remains and furnishings of the dead. Painting of relief sculpture and the portrait statues of the paraoh and queen
are of great proportion to portray divine aloofness from humanity, Mortuary temples were the dominant form.
The plans are symmetrical and the roofs are supported by colonnaded aisles. The entrances are impressive with
double pylors, composing the main facade. Wall decorations were made. Egyptian architecture under the
Ramasid Dynasty (1194-1085 B.C) included colossal figures of the paraohs, large mortuary temples and
pavilions (tents) which were religious in nature.

Mesopotamia. This region is now Iran and Iraq. It was the principal site of ancient Eastern civilization
along the Euphrates and Tigris Rivers. This region was dominated by various peoples such as the Summericans
(3,000-1500 B.C.), Assyrians (1200-612 B.C.), Chaldeans (6122-539), Achaemenian Persians (550-331 B.C.),
and the Sassanian Persians (AD 226- 641).

Summerian architecture had its beginnings as reed and mud huts. They were made of kiln and dried
bricks formed from the abundant clay along the Tigris-Euphrates Rivers. The major architectural contribution
during the period was the ziggurat, a pyramidal structure with three diminishing stages surrounded by a temple.
The ziggurat was made of solid brick and exterior ramps and stairways to reach the temple. It differs from the
Egyptian pyramid with interior chambers and passageways. Sumerian’s sculpture consisted of statuettes of
human figures with rigid posture and penetrating stare. Generally, the statuettes were one to three feet in height.
They had a cone and cylinder shape. Some evidences of paintings were engraved wall plaques temple murals or
wall paintings.

Assyrian artis symbolized by luxuriously-made palaces They are magnificent home where great
personages reside, they are constructed from brick and stone on Asymmetrons plan. The police buildings were
enclosed by crenelated walls. The anchor entrance was flanked by tower.

The Achaemenian Persian architectural style was eclectic a combination of Egyptian and Assyrian
elements. A famous an audience hall with spacious proportions and elegant architectural structure during this
period was the Persepolis elongated columns. Animal figures were the sculptural nals which were placed on a
leaf design. They form the decorative motifs of the capital or head of the column or pillar that support the
building. Professional reliefs adorned the walls.

The Sassanid Persian architecture was a synthesis of the earlier types. The innovation consisted of
elliptical vaults flanked by rectangular four-story structure with facade decorated with colorful frescoes or
mural decoration on walls of fresh, still damp plaster.

Other Middle Eastern Art. The contributions to art of the migratory peoples like the Scythians and
nomadic tribes who occupied West Central Asia consisted of exquisitely designed amulets, belts, buckles, and
staff finials or ornamented topping to finish the object.

Aegian civilization (Minoan). In various Cretian sites, archaeologists found exquisite pottery. The
Minoans, greatest artistic achievements in the city of Crossus are the plaborate palaces, asymmetrical in plans
and functional with respect to water, sanitation and storage for food. Royal apartments dominated the Palace of
Minos at Crossus. The post-and lintel system of construction was used. Innovations were made by the elliptical
vaults flanked by rectangular four-story structure with facades decorated with colorful frescoes The principal
example of this is Tag-i Kisra (Cupola) at Cresiphon. A horn of a bull pervades with mural painting of Crete.
Rites to worship nature were performed in grottoes and caves, hence, there was no need for temple architecture,
Fresco is the outstanding contribution of the Minoan painting, showing scenes of athletes, divers and bull
leaping Minoan sculptures were statuettes of the snake goddess made of ivory and bones.

The famous Lion Gate at Mycene (C.1300 B.C.) is probably the oldest European example of sculpture.
The art of the Minoans and Myceneans reflected a culture of unusual optimism despite tyranny and superstition
that existed during the period.
 Greece. Greek art is the style of artistic expression that flourished in continental Greece and other parts
of the Mediterranean area inhabited by Greek-speaking peoples from the 9th to the end of the centuries B.C. It
is distinguished from earlier types by its concern with human values, its ideal beauty and creative expressions of
the human figures 7.

The unique contributions of Greece to the early history of art are naturalism and idealism. The Greeks
originated the direct study of nature and the male needs as an essential basis for representation. Later, art turned
to literal and realistic imitations. The highest aim of the Greek art was to improve on nature. Instead, they
personified rivers, springs, forests and mountains as mythological beings of graceful human forms. Since the
Greeks developed along rational and intellectual lines, the Greeks attained greatest achievements in the arts of
form-architecture and sculpture.

Greek architecture is the style of building that arose during the 7th century B.C. in Greece and in other
parts of the Mediterranean region. Greek architecture inspired such styles as those of ancient Rome, the
Renaissance and modern times.

The early Greek buildings were influenced by traditions surviving from Agean architecture in its
Mycenean phase.

Mycenae was an ancient city of Greece, the center of civilization before the rise of the hellenes.

The typical plan of the early Greek temple consists of monumental entrances to sacred enclosures such
as the Athenian Acropolis. Later, temples were built of ashlar masonry and that is, of squared stone blocks laid
on horizontal courses. Stone columns and entablatures replaced civilization before the rise of the Hellenes the
wooden elements. Beautiful Greek marbles became the preferred building material in the early 5th century B.C.

The fundamental elements of Greek architecture are the three types of columns or orders and
entablatures such as the Doric, lonic and Corinthian orders. The temples were used for housing and protecting
the divine image. They were not used for congregational worships or elaborate rituals.

The Parthenon (begun in 447 B.C.) in Athens reflects the Doric order. It ranks among the masterpieces
of world architecture. It has monumental entrances or propylae. It is best represented by the famous gateway to
the Athenian acropolis. Other Greek architecture is the temple of Poseidom at Paestrum. Italy C.460 B.C.)
which was made of stone of the Doric order. The Erechtheum temple (420-409 B.C.) also on the Acropolis, is
of the Ionic classical order, with its unique Porch of the Maidens and Caryatids or draped female figures that
support the entablature of the porch. Another Greek architecture is the Choragic monument to Lysicrates
(c.335-334 B.C.). It is is a superb example of the Corinthian classical order. The capital is decorated with the
acanthus leaf, a motif popular in the eastern areas of the Mediterranean.

Greek architects also created the classic type of open-air theater, exemplified by the Theater of Epidarus.
For the famous Olympic games, the Greeks originated the stadium as best represented by the Stadium of
Delphi. The Greeks also evolved city planning with regular blocks of houses about an open market place
(Agora). From the Greeks came the three "classic orders of columns and entablatures -Doric, Ionic and
Corinthian.

Sculpture. Among the earliest Greek works in sculpture were individual figures, life-size or larger.
They were carved in limestone or marble. They were created and dedicated to honor the gods, following the
traditions of Egyptian sculpture. The most popular type was a nude male figure, standing rigidly erect with left
foot advanced. Later, temples were adorned with figures and sculptured reliefs or figures standing out from a
plane surface. Among the famous leading Greek sculptors and their works were: (1) Myron of Athens who
made "Disciss Thrower" in marble; (2) Pidias of Athens for his colossal gold-and ivory figures, the Athena
Partenos which stood in the Parthenon, and his Olympian Zeus; (3) Praxiteles, noted for the nude Venus Cnidus
and for male figures in graceful, relaxed poses; (4) Lysippus who excelled in making slender, athletic figures of
bronze.

Pictorial Arts. The pictorial arts of the Greeks were expressed in vase painting, fresco and mosaic.
Murals are wall paintings which adorned interiors of buildings. The early works of painters were decorated with
simple geometric designs.

Paintings, Ceramics and Minor Arts. The art of vase making was well developed by the Greeks. The
Polychrome influence. They were decorated with elaborate rosettes and Corinthian vase 7th-6th century B.C.
reflected Oriental fantastic monsters. Black figured vases silhouetted against black background were beautifully
designed to harmonize with the shapes of the vases.

Etruscan Art

The Etruscans. These people migrated to Central Italy. What is known about their art is based on the
study of the contents of their burial tombs. These were made of several chambers linked together to form
substerranean apartments. The gabled roofs were supported by wooden columns. These were doors and
windows between the rooms. Molding arches and vaults were employed.

The walls of the tombs were adorned with frescoes depicting genre subjects, athletic events and
banqueting scenes. The human figure is portrayed squat and sturdy- Colors are applied in flat areas.

Wood and terra cotta were the principal materials used in the construction of Etruscan temples. The
plans were derived from the Greek cells (the inner) part of the Greek temple, which housed the deity. Sculpture
was generally of two types: terra cota works and bronze works, elongated in form and impressively abstract.

Roman Art

Roman art is the style of artistic expression that flourished in Rome from about 200 B.C. into the 4th
century A.D. Roman architecture was particularly important because of its brilliant contribution to structural
engineering and design. Greek and Etruscan influences were evident in the Roman art. Fig. 5 show samples of
early Roman art.

Painting. Thousands of fine frescoes and mosaics were discovered in the excavation of Pompeii and
Herculimeum, the cities buried by lava in the eruption of Mt. Vesuivus in 79 A.D. These excavations revealed
two different modes of representation. The style derived from Greece emphasizes mythological figures. They
were carefully outlined and solidly molded. The other style created atmospheric perspective, the effects of vast
depths and distance. Frescoes of this type produce the illusion of distance landscape vistas by blending low-
tones. Some masterpieces of the period were: The Odyssey Landscaper," 50 B.C.; A "Naval Battle", first
century A.D. from Pompeii; "Three Giaces" and the Aldobrandi Marriage." They reflect the classical tradition
of development of architecture are: (1) ik structural engineering ideal formal beauty.

Architecture. The Roman important contributions to the particularly in developing concrete reinforced
by embedded brick arches and powerful materials for creating new vaults. These were the flexible groined vault
and the dome, and the 2) engineering design in planning cities in orderly blocks and in creating the balanced
layout of the great civic centers called forums. Significant progress was also made in designing spacious
interiors such as those in huge public baths. The sumptuous structures consisted of lofty control halls,
swimming pools, gymnasiums, steam baths, dressing rooms and complex service facilities. They were
beautifully organized and magnificently decorated with sculptures, frescoes, mosaic floors and walls sheathed
with slabs of richly colored marbles.

Roman architecture chiefly came from the Etruscan and Greek. Etruscan architecture contributed its
used of broad flat bricks and colorful terra cotta ornament; the rectangular temple raised on a high vase and
fronted by a deep columnar portico, with steps on the entrance end; the circular tombs; the Rome house-type,
with its atrium or count yard and open to the sky and surrounded by small bedrooms. The Romans added the
Tuscan order of columns and entablatures. This order is a simplified version of the Doric and a more ornate
form of the Corinthian.

During the Flavian dynasty, (69-96 A.D.), the famous colosseum was built in Rome. It served as a
model for large sports arenas as bull rings and football bowls.

Sculpture. Roman artists excelled in three types of portraits, historical reliefs and naturalistic sculpture
omaments. Their portraits reveal Etruscan influence because it grew out of Roman and Etruscan ancestor
worship. There was the most typical Roman art. They reflect realism naturalism and ostentation of ancient
Latin. Romana records Roman imperialism. Some reliefs depicted pomp concentrated on historical relief
sculpture that was designed to glorify the emperor by chronicling his exploits and official ceremonies and the
glittering march of military triumphs. The famous "Rose Columns” is an example of beautifully naturalistic
rendering in marble of delicate blossoms, fruits, and turning vine.

The various art works cited here give us a glimpse and background information and knowledge about
the contributions of the early visual artists the painters architects and sculptors, during the prehistoric and
ancient times in Egypt, Mesopotamia (now Iraq and Iran), Greece and Rome. From them we learn the nature of
the early artistic works and relate them to the present-day modern paintings, architectural and sculptural works
of visual artists.