Name: Chin Marie M.

Manayon Date: May 10, 2022

Section: GEC 106 -Uu2

LESSON 7: REFLECTION

In this lesson entitled European Art (Medieval Period to World War 1), I was able
to have a comprehensive understanding of the humble and yet remarkable beginnings
of art in the West which certainly shaped the way we look at art today. I learned about
the major periods that encompass the Western art history starting from the pre-historic
times to the period of Romanticism.

The history of art base on the records, started with the use of natural pigments
and stone carvings in the pre-historic times followed by the making of ancient pottery,
sculpture and metalwork in Mesopotamia. Consequently, in the early period of the
Neolithic Art, ceramic pottery was widely used featuring geometric designs or plant and
animal motifs. The third millennium on the other hand was characterized by the
emergence of free-standing sculptures, primitive personal jewelry and decorative
designs while during the second millennium, the use of glass and glazing was
considered the great innovation of the 15 th century.

Now if we look at Egyptian arts, it accordingly serves religious and magical

purposes upon its creation which varies from delicate jewelry to monumental sculpture
of the Pharaohs. Similarly, the Ancient Greeks are idealistic, imaginative and spiritual
which is evident in the great temples that they built which are decorated with wonderful
sculptures and reliefs. Stylistic eclecticism and practical application are, however, the
hallmarks of much art in the ancient Rome. After the fall of the Roman empire,
economic and cultural deterioration took place otherwise known as the medieval period
which shifted the focus of art towards the church along with the emergence of
illuminated manuscript and Gothic architecture style. This was followed by the
Renaissance art largely characterized by realism, attention to detail, and precise study
of human anatomy such as what we can observe in the works of the famous artists: da
Vinci, Michelangelo and Raphod. Inspired by these artists, brought the rise of the art
movement called Mannerism in which artists focus more on style and techniques (such
as making exaggerated details) rather than meaning. Baroque then follows, in which it is
marked by over-the-top, extravagant visual arts and architecture, drama, and a strong
contrast between light and darkness. This is not to be confused with Rococo which is
characterized by lightness and elegance nor with Neoclassicism which makes modern,
historically relevant depictions of classical antiquity focusing on idealism. Lastly is the
art movement called Romanticism, which puts emphasis to individual’s imagination,
passion and emotion.
 Indeed, art developed significantly in the European Countries across generations
reflecting the development of the Western culture. Not only does it had been an
indispensable part of the Western culture, but it had been carefully interwoven in the
fabric of their beings that without it, the Western people would be difficult to be given
distinction.