H is to r ic a l

ev el op m e nt
D
of Ar t
Pre-Historic Western Arts
Prehistoric Western art refers to the
artistic expressions created by ancient
societies in Europe before the advent of Ancient people represented their worldviews
written records. This period encompasses through images. Animals are the favorite subjects
the Paleolithic and Neolithic eras, spanning in the creation of Art. Engravings, paintings,
from approximately 42,000 BCE to around sculptures, and potteries are expressions for
2,000 BCE. beauty and complex socio-spiritual systems.
Experts such as archaeologists have recognized
Prehistoric Western art serves as a crucial artwork from the Stone Age, including ancient
link to understanding the origins of artistic
sculptures like totemic figures and ivory carvings,
expression and the cultural evolution of
as well as petroglyphs such as cave rock carvings
ancient European civilizations. These
and wall engravings. Additionally, they have
artifacts provide valuable clues about the
identified pictographs depicting graphic imagery
beliefs, customs, and daily lives of
and symbols, along with megalithic art associated
prehistoric peoples, enriching our
understanding of human history and with the construction of large stone structures.

creativity.
During the Paleolithic era (commonly known as the Old
Stone Age), which lasted until about 8,000 BCE,
humans lived nomadically and relied on hunting and
gathering for sustenance. Their artistic endeavors
primarily manifested in cave paintings and sculptures,
with notable examples found in regions such as
southern-central France and northern Spain. These
artworks depict scenes of daily life, wildlife, and
ritualistic practices, offering valuable insights into the
beliefs and activities of prehistoric communities.
The Neolithic era (New Stone Age), which followed the
Paleolithic period, witnessed significant advancements
such as the development of agriculture and the
establishment of settled communities. Artifacts from
this period include megalithic structures like
Stonehenge in England and the passage tombs of
Ireland, as well as pottery and decorative objects
reflecting the evolving cultural and social dynamics of
early agricultural societies.
Stone Tools for Art Making
Stone
is formed based on the composition of
minerals on it. Prehistoric humans used
hammerstones to chip other stones into
sharp-edged flakes. They also used
hammerstones to break apart nuts, seeds
and bones and to grind clay into pigment.
Archaeologists refer to these earliest
stone tools as the Oldowan toolkit.
There are three classifications
Sedimentary, Metamorphic, and Volcanic.
Sedimentary rocks shaped through the
deposition and compression of
particulate matter.
Metamorphic rocks changed from the
result of extreme temperature and
pressure.
Volcanic rocks are from molten
igneous magma
During the Paleolithic era, early humans utilized
natural materials like minerals, earth, and charcoal
to produce art, notably cave paintings. These
pigments were combined with binders such as
water, animal fat, or plant sap to form a paint-like
substance. Key pigments included ochre, offering
red, yellow, and brown hues, along with charcoal
for black and white shades. These materials were
abundant and locally sourced, with ochre being
especially versatile and vibrant, frequently used in
Paleolithic cave art across Europe. The use of these
caveman pigments showcases the creativity and
adaptability of ancient societies, as they devised
methods for extracting, processing, and applying
these resources to create enduring artworks that
offer valuable insights into their cultures and
beliefs.
Four Types of Tools used
by Paleolithic Man
Pebble Tools(Pebble chopper)-It is a first cutting device and considered as the oldest type of tool
made by humans. The tool contains a rounded stone struck some blows with a similar stone used as a
pounder, which created a serrated crest that served as a chopping blade.

Bifacial tools-It is a hand ax prehistoric stone tool flake with two faces or sides.These tools may be
oval, triangular, or almond-shaped in form and characterized by axial symmetry. The cutting edge
could be straight or jagged and is used as a knife, pick, scraper, or weapon. The technique was
distinctive of the hand-ax tradition of the lower Palaeolithic period and the Acheulian culture.

Flake tools-These are hand tools used during Stone Age. They are usually formed by crushing off a
small or large fragment then used as the tool. Both cores and flakes could be as stone tools. New
flakes were very sharp, but quickly became blunt during use and had to be sharpened again by
further flaking, a process called “retouch.”

Blade tools-These are a Stone tool created by striking a long narrow flake from a stone
core. This procedure of cutting the stone and creating the blades is called lithic
reduction. After chipping the blades, they integrated into larger tools, such as spears.
Pebble Tool Bifacial Tool
Flake Tool Blade Tool
Most Common Paintings
in Classical Greek
Classical Greek art, spanning from the 5th to 4th key themes & subjects:
centuries BCE, produced a rich array of Mythological Scenes - These
paintings reflecting the society's cultural, narratives served as a source of
religious, and artistic values. inspiration and reflection on
Key themes & subjects: human virtues, vices, and the
Portraits- emphasizing individual nature of divinity.
characteristics and status symbols. Historical Events - These works
Daily life - These works provided insights celebrated Greek military prowess,
into Greek customs, values, and social civic pride, and cultural
hierarchies. achievements, reinforcing a sense
Still life - These paintings showcased the of collective identity and
artist's skill in capturing realistic details and patriotism.
textures.
 Kersh Vase Painting
This
red-figured pottery is named after the
place where it discovered(Kerch, the
ancient Pantikapaion on The Black
Sea). The most common motifs were
scenes from the life of women,
mythological technique known as
polychromy, which combined different
colors, especially the brilliant one in an
artistic manner.
Panel Painting was especially famous
for making beautiful
altarpieces. This type of
paintings is on plane small
board of wood or metals that
are together. The primitive
known old panel painting is the
Pitsa Panel, which is between
540 and 530 B.C.E

Panel Painting
Popular
tomb or wall painting during
ancient time used either
encaustic(wax) or
tempera(water-based) as a
method of fresco. Colors in this
type are made with grind
powder stains in clean water and
set with the plaster to become a
stable part of the wall.

Tomb/Wall Painting
MEDIEVAL ARTS
IN EUROPE
Medieval art in Europe spans roughly from
the 5th to the 15th century, characterized by
its diverse range of styles, techniques, and
subject matter. This period witnessed the
fusion of Christian tradition with various
artistic influences from the Roman,
Byzantine, and Islamic worlds, resulting in a
rich tapestry of artistic expression.
Most of the surviving art work from this
period is religious in nature, commissioned
by the Catholic Church to facilitate devotion
and worship.
 a technique of mural painting
executed upon freshly laid
("wet") lime plaster. Water is
used as the vehicle for the
dry-powder pigment to
merge with the plaster, and
with the setting of the plaster,
the painting becomes an
integral part of the wall.

Fresco
 They were
hand-shaped
cooking pots,
jars, and pitches

Ceramics
It is the arts of
crafting figures with small
pieces of colored glass, stone,
or other materials. The early
Christians used ceiling and
wall mosaics in their churches
and cathedrals.

Mosaics
 Silversmith and
Goldsmith
They were excellent artists
who created new shapes of
jewelry. The medieval church
demanded to employ
silversmiths and goldsmiths in
the church to produce
religious items with precious
materials that are worthy of
the divine service.
 Stained Glass
Stained glass is glass coloured by
adding metallic salts when it is
made. The coloured glass is made
into stained glass windows. Small
pieces of glass are arranged to form
patterns or pictures. The glass is
held together by strips of lead and
supported by a rigid frame.
 illuminated manuscripts
Illuminated manuscripts
are hand-written books
with painted decoration
that generally includes
precious metals such as
gold or silver.
 Metalwork
Metalworkers
were very skilled in
creating
religious objects for
church
decorations.
 Bayeux Tapestry
It is
embroidery in colored wool. It
consists of eight long strips of
unbleached linen, sewn
together to form a continuous
panel of 230 feet long and 20
inches high.
 Heraldry
It is the manner of
designing or creating coats of
arms and insignia. Specimens
of coats of arms were worked
using embroidery, paper,
painted wood, stonework, and
stained glass.
Gothic Architecture
Started in the 12th century,
after the establishment of
Romanesque.
Lasted until the 16th
century, giving way to
Renaissance
more common in northern
France due to
socioeconomic, political,
and theological reasons
KEY FEATURES
NOTABLE EXAMPLES
The Renaissance Arts
 Renaissance Arts (1400)
Derived from the French word,
renaissance, and the Italian word
rinascità, both meaning 'rebirth'
It began during 14th century and
remained the dominant style in
Europe and Italy until the 16th
century.
People living during the Renaissance
saw themselves different, because
they were deliberately trying to
replicate ancients Greeks and
Roman art and architecture.
Artists focused on human behavior
and emotions, depicting people
interacting with each other in their
natural states.
 ‘The Last Supper’
‘David’
Baroque Arts
 Baroque Arts (1600)
It started in Italy and Rome around
1600 and spread throughout the
majority of Europe during the 17th
and 18th centuries.
Baroque arts describe something
that is detailed, elaborated and
characterized by exaggerated
motion and clear detail.
Baroque iconography was direct,
dramatic and obvious, intending to
appeal emotions.
Used to produce drama,
exuberance, and grandeur in
sculpture , painting, architecture, ‘Judith Slaying Holofernes’
literature, dance, and music.
Rococo Arts
 Rococo Arts (1730)
Originated in early 18th
century Paris
The word “rococo” derives
from rocaille which is French
for rock.
Rococo art is characterized
by curvy lines, soft colors, and
portrays romantic encounters
such as scene of love, nature,
light-hearted entertainment,
and youth.

‘The Swing’
Neoclassicism
 Neoclassicism
(1770-1830)
It refers to movements in
the arts that draw
inspiration from classical
art and culture of Greece
and Rome during ancient
times.
Invokes harmony, clarity,
restraint, universality, and
idealism.
‘Oath of the Horatii’
Romanticism
 Romanticism (1770-1850)
It is a creative, musical, and
intellectual movement that
began in Europe toward the end
of the 18th century. It
emphasizes emotion,
glorification, and individualism
in all aspects of the past and
nature, preferring the medieval
over the classical.
Realism
Realism (18500-1900)
Realism is an artistic
movement that originated
in France in the 1850s,
following the 1848
revolution. It is
characterized by an
emphasis on creating works
of art that appear as true
and realistic as possible.
Impressionism
Impressionism
It is a French art movement
from the 19th century that
symbolized a radical departure
from European painting
conventions. In this kind of art,
the creator portrays the object
or image as if the viewer were
only catching a fleeting glimpse
of it.
Fauvism
Fauvism The painting movement
known as Fauvism was very
popular in France at the
turn of the 20th century.
To give the impression of
an explosion on the canvas,
Fauve painters used
vibrant, pure colors that
were aggressively applied
straight out of the paint
tubes.
Group Members
Sebial, Amor Rose Pamela D.
Somblingo, Mary Angel M.
Sun, Ricci Pristine
Valenzuela, Aleah