Lesson 2: Art through the

Ages

Prepared by: Donita Rose Macalalad

 Learning Objectives

• Identify various art forms and styles from different

cultures and historical periods.
• Determine the evolution of art, recognizing shifts
from realistic depictions to abstract expressions
• .Asses the importance of iconic artworks and their
role in reflecting cultural and historical changes.
 Key Question

"What are your ideas about the different types

of art throughout history? From drawings in
caves to the colorful artworks today, in your
perspective how did art change over time?"
 CORE CONTENT
What is it about?
• This lesson talks about the history of art, which goes
back thousands of years. It covers different cultures,
styles, and periods in art, showing how it has evolved
over time.
Periods in the History of Art:
• Dawn of Man – BC 10: Paleolithic Art, Neolithic Art, Egyptian
Art, Ancient Near Eastern Art, Bronze and Iron Age Art,
Aegean Art, Archaic Greek Art, Classical Greek Art, Hellenistic
Art, Etruscan Art.
• Think of it like a time travel journey. We start with early
humans drawing on cave walls (Paleolithic Art), move to the
time of pyramids and mummies (Egyptian Art), and even
check out cool bronze and iron stuff (Bronze and Iron Age
Art).
• People made art in caves a long time ago, showing animals,
humans, and mysterious things. They also made art in places
like Egypt, Greece, and Rome.
• Cave Art (Paleolithic Art):
• Example: The Hall of Bulls (Lascaux
cave)
• Definition: Imagine a painting in a
cave showing prehistoric animals,
like a gathering place for rituals.
 Cave Art (Paleolithic Art):
Example: The Hall of Bulls (Lascaux
cave)
• Ancient Egypt:
• Example: The Sphinx
• Definition: Think of art in Egypt as a
magical tool showing gods and
maintaining order, influenced by the
Nile River.
 Ancient Egypt:
Example: The Sphinx
Periods in the History of
Art:
• 1st Century to 10th Century: Roman Art, Celtic Art,
Indian Art, Southeast Asian Art, Chinese and Korean
Art, Japanese Art, Early Christian Art, Byzantine Art,
Irish Art, Anglo Saxon Art, Viking Art, Islamic Art.
• We meet the Romans, Celts, and Indians, explore
Southeast Asia, and dive into the world of Chinese
and Korean art. It's like a colorful adventure through
different cultures.
• 10th Century to 15th Century: Pre Columbian
Art, North American Indian and Inuit Art,
African Art, Oceanic Art, Carolingian Art,
Ottonian Art, Romanesque Art, Gothic Art.
• This part takes us to the Americas, Africa, and
the mysterious Pacific Ocean (Oceanic Art).
We also explore medieval Europe, full of
knights and castles (Gothic Art).
• Art History - 15th century onwards: Renaissance Style, The
Northern Renaissance, Mannerism, The Baroque, The Rococo,
Neo Classicism, Romanticism, Realism, Impressionism, Post-
Impressionism, Symbolism and Art Nouveau, Fauvism,
Expressionism, Cubism, Futurism, Abstract Art, Dadasim,
Surrealism, Latin American Art, Modern American Art,
Postwar European Art, Australian Art, South African Art.
• Fast forward to a Renaissance where art has a rebirth, then
check out the Northern Renaissance, the fancy Baroque
period, and the playful Rococo. The journey doesn't stop; it
goes through Neo-Classicism, Romanticism, Realism, and all
the way to modern art like Cubism and Surrealism.
A Concise Historical Journey:

• Cave Art (Paleolithic Art): Early art in caves,

showcasing animals, humans, and mysterious forms.
• Picture early humans in caves, drawing pictures of
animals, people, and mysterious symbols on the
walls.
• Cave Art (Paleolithic Art):
• Example: The Hall of Bulls (Lascaux
cave)
• Definition: Imagine a painting in a
cave showing prehistoric animals,
like a gathering place for rituals.
A Concise Historical Journey:

• Venus of Willendorf: A small sculpture

representing a woman with exaggerated
features from the Paleolithic period.
• Venus of Willendorf: Imagine a tiny sculpture
of a woman from a long time ago, with
exaggerated features, probably telling a story
about beauty and fertility.
Venus of Willendorf
A Concise Historical Journey:

• The Hall of Bulls (Lascaux cave): A painting with

prehistoric animals, suggesting a gathering place for
rituals.
• Picture a cave painting showing prehistoric animals,
maybe a place where people gathered for special
rituals.
 Cave Art (Paleolithic Art):
Example: The Hall of Bulls (Lascaux
cave)
A Concise Historical Journey:

• Ancient Egypt:
• Example: The Sphinx
• Definition: Think of art in
Egypt as a magical tool
showing gods and
maintaining order,
The Sphinx
• Classical Art (Greece and Rome): Pursued ideals of
beauty, harmony, and proportion. Spear Bearer
Doryphoros is a famous example.
• Imagine a time when people loved the idea of
beauty, harmony, and perfect proportions, like the
famous sculpture of a spear-wielding guy called
Doryphoros.
• Classical Art (Greece and Rome):
• Example: Spear Bearer Doryphoros
• Definition: Picture a time when art
pursued ideals of beauty, harmony,
and proportion, like a sculpture of a
spear-wielding guy.
 Classical Art (Greece and
Rome):
Example: Spear Bearer Doryphoros
• Medieval Art: An amalgamation of influences,
divided into Early Christian, Byzantine, Pre-
Romanesque, Romanesque, and Gothic art.
• Picture a mix of different influences in art,
with early Christian, Byzantine, and Gothic
styles.
• Medieval Art:
• Example: The Book of Kells (Irish Art)
• Definition: Imagine a mix of
influences in art, with early Christian,
Byzantine, and Gothic styles, like
intricate manuscripts.
 Medieval Art:
Example: The Book of Kells (Irish
Art)
• Renaissance: A period of rebirth in Europe,
emphasizing Humanism and a return to classical
Greek and Roman ideals.
• Think of a period of rebirth in Europe, where art
emphasized humanism and went back to the classy
styles of ancient Greece and Rome.
• Renaissance:
• Example: The Birth of Venus by
Botticelli
• Definition: Think of a rebirth in
Europe, emphasizing humanism and
returning to classical Greek and
Roman ideals.
 Renaissance:
Example: The Birth of Venus by Botticelli
• Baroque: A movement expressing Catholic faith with
contrast, detail, and dramatic scenes.
• Picture a movement full of drama and detail,
expressing Catholic faith in a bold way.
• Baroque:
• Example: The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa
by Bernini
• Definition: Picture a movement
expressing Catholic faith with
contrast, detail, and dramatic
scenes, like a sculpture capturing a
divine moment.
• Rococo: A reaction against French Classicism,
known for elaborate decoration and curved
shapes.
• Imagine a reaction against the serious French
style, with art becoming all fancy with lots of
decorations and curves.
• "The Swing" (1767) by Jean-
Honoré Fragonard:
• "The Swing" is one of the most
famous Rococo paintings, created by
the French artist Jean-Honoré
Fragonard. The scene depicts a
young woman on a swing, with an
admirer looking up from below. The
composition is filled with delicate
details, pastel colors, and a sense of
"The Swing" (1767) by Jean-
Honoré Fragonard:
• Neoclassicism and Romanticism (Late 18th to 19th
centuries):
• Neoclassicism: Artists looked back to classical Greek and
Roman art for inspiration. They used clear lines and smooth
brushstrokes to depict historical events.
• What is it? Artists looked at ancient Greek and Roman art for
ideas. They used clear lines and smooth brushstrokes to show
historical events.
• Example: Paintings with strong, structured scenes inspired by
ancient stories.
• Romanticism: Artists focused on emotion and nature, using
visible brushstrokes. They painted bold, vibrant scenes with
strong emotions, departing from the more structured
Neoclassical style.
• What is it? Artists focused on feelings and nature, using visible
brushstrokes. They painted bold scenes with strong emotions.
• Example: Vibrant paintings showing nature's power and
people's deep feelings.
"Wanderer Above the Sea of
Fog" (1818) by Caspar David
Friedrich:

• "Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog"

(1818) by Caspar David Friedrich:
• Caspar David Friedrich, a German
Romantic painter, created this iconic work
that epitomizes the Romantic fascination
with the sublime and the individual's
relationship with nature. In "Wanderer
Above the Sea of Fog," a solitary figure
stands on a rocky precipice, gazing out
over a sea of mist-covered mountains. The
painting captures a sense of introspection,
awe, and the sublime grandeur of the
"Wanderer Above the Sea of
Fog" (1818) by Caspar David
Friedrich:
• Realism (1840s): Artists rejected traditional forms, focusing
on real-life events and giving importance to everyday people.
This movement marked the shift towards modern art.
• What is it? Artists focused on real life, showing everyday
events and people. This marked a move towards modern art.
• Example: Paintings depicting regular people doing everyday
activities.
 "The Gleaners"

• "The Gleaners" reflects the Realist

movement's commitment to
portraying the reality of life for
different social classes, providing a
stark contrast to the idealized and
romanticized depictions prevalent in
earlier art movements. Realist artists
aimed to bring attention to the
everyday struggles and triumphs of
ordinary people.
"The Gleaners"
• Public Museums: The idea of public museums began
during this time, like the Louvre in France, where art
was made accessible to the general population.
• What is it? Places like the Louvre in France started,
making art accessible to everyone.
• Example: People from all walks of life visiting
museums to see famous artworks.
 "Mona Lisa" (c.
1503–1506) by
Leonardo da Vinci:
• The "Mona Lisa" is just one example,
and public museums around the
world house a diverse range of
artworks, including paintings,
sculptures, decorative arts, and
artifacts from various cultures and
time periods. Museums play a crucial
role in preserving and showcasing
humanity's artistic and cultural
heritage for the public to appreciate
"Mona Lisa"
• Impressionism and Post-Impressionism (Late 19th century):
• Impressionism: Artists painted contemporary scenes with an
emphasis on light and atmosphere. They used pure colors and
painted outdoors.
• What is it? Artists painted scenes with light and atmosphere.
They used bright colors and painted outdoors.
• Example: Sunlight and shadows in parks or scenes of daily life.
• Impressionism:
• Example: Impression, Sunrise by
Monet
• Definition: Artists painted
contemporary scenes with an
emphasis on light and atmosphere,
using pure colors and painting
outdoors.
 Impressionism:
Example: Impression, Sunrise
by Monet
• Post-Impressionism: Artists rejected naturalism,
focusing on symbolic content, formal order, and
structure. Both movements revolutionized Western
art.
• What is it? Artists focused on symbols and structure,
moving away from natural looks.
• Example: Paintings with bold colors and strong
shapes, like Van Gogh's starry night.
• Neo-Impressionism (Late 19th century): Artists like
Georges Seurat invented pointillism, using tiny dots
of pure colors. They aimed for a vibrant optical
mixture of colors in the viewer's eye.
• What is it? Artists used tiny dots of pure colors,
creating a mix of colors in the viewer's eye.
• Example: Paintings that look vibrant from a distance
due to tiny colorful dots.
"The Circus" (1891)
by Georges Seurat:
• The painting captures the lively atmosphere of a
circus, with performers, spectators, and animals.
Seurat's use of small, distinct dots of color
creates a vibrant and harmonious composition.
• "The Circus," Seurat demonstrates his mastery
of color theory and the optical blending of colors.
The use of Pointillism allows viewers to perceive
a range of colors and tones when observing the
painting from a distance. The scene is depicted
with a sense of order and structure,
characteristic of the Neo-Impressionist
movement.
The Circus" (1891)
by Georges Seurat:
Symbolism and Art Nouveau:
• Symbolism: Artists expressed emotions and ideas
through symbols, emphasizing subjectivity over
realism.
• What is it? Artists expressed feelings through
symbols, not focusing on realistic looks.
• Example: Paintings with symbols representing
emotions or ideas.
• Art Nouveau: A decorative style focused on organic
and geometric forms, seeking to modernize design. It
later influenced modernism.
• What is it? A style focusing on organic and geometric
shapes, aiming to modernize design.
• Example: Decorative artworks with flowing lines and
nature-inspired patterns.
• "The Mucha Woman" (1897) by
Alphonse Mucha:
This piece was created as a decorative panel for a
play and features a woman with flowing hair and
intricate floral patterns.

• In this artwork, you can observe the sinuous lines,

elaborate details, and an emphasis on decorative
elements, all of which are characteristic of Art
Nouveau. The movement sought to break away
from historicism and embrace a more modern and
innovative approach to art and design,
influencing various fields such as architecture,
decorative arts, and graphic design.
The Mucha Woman"
(1897) by Alphonse
Mucha:
• Expressionism (Post World War I): Artists rejected societal
norms and focused on subjective self-expression. Bold colors
and contrasts characterized this movement.
• What is it? Artists expressed themselves freely, using bold
colors and contrasts.
• Example: Paintings showing intense emotions, often in
distorted forms.
• Expressionism (Post World War
I):
• Example: The Scream by Edvard
Munch
• Definition: Artists rejected societal
norms and focused on subjective
self-expression, using bold colors and
contrasts.
 I):
Example: The Scream by Edvard
Munch
• Fauvism (Early 20th century):
• Artists like Henri Matisse used vivid colors and bold
brushstrokes, breaking away from Impressionism. The term
"fauves" (wild beasts) was used to describe them.
• What is it? Artists used bright colors and bold brushstrokes,
breaking away from Impressionism.
• Example: Paintings with wild and vivid colors, like Matisse's
"The Dance."
The Dance
• Cubism and Futurism:
• Cubism: Artists like Picasso moved away from traditional
perspectives, breaking down objects into geometric shapes.
• What is it? Artists like Picasso broke down objects into
geometric shapes, moving away from traditional views.
• Example: Paintings where objects look like they're taken apart
and put back together.
1.Cubism:
1.Example: Les Demoiselles
d'Avignon by Picasso
2.Definition: Artists like Picasso
moved away from traditional
perspectives, breaking down
objects into geometric shapes.
 Cubism:
Example: Les Demoiselles d'Avignon by
Picasso
• Futurism: Embraced the dynamism of modern life, influenced
by the emerging view of reality through electromagnetism.
• What is it? Artists embraced the energy of modern life,
influenced by new views through electromagnetism.
• Example: Paintings showing speed, movement, and the
excitement of the modern world.
• Futurism
Example: "Unique Forms of
Continuity in Space" (1913) by
Umberto Boccioni:The artwork
captures the essence of motion and
speed, reflecting Futurism's
fascination with modern technology
and progress.
"Unique Forms of Continuity in
Space" (1913) by Umberto
Boccioni:
• Modern Art Evolution:
• The journey through art history is a rich tapestry that
continues to evolve. Contemporary artists explore new
mediums, techniques, and concepts, contributing to the
ongoing narrative of artistic development.
• What is it? Contemporary artists keep exploring new ways to
make art, using different materials and ideas.
• Example: Artists today using technology, installations, and
new concepts to create unique and groundbreaking artworks.
ACTIVITY ART HISTORY TIMELINE
To create your art history timeline, begin by drawing a horizontal
line across your poster board, serving as the chronological axis.
Label this line with centuries or specific art periods as outlined in
the lesson. Utilize a ruler to maintain a neat structure. Group the
art periods according to cultures or regions for clarity. Include
significant years and attach images or printouts near the
corresponding periods if available. Write brief descriptions or
keywords for each art period, and consider leaving space for
personal reflections. Use markers, colored pencils, or crayons to
enhance the visual appeal of your timeline. Finally, present your
completed timeline to the class, explaining key points and
engaging in discussions about the fascinating journey of art
through various ages and cultures.