History of art from the ancient times

The earliest art, predating written language, emerged during the Paleolithic era (Old Stone Age) with cave paintings, rock carvings, and sculptures, showcasing early human expression and rituals. 

Here’s a more detailed look at the story of art from ancient times:

• Prehistoric Art (Paleolithic Era):
  • Timing: Roughly 40,000 to 10,000 BCE. 
  • Examples: Cave paintings in places like Lascaux (France), Altamira (Spain), and rock carvings. 
  • Materials: Natural pigments (ochre, charcoal) and stone carvings. 
  • Themes: Representations of animals, humans, and possibly rituals or ceremonies. 
  • Examples of art:
    • Venus figurines: Small, carved figurines of women with exaggerated features, found across Europe. 
    • Cave paintings: Depictions of animals, hunting scenes, and abstract symbols. 
    • Rock carvings: Engravings on cave walls and rock surfaces. 
• Neolithic Period (New Stone Age):
  • Timing: Roughly 10,000 to 4,000 BCE. 
  • Developments: The rise of agriculture and settled communities led to more complex art forms. 
  • Examples: Pottery, weaving, and the construction of megalithic structures (like Stonehenge). 
• Ancient Civilizations:
  • Mesopotamia: Known for its cuneiform writing, cylinder seals, and monumental architecture (ziggurats). 
  • Ancient Egypt: Famous for its pyramids, hieroglyphs, and elaborate tomb art, including paintings and sculptures. 
  • Ancient Greece: Known for its sculptures (especially in marble), pottery, and architecture (temples and theaters). 
  • Ancient Rome: Influenced by Greek art, but also developed its own styles, including realistic portraiture and monumental architecture (coliseums, aqueducts). 
  • Indus Valley Civilization: Produced pottery, seals, and figurines. 
• Later Developments:
  • Byzantine Art: Blended Greek, Roman, and Christian traditions, resulting in mosaics, icons, and illuminated manuscripts. 
  • Islamic Art: Developed in various regions of the Islamic world, featuring calligraphy, geometric patterns, and intricate tilework. 
• Art History as a Discipline:
  • Early Writings: Pliny the Elder’s “Natural History” (c. AD 77–79) contains passages about Greek sculpture and painting, considered early art history. 
  • Later Development: Giorgio Vasari’s “Lives of the Artists” (1550) is considered one of the first art history books.