Western art has served as a visual representation of the collective human experience and the growth of our intellectual and spiritual consciousness. From ancient cave paintings to Renaissance masterpieces to contemporary works, each artistic movement reflects the prevailing beliefs, values, and vision of its time. By studying these artistic expressions, we gain valuable insights into the development of human knowledge and consciousness, allowing us to appreciate the strides we have made and the challenges we still face in our ongoing quest for deeper understanding.
Prehistory (From about 30,000 years ago to about 6000 B.C.E.)
The earliest known forms of artwork can be traced back to prehistoric times, where cave paintings, small sculpted figures, and carvings were created. These prehistoric paintings were meticulously crafted on cave walls, depicting the most vital activities of the era – hunting and gathering food. As the survival of prehistoric people relied heavily on their prowess as hunter-gatherers, their art served as a means to visualize their success in these essential endeavors. The underlying consciousness behind their achievements encompassed the art of tool-making, strategic planning, and communal collaboration, all of which found expression through their artistic creations.
The small sculpted figures from prehistoric times held a significant purpose as amulets. These objects were designed to be worn or carried by individuals. For women, it was believed that these amulets would enhance their fertility, while men who wore them would become skilled hunters. The understanding of fertility, childbirth, and animal behavior during that era was limited, shrouded in profound mysteries. The creation of prehistoric art was an earnest attempt to unravel these enigmas and gain a deeper comprehension of the natural world.
It is widely speculated that the artists of that time were likely shamans – individuals who possessed magical abilities and held spiritual leadership roles. These shamans utilized their artistic talents to bridge the gap between the physical and spiritual realms, seeking to connect with the divine forces that governed their existence.
Prehistoric art served as a visual representation of success in the very endeavors which were vital for the people’s survival. Additionally, the creation of amulets reflected their desire to understand and harness the mysteries of fertility, childbirth, and animal behavior. The artists of that time were true visionaries.
Early Civilizations (6000 B.C.E. to about 600 B.C.E.)
Egyptian and Babylonian art are examples of early artists celebrating a communal society. Other cultures such as Assyrians and Etruscans, etc. had a similar kind of art that depicted societal scenes.
In many of these cases there was a ruler at the top of the social order and a system of classes under the ruler. Frequently, their various strata of society were organized in a geometric design. This was an indicator that everyone had his or her place and job. Religion and art played a significant role in strengthening these societal structures.
Communal society grew out of the recognition that humankind had an improved chance of surviving when we lived and worked together in a multi-tiered society. Cities came into being. Since this was a relatively new development, you could surmise that the art was exploring the structure of living and working together.
Classical Art (Roughly 800 B.C.E. to 500 C.E.)
The sculpture and painting of classical Greece and Rome celebrated the beauty of the human body as well as depicting gods who represented forces in nature. Their architecture proclaimed the power and beauty they observed in their study of nature. For example, the designs in the columns of their buildings were inspired by plant growth.
This was an age of philosophers, mathematicians, and scientists. Consequently, the art of this era represented a search for mathematical truth – a universal harmony expressed in geometry and anatomically accurate depictions of the human body.
Volumes have been written about the art of this era and its profound influence on the art of subsequent generations.
It is not my intent to oversimplify, but a major expression of classical art is the search for greater understanding of the world in which the people of that era lived.
Medieval Art (About 500 C.E. to 1300 C.E.)
After the Roman Empire broke into many separate nation states, each vying for power, the art of the times reflected the need for a feeling of structure and stability.
Basically, the people turned to religion to fill that need. Because the emphasis was largely focused more on emotions than intellect, there was no longer an interest in portraying the human anatomy correctly. To our contemporary eye, the medieval artists’ depictions of the human figure appear cartoonish. However, it is important to remember that their purpose was to represent a spiritual reality – not the physical.
Much of the art of this period involved hand lettering and illustrating books. This reflected their interest in preserving and studying sacred documents as the main source of divine truth.
The medieval artists and scribes believed that the spiritual writings revealed the path to God. Their art was intended to enhance the study of the written texts and meditation on their meaning.
The interest in spirituality, especially mysticism, was widespread. Although Christianity was the dominant religion of the time, and we know of Christian themes throughout medieval art, Judaism as well as the occult had their followers and their art.
It is interesting to note, that up until this time period the names of the individual artists who created the works of art are almost entirely unknown to us.
—Continued next week: the Renaissance through Cubism.