Ancient art: Difference between revisions
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{{Art history series}} |
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{{Ancient art history}} |
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'''Arts of the ancient world''' refers to the many types of [[art]] that were in the [[culture]]s of [[ancient]] societies, such as those of ancient [[China]], [[India]], [[Mesopotamia]], [[Ancient Egypt|Egypt]], [[Ancient Greece|Greece]] and [[Ancient Rome|Rome]] |
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==Arts== |
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See [[ancient music]], etc. |
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==Africa== |
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===Morocco=== |
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The earliest [[figurine]] the [[Venus of Tan-Tan]] discovered to date originated somewhere between '''<nowiki>500,000 and 300,000 BCE</nowiki>''', during the Middle [[Acheulean]] period. Discovered in [[Morocco]], it is about 6 centimeters long. Evidence suggests that this Moroccan piece may have been created by natural [[geological]] processes with a minimum of human [[tool]]-work, but the piece bears evidence of having been painted; "a [[fat|greasy]] substance" on the stone's surface has been shown to contain [[iron]] and [[manganese]] and indicates that it was decorated by someone and used as a figurine, regardless of how it may have been formed. [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/3047383.stm] |
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===Egypt=== |
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{{main|Art of Ancient Egypt}} |
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[[Image:Egypt.Papyrus.01.jpg|thumb|Egyptian papyrus]] |
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[[Faience]] that was produced in [[History of ancient Egypt|ancient Egyptian]] antiquity as early as [[3500 BC]] was in fact superior to the tin-glazed [[earthenware]] of the European 15th century ([http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1026/is_n3_v154/ai_21146424]; also see [[Faience]]). [[Ancient Egypt]]ian [[faience]] was not made of [[clay]] but instead actually of a [[ceramic]] composed primarily of [[quartz]]. Approximately two hundred of these "masterpieces of faience" are the subject of the on-line article posted at [http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1026/is_n3_v154/ai_21146424]. |
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Because of the highly religious nature of Ancient Egyptian civilization, many of the great works of Ancient Egypt depict gods, goddesses, and Pharaohs, who were also considered divine. |
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Ancient Egyptian art is characterized by the idea of order. Clear and simple lines combined with simple shapes and flat areas of color helped to create a sense of order and balance in the art of ancient Egypt. Ancient Egyptian artists used vertical and horizontal reference lines in order to maintain the correct proportions in their work. Political and religious, as well as artistic order, was also maintained in Egyptian art. In order to clearly define the social hierarchy of a situation, figures were drawn to sizes based not on their distance from the painter's point of view but on relative importance. For instance, the Pharaoh would be drawn as the largest figure in a painting no matter where he was situated, and a greater God would be drawn larger than a lesser god. Symbolism also played an important role in establishing a sense of order. Symbolism, ranging from the Pharaoh's regalia (symbolizing his power to maintain order) to the individual symbols of Egyptian gods and goddesses, was omnipresent in Egyptian art . Animals were usually also highly symbolic figures in Egyptian art. Color, as well, had extended meaning— Blue and green represented the Nile and life; yellow stood for the sun god; and red represented power and vitality. The colors in Egyptian artifacts have survived extremely well over the centuries because of Egypt's dry climate. |
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Despite the stilted form caused by a lack of perspective, ancient Egyptian art is often highly realistic. Ancient Egyptian artists often show a sophisticated knowledge of anatomy and a close attention to detail, especially in their renderings of animals. |
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During the 18th Dynasty of Egypt a Pharaoh by the name of Akhenaton took the throne and abolished the traditional polytheism. He formed a monotheistic religion based on the worship of Aten, a sun god. Artistic change followed political upheaval. A new style of art was introduced that was more naturalistic than the stylized frieze favored in Egyptian art for the previous 1700 years. After Akhenaton's death, however, Egyptian artists reverted to their old styles. |
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*[http://www.virtual-egyptian-museum.org/About/Story/About.Story-FR.html Senusret Collection]: Well-annotated introduction to the arts of Egypt. |
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==Asia== |
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===Japan=== |
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{{main|Jōmon period}} |
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[[Image:JomonStatue.JPG|thumb|100px|A [[Jōmon]] statue]] |
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According to archeological evidence, the Jōmon people in ancient [[Japan]] were amongst the first to develop [[pottery]], dating to the [[11th millennium BC]]. The Jōmon people were making [[pottery]] figures and vessels decorated with patterns made by impressing the wet clay with braided or unbraided cord and sticks with a growing sophistication. |
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===China=== |
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{{main|History of Chinese art#Historical development to 221 BC|l1=History of Chinese Art}} |
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[[Image:Soldier Horse.JPG|left|150px|thumbnail|A terracotta soldier and his horse]] |
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Prehistoric artwork such as painted pottery in [[Neolithic]] China can be traced back to the [[Yangshao culture]] and [[Longshan culture]] of the Yellow River valley. During China's [[Bronze Age]], Chinese of the ancient [[Shang Dynasty]] and [[Zhou Dynasty]] produced multitudes of artistic bronzeware vessels for practical purposes, but also for religious ritual and [[geomancy]]. The earliest (surviving) Chinese paintings date to the [[Warring States]] period, mostly on the [[lacquer]] ware items, while the earliest surviving paintings on silk date to the [[Han Dynasty]] (example: the intricate silk paintings found at the tombs of [[Mawangdui]]). One of ancient China's most famous artistic relics remains the [[Terracotta Army]], an assembly of 8,099 individual and life-size terracotta figures (such as infantry, horses with chariots and cavalry, archers, and military officers), buried in the tomb of [[Qin Shi Huang]], the First Qin Emperor, in 210 BC. Chinese art arguably shows more continuity between ancient and modern periods than that of any other civilization, as even when foreign dynasties took the Imperial throne they did not impose new cultural or religious habits and were relatively quickly assimilated. |
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====Painting==== |
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{{main|Indian painting}} |
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[[Image:Meister des Mahâjanaka Jâtaka 001.jpg|thumb|200px|[[Jataka tales]] from the Ajanta caves]] |
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The earliest Indian paintings were the rock paintings of [[prehistory|prehistoric]] times, the [[petroglyph]]s as found in places like the [[Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka]], and some of them are older than 5500 BC. Such works continued and after several millennia, in the 7th century, carved pillars of [[Ajanta]], [[Maharashtra]] [[States and territories of India|state]] present a fine example of Indian paintings, and the colors, mostly various shades of red and orange, were derived from minerals. |
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[[Ajanta Caves]] in [[Maharashtra]], India are [[Rock cut architecture|rock-cut]] cave monuments dating back to the second century [[BCE]] and containing paintings and sculpture considered to be masterpieces of both Buddhist religious art<ref>UNESCO World Heritage Site. [http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/242 ''Ajanta Caves, India: Brief Description'']. Retrieved 27 October 2006.</ref> and universal pictorial art.<ref>[[UNESCO]] International Council on Monuments and Sites. 1982. [http://whc.unesco.org/archive/advisory_body_evaluation/242.pdf ''Ajanta Caves: Advisory Body Evaluation'']. Retrieved 27 October 2006.</ref> |
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====Sculpture==== |
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{{main|Indian sculpture}} |
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[[Image:StandingBuddha.jpg|thumb|right|180px|A sculpture of [[Siddhārtha Gautama]] the founder of [[Buddhism]]]]The first '''sculptures in [[India]]''' date back to the [[Indus Valley civilization]], where stone and bronze carvings have been discovered. This is one of the earliest instances of sculpture in the world. Later, as [[Hinduism]], [[Buddhism]] and [[Jainism]] developed further, India produced some of the most intricate bronzes in the world, as well as unriveled temple carvings. Some huge shrines, such as the one at [[Ellora]] were not |
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===Mesopotamia=== |
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[[Mesopotamia]] (modern day [[Iraq]]), is often considered the "cradle of civilization." Within its boundaries, some of the most ancient civilizations known to man first developed [[writing]] and [[agriculture]]. Many civilizations flourished there, leaving behind a rich legacy of ancient art. |
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====Sumer==== |
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[[Image:Sumerian goddess stele.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[Sumer]]ian goddess from 2120BC]] |
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[[Sumer]] was once considered to be the first [[civilization]]. Archaeological evidence attests to their existence during the [[5th millennium BC]]. The Sumerians decorated their [[pottery]] with [[cedar oil]] [[paint]]s. The Sumerians also developed [[jewelry]]. |
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One of the most remarkable artifact remaining from the Sumerian civilization is known as the ''[[Standard of Ur]]''. Dated to approximately 2500 B.C., the Standard is a wooden box inlaid with shells and [[lapis lazuli]]. It depicts [[soldiers]] presenting their [[monarch|king]] with prisoners on one side and [[peasant]]s presenting him with gifts on the other - stunning evidence attesting to the vibrancy of art in this [[ancient]] [[culture]]. |
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====Babylon==== |
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The conquest of [[Sumer]] and [[Akkad]] by [[Babylon]] marks a turning point in the artistic as well as political history of the region. |
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The Babylonians took advantage of the abundance of [[clay]] in [[Mesopotamia]] to create [[brick]]s. The use of brick led to the early development of the [[pilaster]] and [[column]], as well as of [[fresco]]es and enamelled tiles. The walls were brilliantly coloured, and sometimes plated with [[bronze]] or [[gold]] as well as with tiles. Painted [[terra-cotta]] cones were also embedded in the plaster. |
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The sean were also great [[metal]]-workers, creating functional and beautiful tools with [[copper]]. It is possible that Babylonia was the original home of copper-working, which spread westward with the civilization to which it belonged. In addition, the want of stone in Babylonia made every pebble precious and led to a high perfection in the art of [[Gemstone|gem]]-cutting. The arts of Babylon also included [[tapestries]], and Babylonian civilization was from an early date famous for its embroideries and rugs. |
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====Assyria==== |
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[[Image:Khorsabad2.jpg|thumb|right|150px|[[Assyria]]n statue]] |
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Like all other [[monarchy|kingdom]]s, the Babylonian kingdom did not last forever. When Babylon fell into decline it was eventually conquered by [[Assyria]], one of its former colonies, Assyria inherited its arts as well as its empire. |
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At first, Assyrian [[architect]]s and artists copied Babylonian styles and materials, but as time went by, however, the later Assyrians began to shake themselves free of Babylonian influences. The walls of the Assyrian palaces were lined with slabs of stone instead of brick, and were colored instead of painted as in [[Chaldea]]. In place of the [[bas relief]] we have [[sculpture|scuplted figures]], the earliest examples being the statues from [[Telloh]] which are realistic but somewhat clumsy. |
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No remarkable specimens of metallurgic art from early Assyria have been found, but at a later epoch great excellence was attained in the manufacture of such [[jewellery]] as ear-rings and bracelets of [[gold]]. [[Copper]] was also worked with skill. |
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The forms of Assyrian pottery were graceful; the [[porcelain]], like the [[glass]] discovered in the palaces of [[Nineveh]], was derived from [[Egypt]]ian originals. Transparent glass seems to have been first introduced in the reign of [[Sargon II]]. Stone as well as clay and glass were employed in the manufacture of vases. Vases of hard stone have been disinterred at Tello similar to those of the early dynastic period of Egypt. |
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Ashurbanipal had promoted art and culture and had a vast library of cuneiform tablets at Nineveh. |
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===Persia (Iran)=== |
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[[Image:Takht-jamshid.jpg|thumb|300px|After 2500 years, the ruins of Persepolis still inspire visitors from far and near.]] |
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[[Iran]] succeeded to the [[Hittite Empire]] and initially took much of its artistic styles from them. Huge palaces in rural settings, often worked on by craftsmen drawn from other nations, subject or not, were distinctive features. After the Empire was decisively overthrown by [[Alexander the Great]] a new [[Sassanian]] culture emerged, notable for palaces and metalwork. The capitals [[Susa]], [[Persepolis]], Ecbatana and Estakhr have revealed much rich Persian art. |
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====Steppe Art==== |
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{{main|Scythian art}} |
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[[Image:Scithians Pectoral.jpg|thumb|left|150px|Scythian [[pectoral]]. 4th-century B.C.]] |
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Superb samples of [[Scythian art]] - mostly golden jewelry and trappings for horse - are found over a vast expanse of land stretching from [[Hungary]] to [[Mongolia]]. Dating from the period between the 7th and 3rd centuries BC, art objects are usually diminutive, as may be expected from nomadic people always on the move. Art of the steppes is primarily an animal art, i.e., combat scenes involving several animals (real or imaginary) or single animal figures (such as golden stags) predominate. Probably the most famous find of Scythian items was made in 1947, when the Soviet archaeologist [[Sergei Rudenko]] discovered a royal burial at [[Pazyryk]], [[Altay Mountains]], which featured - among many other important objects - the most ancient extant pile [[rug]]. |
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==Central America (Mexico)== |
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===Olmec art=== |
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[[Image:CabezaColosal1 MuseoXalapa.jpg|thumb|An [[Olmec]] stone head]] |
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See [http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hi/hi_cebu.htm] for photographs of an ancient [[Olmec]] "Bird Vessel" and bowl, both [[pottery|ceramic]] and dating to circa [[1000 BC]]. Other ancient artifacts are listed (no photographs) at [http://www.nd.edu/~sniteart/collection/Galleries/MesoGallery.html]. [[Ceramics (art)|Ceramic]]s are produced in [[kiln]]s capable of exceeding approximately 900[[Celsius|°C]] (see [[pottery]]). The only other [[prehistory|prehistoric]] culture known to have achieved such high temperatures is that of [[Ancient Egypt]] ([http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1026/is_n3_v154/ai_21146424]; also see [[faience]]). |
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Much Olmec art is highly [[stylized]] and uses an iconography reflective of the religious meaning of the artworks. Some Olmec art, however, is surprisingly naturalistic, displaying an accuracy of depiction of human anatomy perhaps equaled in the Pre-Columbian New World only by the best Maya Classic era art. Olmec art-forms emphasize monumental statuary and small [[jade]] carvings. A common theme is to be found in representations of a divine [[jaguar]]. [[Olmec figurine]]s were also found abundantly through their period. |
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==Europe== |
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===Greece=== |
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====The Minoan Civilization==== |
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[[Image:Knossos fresco women.jpg|thumb|300px|Fresco showing three women]] |
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:''See also: [[Minoan pottery]]'' |
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The greatest civilization of the [[Bronze Age]] was that of the [[Minoan civilization|Minoans]], a mercantilist people who built a trading empire from their homeland of [[Crete]] and from other Aegean islands. Minoan civilization was known for its beautiful [[ceramics (art)|ceramics]], but also for its [[fresco]]s, [[landscape]]s, and stone carvings. In the early Minoan period ceramics were characterized by linear patterns of spirals, triangles, curved lines, crosses, fishbone motives and such. In the middle Minoan period naturalistic designs such fish, squids, birds and lilies were common. In the late Minoan period flowers and animals were still the most characteristic, but variability had increased. The 'palace style' of the region around [[Knossos]] is characterized by strong geometric simplification of naturalistic shapes and [[monochromatic]] painting. The Palace at Knossos was decorated with frescoes showing aspects of everyday life, including court ritual and entertainment such as bull-leaping and [[boxing]]. The [[Minoans]] were also skilled [[gold]]smiths, creating beautiful pendants and masks in the precious metal. |
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====The Mycenaen Civilization==== |
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[[Image:MaskeAgamemnon.JPG|thumb|left|150px|The [[Mask of Agamemnon]]]] |
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[[Mycenae]]n art is close to the Minoan and includes many splendid finds from the royal graves, most famously the [[Mask of Agamemnon]], a gold funeral mask. As may be seen from this item, the Mycenaens specialized in gold-working. Their artworks are known for a plethora of decorative motives employed. At some point in their cultural history, the Myceneans adopted the Minoan goddesses and associated these goddesses with their sky-god; scholars believe that the Greek pantheon of deities does not reflect Mycenean religion except for the goddesses and Zeus. These goddesses, however, are Minoan in origin. |
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====Greek art==== |
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{{main|Art in Ancient Greece}} |
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[[Image:Thebeskouros.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Kouros of the Archaic period, Thebes Archaeological Museum]] |
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Ancient Greek art includes much pottery, sculpture as well as architecture. Greek sculpture is known for the [[contrapposto]] standing of the figures. The art of Ancient Greece is usually divided stylistically into three periods: the Archaic, the Classical and the Hellenistic. The history of Ancient Greek pottery is divided stylistically into periods: the Protogeometric, the Geometric, the Late Geometric or Archaic, the Black Figure and the Red Figure. Ancient Greek art has survived most successfully in the forms of sculpture and architecture, as well as in such minor arts as coin design, pottery and gem engraving. |
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The most prestigious form of Ancient Greek painting was [[panel painting]], now known only from literary descriptions; they perished rapidly after the 4th century AD, when they were no longer actively protected. Today not much survives of Greek painting, except for late [[Fayum mummy portraits|mummy paintings]] and a few paintings on the walls of tombs, mostly in Macedonia and Italy. Painting on pottery, of which a great deal survives, gives some sense of the aesthetics of Greek painting. The techniques involved, however, were very different from those used in large-format painting. It was mainly in black and [[gold]] and was painted using different paints than the ones used on walls or wood, because it was a different surface. |
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===Rome=== |
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{{main|Roman art}} |
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[[Image:Fayum-11.jpg|thumb|100px|left|Depiction of a woman with a ringlet hairstyle. [[Royal Museum of Scotland]].]] |
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It is commonly said that Roman art was derivative from Greek and [[Etruscan art]]. Indeed, the villas of the wealthy Romans unearthed in [[Pompeii]] and [[Herculaneum]] show a strong predilection for all things Greek. Many of the most significant Greek artworks survive by virtue of their Roman interpretation and imitation. Roman artists sought to commemorate great events in the life of their state and to glorify their emperors as well as record the inner life of people, and express ideas of beauty and nobility. Their busts, and especially the images of individuals on gravestones, are very expressive and life-like, finished with skill and panache. |
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==References== |
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<div class="references-small"> |
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* Bailey, Douglass. (2005). ''Prehistoric Figurines: Representation and Corporeality in the Neolithic.'' Routledge Publishers. ISBN 0-415-33152-8 |
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</div> |
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==External links== |
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* [http://www.phoenixancientart.com Phoenix Ancient Art] |
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* [http://www.seattleartmuseum.org Seattle's Art Museum] |
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* [http://oi.uchicago.edu/ Oriental Institute] |
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[[Category:Ancient art|Arts]] |
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[[es:Arte antiguo]] {{Link FA|es}} |
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[[hu:Az ókor művészete]] |
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[[pt:Arte da Antiguidade]] |
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[[ro:Arta antică]] |
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[[sr:Рана уметност на Истоку]] |
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[[sv:Antikens konst]] |
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