Introduction to art theory - Essay Example

The lack of realism, knowledge of perspective in art and understanding of the human figure were lost with the fall of Rome. But the historians at that time claim that medieval artist concerned simply trying to send a religious message. Byzantine art culture comes next, which is often referred as one of the finest art of Middle Ages in terms of quality of material and workmanship. The Gothic art, which appeared around 13th century (art and architecture) was unique. Gothic art merged with Renaissance art at different times in different places making internationally renowned.

Renaissance art culture led to many changes in both technical aspects of painting and sculpture, as well as their subject matter. Renaissance enhanced realism in the work, such as three dimensional perspectives in more authenticated manner. Tone contrast of Titan’s portrait and sfumato and chiaroscuro by Leonardo da Vinci are notable. Art has gone through evolution as the centuries passed. The idea of renaissance emerged to sculptor Donatello who classical techniques included David as a free-standing bronze nude created in Europe since the Roman Empire.

Following him, High Renaissance artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo Buonarroti and Raffaello Santi emerged. They exhibited astounding mastery both technical and aesthetic. As the time passed many artists were repulsed by the ornate grandeur of the artistic styles and sought to revert to earlier which created intellectual movement known as Enlightenment or Neoclassicism culture. Eugene Delacroix, Francisco Goya attempted centrist approaches of Neoclassicist and Romanticist styles. The middle of 19th century marked the industrial revolution across Europe.

The European art as well became radically altered by industrialization. 1860s artistic styles were more of Neoclassicist and romanticist type. In the latter year’s poverty, squalor, and desperation were the theme of the art. The fate of the working class has