History and Growth of Art - Essay Example

? Visual Arts and Film Studies, Essay Topic:  Art History Since the beginning of human civilization art has beenpart of each and every culture. From, cave man drawings in the prehistoric era to ancient civilizations like Mesopotamia and Egypt. This leads to classical civilizations in Greece, Etruscans and Rome (509 BC-337 AD). Then came Medieval to early Renaissance Art which last from 400 ADD to 1400 AD, and included Early Christian Art, Byzantine, Islamic, Migratory, Carolingian, Ottonian, Romanesque and Gothic types of art. This was followed by the High Renaissance to Early Modern Art period from 1400-1880; which included 1400 to the1500s – there was the Fifteenth-Century Italian Art; from 1495 to1527 - The High Renaissance; from 1520 to1600 – The Mannerism era; followed by The Renaissance in Northern Europe from 1325 to 1600, which had Baroque Art, The Rococo, Neo classicism / Romanticism, Realism and Impressionism. Lastly, this led to Modern art (1880- to the present time). Each period of Art reflects not only the growth in intellect but also the evolution of techniques which were honed to change the expression of art. The three types of art which will be discussed are Renaissance, as a whole from the 1200 to the 1600, which was the most exciting time for art. Romanticism marked another change in the art movement, where concepts and perceptions took a new turn. The third type of art is Impressionism, which began looking at things in a new light. Firstly, renaissance era is considered the renewal of interest in the lost arts of Greece and Rome. The birth place of the renaissance era is considered to be Italy. The art of the renaissance era shows the revival of the Romanesque and Gothic art forms. The Renaissance era is important because of the colossal change that occurred during this time, as it marks the start of an intellectual movement and the realization of a knowledge based change in perceptions. The changes in artistic perceptions were showed the drastic change in themes which occurred and the objective changed to an individual’s display of superiority. In the middle ages there was more focus on religious art forms, which was not really swayed from, but with this new breed of educated artists which were emerging were bringing about a change in artistic movement, setting new standards and reaching new heights. During this time, there was a change in the artists’ mentality and their own perceptions about themselves, where they adopted new styles which showed their own artistic individuality, particularly in sculptures which were made at that time. Because of the increase in trading in areas, and the new found wealth, the people had a very high standard of living at that time, because of which, the people aspired to acquire knowledge in different fields and it was described as a time of increased growth, as there were new ideas which were thought of and new applications being used. There was a great influx in the building of many educational institutions in the area. There was a class of scholars who had a variety of interests in science, philosophy and mathematics. Because of this newfound need for knowledge, there was a drastic change in the styles of art seen during that period. The use of mathematics, in order to improve the accuracy of figures being painted, was also seen for the first time in this era. What is ironic to know is that these practical mathematical techniques applied to art, were born during this period, which today, we take and use for granted. The study of humanistic characteristics was also initiated in this era. With the discoveries being made while studying the human anatomy, again found its use of this knowledge, which was the new craze at that time, to improve the human figures which were painted to make them look as real as possible. Prior to the renaissance era, the art forms were not as life like or even close, with human forms being depicted with disproportionate use of lines. But this new era brought about for the first time, the use of humanist techniques to produce life like humans in paintings. This era also brought about a new interest in science and religion with geniuses like Michelangelo, Raphael, and Leonardo da Vinci. The early 18th century a new movement in the history of art began and lasted a hundred years; this marked a new art form called Romanticism. It is necessary to appreciate that this period was influenced by the start of the industrial revolution in Europe, and spread through Germany, France and most of Italy was the number one reason for this type of art to emerge from it ashes. This change embodied this revolutionary movement against the conforming laws of aristocratic social and political norms. This rebellion was mostly associated with liberalism and radicalism. The change in the surroundings was so profound that people felt they had lost their freedom. And ultimately, which led to a new economic growth and booming cities but people were made to lead pre defined or even so controlled lives of mundane factory work. The Romantics, as the artists and writers, of that time, were referred to, who were reminiscent of the days of yore and fantasized about the era where a man was free to do what they pleased and led an idyllic life. These romantics actually believed that the past was way better than the present and they preferred the old, green world over this new mechanical one. The artists’ emphasis changed from the aesthetic display in art to that of an emotional trigger and this new focus was based on complex compositions of natural surroundings, which might or might not have a human figure in it. These artists produced work which showed images and compositions imagined by the artists themselves. The images allowed the viewer to visit a world untouched by humans or any other intrusive being. The names of some of the important painters during the Romantic period include William Blake, John Constable and JMW Turner. The period of Impressionism is thought to have originated in France, in the late 18th and early 19th century and was seen to be short but with a high level of impact in art history. Impressionist painting movement was started by a group of radical artists who refused to conform to the academic rules and regulations of painting and thought that the strict rules impeded the progression of self growth as far as artistic talent was concerned. Academic painting techniques dictated that for a painting to be perfect, the brush strokes should not be visible, and the lines of paint should not be visible either , and short small brush strokes should be used, with an emphasis to every detail and every pixel to ensure that a painting may be as close to the actual scene as possible. On the other hand the Impressionist painters would capture an scene or jest of the object with the use a few, strong, bold strategic strokes of the brush which showed the stroke lines on the painting. In the name of creative rebellion, a new form emerged from these actions and a need to explore other methodologies to find a medium of expression which would portray something other than realism was started. The need for acceptance was also in the air, as this new form of art and the artists grew, and because the academia refused to accept them, they formed their own societies, only the appreciation came later. Impressionism brought about a new way to show objects at different times or in different settings of light with use and play of colors around and on the object itself. This rebellious new breed of artists wanted creative freedom, by breaking the shackles of the norms and becoming more expressive with the use of a more colorful palette, which was visible in their paintings by the shifting of the lighting settings in the scenery, or reflections in inanimate objects like pools of water, building, windows especially with different shades of light produced by the sun. The paintings use the impressionism form were used to painted in haste, and usually didn’t take much time at all, the concentration seemed to be on the object and how the light hits it. Using this diverse methodology, such as large bold brush strokes and pools of paint in splotches, these artists set a new trend and broke the mould, producing many pieces of art in one day. Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Claude Monet and Sisley are a few of the well know artists of this period. As the history and growth of art seems to be marked by the need for change and a paradigm shift in the surroundings, these three eras or types of painting styles are actually dog eared for creative freedom, increase in knowledge and the thirst for something new. It would be justified to say that these three art periods defined the movements in the history of art and also which can be seen till today. The Renaissance artists not only provided the new knowledge and technology and methodology but also defined the standards for the techniques and procedures which are being used till this day, such as the use of mathematical calculations to show the perspective which allow realistic depth in painted scenes. The Romantics show their rebellion and art is again is still used to this day for the same purpose. Finally, yes admittedly, the Impressionists, by forming a new establishment of freedom and expression showed that art is not just about creativity but also a voice of the people and about setting a new trend of thinking out of the box. Reference ? A. Potts, 'Sign', in R.S. Nelson and R. Shiff, Critical Terms for Art History 2nd edn (Chicago 2003) ? M. Hatt and C. Klonk, Art History: A Critical Introduction to its Methods (Manchester 2006) Read More