The Art Movements and its Transformation
We all have our sensibilities when it comes to visual art. When a new trend is brought to our attention, most of us could ask, “What is that...?” A black dot on a white canvas is interpreted by the “experts” as fine art, specified as “high-brow art.” Those super cultivated and familiar with high-brow art will see the meaning of life in the dot. The others, including myself, will see a blank canvas with a back dot. I asked myself, do we have to feel stupid for not visiting the philosophy and meaning behind the black dot? I decided to educate myself and hope you will follow me on my journey.
Prehistoric Art from 40,000-4,000 B.C;
When writing appeared, civilizations like Mesopotamia, Greece, Egypt, and Rome (among others) developed monarchical societies with sophisticated urbanization; art served to tell stories, decorate utilitarian objects like bowls and weapons, display religious and symbolic themes, and demonstrate social status.
The cave wall paintings depict daily life and visions of the world around them.
Renaissance Art (1400–1600)
The Middle Ages was referred to as the “Dark Ages”. But it was also a time of great discovery and inventions in science, technology, and mathematics. Religion managed every moment of everyone’s life. Cathedrals flourished as a gateway to heaven, and religious themes adorned their walls and ceilings. Like the Medici of Florence, a great Arts patron, Rich Patron was a time of rebirth; the Renaissance was born; Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael focused on realism, human anatomy, and expression.
Mannerism (1527–1580)
Renaissance artists and mannerism artists stepped away from the subject matter, focused on style and techniques, and stylized their compositions, removing classical ideals of harmonious codesigned linear perspective. Giorgio Vasari and Francesco Salviati are considered to be among the favorite Mannerism painters in Florence.
Baroque (1600–1750)
During the Baroque period, she used intense contrast between light and dark, energetic compositions matched by rich color palettes, primarily for drama. Caravaggio and Dutch painter Rembrandt.
Rococo (1699–1780)
Rococo originated in Paris. In contrast, It primarily used lighthearted, elegant, carefree compositions using fresh pastels and light colors set in pastoral scenes. Antoine Watteau was a French painter who lived in the 18th century. and Francois Boucher.
Neoclassicism (1750–1850)
Neoclassical artists renewed their interest in the classics, which were influenced by classical elements focusing on idealism with a modern touch. Joseph Mary Vien and Jacques-Louis David.
Romanticism (1780–1850)
Romanticism Amid the French Revolution and the heroic battles of the Napoleonic War, passionate artists emerged who painted against the restraint of the academic art establishment. Artists also focused on passion, emotion, and sensation over intellect and reason. “Plein Air Painting” made its debut. Francisco De Goya and Eugene Delacroix.
Realism (1848–1900)
Realism began in France in the 1840s. Realism resulted from multiple events, including the anti-Romantic movement in Germany; the authenticity rejected the heightened emotionalism and drama of the Romantic movement. Instead, it sought to depict real people and life with all its faults and shortcomings—the focus on non-idealized subjects and events. Gustave Courbet and Edouard Manet.
Art Nouveau (1890–1910)
“Artists in the Art Nouveau movement painted only what they could physically see, focusing on the natural world. They used long, sinuous lines and curves in their work. Influential Art Nouveau artists, such as Alphonse Mucha and Gustav Klimt, worked in various media, including applied arts, graphics, and illustration.”
Impressionism (1865–1885)
Impressionism, the most famous art movement, was created by a group of French artists who the Salon des Beaux-Arts rejected. In response, they formed the Salon des Refusés to exhibit their paintings. These artists aimed to capture immediate impressions, colors, and moments. They found their subjects in everyday life, such as ballrooms, seashores, lounges, and fields, often depicting the same subject at different times or seasons. Some notable Impressionist artists include Claude Monet, Paul Gauguin, and Vincent van Gogh.
Post-Impressionism (1885–1910)
Post-Impressionist painters distance themselves from the impressionist by removing all details from the subjects, focusing only on primary, abstract, geometrical forms and broad color strokes to bring forth the essence of the work. Toulouse Lautrec and Paul Cezanne
This overviews how the Great Art Movements have evolved from Prehistoric to Impressionism.
In conclusion,
From prehistoric art to Impressionism, great art movements have all been influenced by previous ones. New generations of artists explore new perspectives and also draw inspiration from the works of the past. Popularity doesn’t necessarily indicate superiority; it simply means greater recognition. I appreciate artistic style, but I also remain open to the work of emerging artists. I recommend visiting museums or galleries online or in person to explore creative expressions. You might be pleasantly surprised by what you discover.
Reference: Suggested Sites for Great Art Movements from Prehistoric Art to Impressionism :
Museum: Metropolitan Museum, MoMA, Guggenheim.
Galleries.Virtual Art Exhibitions to Enjoy from the comfort of your home.