The development of various art movements over the years, is fascinating. Men have felt the need to speak, from the earliest drawings of animals on the walls of the cave. Art reflects society, the natural world and the human condition. It may not be all to everyone’s taste, but it is generally something that appeals to us about the history of art.
The first art concerned itself with the immediate vicinity; paintings of hunting parties and daily life. Later, religious paintings dominated, with performances of the great stories of the Bible and the crucifixion of Christ. The great artists of the Renaissance, like da Vinci, Michelangelo and Bernini were commissioned by the religious leaders of the day and we are left with a glorious heritage of their work.
Painting moved on to other subjects and landscapes and portraits were very popular. Masters of the form, such as Rembrandt and Vermeer. To date, the history of art has been concerned with an accurate representation of the world. This was to change, because artists are more stylish and put more emphasis on how they saw the world as an individual. John Constable is often cited as the beginning of modern art that we know today. J.M.W. Turner work grew increasingly abstract. Artists are beginning to experiment with color and form.
Cezanne and Monet opened the way for Impressionism, which is quite shocking to the public when it first appeared. Post-Impressionism of Van Gogh also shocked the world by the bold use of color and vigorous brushstrokes.
The 20th century saw many movements come and go, with most successful artists in their own lives. Art history can not be told without the inclusion of Pablo Picasso, which went through several phases. His contribution has been more controversial than Cubism, which repels and yet enthralls today. Surrealism is another movement, which made a big impact. This art is the result of the study of their dream world of artists and unconscious, are the main representatives Rene Magritte, Salvador Dali and Max Ernst.
The 1960s brought the Pop Art, as illustrated by Andy Warhol, Jasper Johns and Richard Hamilton. These artists paint every day and objects inspired by the world of advertising.
Art has come a long way since the cave paintings. In a sense we have come full circle in the history of art, given the minimalist painting of view today. Also included are art installations and video shows. I wonder what da Vinci would say about all this?
Tags: art history
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