Material S3 Summary

Art of the Americas

Humans traveled to the Americas during the Ice Age, from Asia. The artwork resembled that of Neolithic civilizations. It was here we find the origins of calendars, mathematics and early forms of baseball. The Teotihuacan would build giant grid-based cities, and the Mayans would build giant pyramids and structures for ritualistic purposes.

Early Medieval Art in Europe

The Roman Empire fell, and barbarians raided the lands. Angels and Saxons from Germany moved across Britain bringing with them skills in metalwork and glass work. These pieces were created with complex Celtic knots and intricate patterns. This style transferred over to early Christian art in the British Isles. The same style could be seen in their illuminated manuscripts.

Romanesque Art

Christianity began to spread across Europe. Churches began to be built in many locations. People would travel across Europe to visit these churches. They were built up with long barrel vaults, curved arches, and large apse, which was seen before in Roman architecture.

Gothic Art 

Due to the emergence of monarchy in France, we can see the rise of new architectural styles. Small towns gained more prominence and became more focused in art, and new technologies became present in architecture and design. Cathedrals were built with large ribbed vaults, beautiful stained glass, flying buttresses, and complex pointed arches.

Fourteenth-Century Art in Italy

Florence began to rise in wealth and power. Art and Literature was thriving. The culture was changing. Artist like Cimabue and Giotto were revolutionizing new styles of design. Art began to move a way from the common roman style, into a new modern style that was similar to Byzantine art.

Fifteenth-Century Art in Northern Europe

This growth of art culture could also be seen in Northern Europe. A presence of new style could be seen in painting. Realistic space was being set up through multiple perspectives. Different lighting and shading techniques could be seen in the artwork. With the development of oil paints and new rendering styles, artwork was becoming more realistic. Artwork was now being developed for the individual and personal accomplishments.

Renaissance Art

This was clearly a new age of thinking and reason. With Florence becoming more powerful, wealthy figures like the Medici family and the church began commissioning giant art projects. Artists were able to completely focus on their skill. Art, science and literature was main focus of the culture. This era gave birth to some of the greatest artist in history. Michael Angelo, Leonardo Da Vinci, and Raphael were becoming masters at sculpting, painting and architecture. Art was becoming used as a tool of knowledge, instead of just being for beauty.­­