Prehistoric Art in Europe and the Mediterranean
Cave paintings are a type of parietal art (which category also includes petroglyphs, or engravings), found on the wall or ceilings of caves. The term usually implies prehistoric origin, but cave paintings can also be of recent production: In the Gabarnmung cave of northern Australia, the oldest paintings certainly predate 28,000 years ago, while the most recent ones were made less than a century ago.
The oldest known cave paintings are close to 40,000 years old (art of the Upper Paleolithic), found in both the Franco-Cantabrian region in western Europe, and in the caves in the district of Maros (Sulawesi, Indonesia). The oldest type of cave paintings are hand stencils and simple geometric shapes; the oldest undisputed examples of figurative cave paintings are somewhat younger, close to 35,000 years old. A 2018 study claimed an age of 64,000 years for the oldest examples of (non-figurative) cave art in Iberia, which would imply that production by Neanderthals rather than modern humans.
Prehistoric artworks are particularly important records of the lives of our early ancestors, because written records of these cultures do not exist. What we know of these people can only be discovered through archaeological finds.
The earliest paintings in the El Castillo Cave in Spain were red spheres made by blowing pigment (red ocher) through a reed. These humans would blow pigment around their hand like a stencil.
The oldest known cave paintings are close to 40,000 years old (art of the Upper Paleolithic), found in both the Franco-Cantabrian region in western Europe, and in the caves in the district of Maros (Sulawesi, Indonesia). The oldest type of cave paintings are hand stencils and simple geometric shapes; the oldest undisputed examples of figurative cave paintings are somewhat younger, close to 35,000 years old. A 2018 study claimed an age of 64,000 years for the oldest examples of (non-figurative) cave art in Iberia, which would imply that production by Neanderthals rather than modern humans.
Prehistoric artworks are particularly important records of the lives of our early ancestors, because written records of these cultures do not exist. What we know of these people can only be discovered through archaeological finds.
The earliest paintings in the El Castillo Cave in Spain were red spheres made by blowing pigment (red ocher) through a reed. These humans would blow pigment around their hand like a stencil.
The most common type of prehistoric artworks found throughout the world are small female sculptures that suggest a preoccupation with fertility. The figure below is the Venus of Laussel, found in Marquay, Dordogne, France. The figure may represent a shaman and the horn could have been used for a ritual designed to ensure a successful hunt, or as a musical instrument.
On the Cycladic Islands, now part of modern day Greece, a number of human figures, carved out of white marble, have been found, many of them at grave sites. The figures usually have a long head and protruding nose; they are generic renderings of females, rather than individual portraits. These figures date back to around 2500 BCE.
Other significant early works of art from the Mediterranean region come from the Catalhoyuk, Turkey. Fragment of wall paintings remain from a large building complex that stood between c. 7000 and 5700 BCE. Inhabitants of the settlements lived in mud-brick homes, which they entered from the rooftops; there was no organized street system. The deceased were buried beneath the floors. Paintings from Catalhoyuk depict humans and animals, one intriguing but faint wall painting re-creates the design of the town.
Just over 100 miles south of the Cyclades and a little later in time was the Minoan on the island of Crete from about 2700 to about 1200 BCE. Minoan cities grew wealthy as centers of trade. The Minoans built palaces in the center of their cities, the largest being King Mino's Palace of Knossos. The importance of bulls in Minoan culture can be seen from their inclusion in the Minotaur myth and in much of Minoan art. Several sculptures and frescoes with scenes of bulls were found throughout the Palace of Knossos. Bull-leaping, boxing, and acrobatic scenes were common subjects in Minoan art, evidence of an athletic people.
What you need on your poster:
You can create a poster for one of the following civilizations, types of artwork or cultures:
-Cave Paintings
-Prehistoric Fertility Sculptures
-Artwork from the Cycladic Islands
-Art from Catalhoyuk, Turkey
-Art from the Minoan on the island of Crete
Poster must include:
-At least three different pictures of the artwork with a title and date of each piece if possible.
-A brief description (small paragraph) of that type of artwork or area.
-A timeline or description of the time period in which this artwork was created or when this culture existed.
-Specific characteristics about the artwork such as how it was made and what materials were used.
-Posters much include a reference section in APA style of where you found the information.
-Poster must be visually appealing and easy to read. These will be hung in the hallway.
Art Practice:
After your poster is finished try one of the art forms from the historic pieces using more modern methods. You do not have to make a finished piece. Just show evidence that you tried one of the art techniques. You will fill out one of the art reviews/critique after you have completed your practice. (2-3 days)
Examples:
-Recreate a cave painting using chalk and charcoal on crumpled paper.
-Carve a fertility sculpture out of dried clay.
-Watercolor Painting of your city.
You can create a poster for one of the following civilizations, types of artwork or cultures:
-Cave Paintings
-Prehistoric Fertility Sculptures
-Artwork from the Cycladic Islands
-Art from Catalhoyuk, Turkey
-Art from the Minoan on the island of Crete
Poster must include:
-At least three different pictures of the artwork with a title and date of each piece if possible.
-A brief description (small paragraph) of that type of artwork or area.
-A timeline or description of the time period in which this artwork was created or when this culture existed.
-Specific characteristics about the artwork such as how it was made and what materials were used.
-Posters much include a reference section in APA style of where you found the information.
-Poster must be visually appealing and easy to read. These will be hung in the hallway.
Art Practice:
After your poster is finished try one of the art forms from the historic pieces using more modern methods. You do not have to make a finished piece. Just show evidence that you tried one of the art techniques. You will fill out one of the art reviews/critique after you have completed your practice. (2-3 days)
Examples:
-Recreate a cave painting using chalk and charcoal on crumpled paper.
-Carve a fertility sculpture out of dried clay.
-Watercolor Painting of your city.