The history of art dates back to the Stone Age. Since then development of art, follow a certain line of evolvement with specific artifacts and themes characterizing the various chronological periods of art history. It is not possible to analyze each period of art development, and therefore the discussion will sample three major chronological periods: Prehistoric art, Ancient Egypt art, and the Greek art. The discussion will as well point out, if any, similarities and differences between the subsequent chronological periods.
Prehistoric art is the earliest form art dating back to 40,000 years ago (Bailey 2005). Others would refer it as the art of the Stone Age because most of the artifacts were stone carvings. Human being carved stones into different shapes to depict various messages in selected themes. The most common artifacts during this period include the cave paintings, carvings of fertility goddess, and the megalithic structures (Bailey 2005). Cave paintings are were mainly done on the walls and ceilings of caves. The common themes panted were wild animals capable of being hunted by human beings. Examples include horses, deer, and the aurochs. Painting of human beings was not allowed, the belief being that it was against religion (Bailey 2005).
The motive behind cave paintings still remains a puzzle many historians because human beings did not usually inhabit the caves. However, unconfirmed claims say that such paintings were religious. Other theories argue that it was a means of communication for different groups only familiar with the meaning (Bailey 2005).
The curving of the fertility goddess, also known as the “Venus of Willendorf” is one of the most famous artifacts of the prehistoric age, estimated to be more than 25,000 years. However, its significance is not clear up to date, but some theories argue that it represented women fertility (Bailey 2005).
Megalithic structures were huge stone structures constructed by joining blocks of stones to make different shapes. It historians believe that they were commonly used as burial sites and other ritual ceremonies. The most common structure was the “Portal Tomb” discovered in Europe (Bailey 2005).
Ancient Egypt art is another art period that came much later after the historic period. It is worth noting that it is not the period preceding the prehistoric art. Symbolic paintings and sculptures are the main characteristics of this age. Unlike in the prehistoric period, Ancient Egypt art had specific meaning with the main themes being animals, human beings, gods, and all sorts of nature. Another remarkable difference between this age and the prehistoric age is the inclusion of human being paintings and sculptures that was highly prohibited during the prehistoric period (Smith &Simpson, 1998).
Most symbolic paintings and sculptures symbolized life after death. In this case, for example, if someone died, his/her tomb was colored with different paintings symbolizing whatever he/she liked doing during their lifetime. The belief was that such people would continue doing what they liked from the paintings. However, other arts would symbolize gods, and prominent heroes. Color in this period of art was as well significant. The best example is the red color that represented youth, yellow represented men, and women of middle age, while blue would represent divine power. Therefore, to identify what any painting or sculpture, symbolized one needed a good knowledge of the different colors (Smith &Simpson, 1998). The most famous arts are the monumental sculptures.
Another art form commonly identifiable with the Ancient Egypt age is pottery. Artists made images of animals and nature using clay, and sometimes enamel. However, the art retained its symbolic nature and color significance. It is important to note that these pottery symbols were put inside the tombs if the dead used to make and use them (Smith &Simpson, 1998). This still emphasizes on the belief of life after death.
Greek art is largely influenced by religion and the eastern civilization. Unlike in the other periods, Greek art includes jewelry making. Paintings and sculpture carried religious meanings and mainly done in temples at the Roman Empire (Whitley 2001). Pottery was partly symbolic because some of it was done for ordinary use at the homesteads and ceremonies. However, pottery artifacts would be a symbol if victory in games and other battles between communities. Specific trophies made from clay were the ultimate rewards to the winners (Whitley 2001). It is worth noting that coins used by the ancient Greek were a product of art. Coins carried different portraits most of which were symbolic as well.
Sculptures were only made from stones. Notably, Greek sculptures could not be used ordinary in homesteads but were only used as a form of memorial, mostly to honor reputable leaders of the Roman Empire (Whitley 2001). Jewelry, which is more related to the postmodernism art was as a result of eastern civilization. It took a business perspective, though in some cases it was made for ceremonial purposes mostly at funerals and weddings.
In conclusion, the three periods discussed have distinct characteristics based on the artifacts, themes, and symbolism. However, it is important to note that they all have a common feature: paintings and sculptures.