ART 9 HANDOUTS

The Subject Matter in World Art

Introduction
The history of world art is composed of a variety of subject matter in the different areas
such as Egyptians, Greek, Roman, Renaissance, Baroque, Neoclassicism, Romanticism, Realism,
Impressionism and Expressionism. It differentiates between the mediums used in the visual arts:
painting, sculpture, architecture and installation art.

Ancient Egyptian Art [5000 B.C. - 1000 B.C.]

Flourished for over 4,000 years. Religion greatly affected the lives of the Egyptians. Their
belief in life after death urged them to build the pyramids. Ex. Sowing and Ploughing in the Fields

Ancient Greek Art [1000 B.C. - 800 B.C.]

In Greek art, daily activities of the Greeks were depicted in their jars and vases, which
showed the application of laws of unity and proportion. Ex. Elaktra by Richard Strauss

Roman Art [100 B.C. - 500 A.D.]

Borrowed from Greek art not only their art forms, but their gods and goddesses as well.
Roman art forms were not religious like the Egyptians but were guided by the political,
economical and social functions. Ex. fish mosaic Museo Archeologico Nazionale

Medieval Art [500-1000 A.D.]

Focused on the needs of the sole patron of the arts: the Church. Artworks were done either
in painting or mosaic like in the 12th century Byzantine church depicting Christ in the half dome.
Byzantine Church in Istanbul, Turkey is an example of Medieval Architecture.

Renaissance Art [1400 - 1600]

A French word that means rebirth. It had art that was inspired by the Greek artistic
tradition, the Renaissance was more wordly. Ex. School of Athens by Raphael Sanzio.

Baroque Art [1600 - 1700]

From the Portugese barroco, which means a pearl of irregular form. It describes the art
style of the 17th century, which was luxurious in form and color. Ex. Caravaggios Conversion of
St. Paul on the Road to Damascus.

Neoclassicism [1750 - 1800]

Expressed in the tradition of the Greek, Roman and Renaissance styles combined. Ex.
Revolt in Cairo.

Romanticism [1800 - 1900]

Was the era when the artists were always in search for free expression and personal
feelings. Ex. The Raft of the Medusa.

Realism [1840 - 1900]

Dealt with issues of social injustice, poverty, labor and morality.

Impressionism [1860 - 1900]

Avoided preaching and moralizing. It focused on the interplay between light and color.

Expressionism [1900 - 1945]

Paid attention to the expression of intense feelings rather than to a description of the real
and visible world.
THE MEDIUMS OF WORLD ART

Introduction
Art-making requires mediums or art materials. Medium refers to the materials used by the
artist to make artworks. Art mediums vary in form and function.

Drawing - This two-dimensional art can be done using chalk, charcoal, pastel or pencil and
ink on paper. Chalk allows you to have a variety of tonal areas. Charcoal comes in sharpened
sticks or pencils either hard or soft.

Painting - The most popular medium in two-dimensional art is painting

in oil because it offers a wide variety of colors.

Printmaking - Prints come in three categories: a) relief printing b) intaglio and c)

planographic process.

Sculpture - Clay is a medium used in sculpture. It comes in three forms: earthenware,

stoneware and porcelain.

Architecture - In architecture, stone and brick can withstand compression forces without
crushing of shape. Concrete and layers of bricks also have compressive strength.

Photography - Films are used for an analog camera. The film is developed and the negative
images are printed on photographic paper using special kinds of chemicals.

Installation Art - A variety of materials can be used to construct or assemble the structure.
Iron bars, metal sheets, bottles, glasses, light bulbs or recycled objects are put together.