WHAT IS THE ORIGIN OF ART? - HISTORY - 2025

The origin of art appears in the Palaeolithic period; Although it is said that specifically in the Upper Palaeolithic, the paintings and sketches in the caves give an indication that the origin of art takes place in the Lower Palaeolithic.

The meaning of the word art can be attributed to a product (piece, painting) or an activity (a play for example) that has the purpose of communicating or expressing something in particular. Emotions are often the cogs of inspiration for artists.

It is worth clarifying that the concept of what is considered art has varied according to the time and geographical region, and that it is also subject to many different interpretations.

In prehistory, which is the period of birth of art, theories assume that the main purpose of art was religious (beliefs and spiritual manifestations), followed later by aesthetic (intention to adorn).

The Origin of Art: Prehistory

To understand art in the past, it is necessary to resort to manipulable pieces and objects of the time (which is also known as movable art), since all kinds of art related to the activity (for example, dances) is completely inaccessible.

Paleolithic art: Head of a horse whinnying from the cave of Mas d'Azil (Pyrenees, France) Saint-Germain-en-Laye Museum.

It is also possible to rely on wall art (known as rock art), since the paintings in the caves have been preserved over time, and it is well known that these were the refuge of the human being at that time.

Altamira bison, Cantabria, Spain. By Rameessos (Own work), via Wikimedia Commons

The origin of art is attributed to Europe, mainly in the areas of Spain and France; moreover, practically all prehistoric art can be reduced to that geographical area.

Palaeolithic art in the Franco-Spanish area By Vincent Mourre and José-Manuel Benito, via Wikimedia Commons

However, at the end of the last ice age, much artistic material from the region disappeared for unknown reasons.

It is then that in the new period (the Holocene period), art seems to take place in every corner of the world in a synchronized way.

Cave painting takes place in both caves in Argentina and Australia; that is, the practice had spread throughout the world.

Impressions in the Cuevas de las Manos on the Pinturas River in the province of Santa Cruz, Argentina. By Mariano (Own work), via Wikimedia Commons

Main topics

Art in prehistoric times was almost entirely representative or figurative. Although there were idealizations and distortions, the objects or living beings that appeared in the carved or painted art, were recognizable. There was not much abstract art.

The most common was to see representations of animals, followed by human beings; and on other occasions, hybrids could be seen between these (with certainty, they were representations related to deities).

Relief: Fish from the Gorge d'Enfer cave (France). By José-Manuel Benito (Own work), via Wikimedia Commons

There were also some somewhat enigmatic symbols and signs, but they were identifiable, such as the sexual organs.

Female organ: vulva-shaped symbol, Musée de Saint-Germain-en-Laye, Paris. By Calame (Own work), via Wikimedia Commons

As for abstract art, these drawings were known as Ideomorphs.

Claviform type ideomorphs from panel number 58, from Gallery B (second sanctuary) of La Pasiega Cave, on Mount Castillo, Puente Viesgo (Cantabria, Spain)

Techniques for art on walls, stones and bones

To paint in the caves, the hands were used mainly (and sometimes the mouth to spit the paint), although branches, beautiful animals and vegetable fibers were also used as work tools.

The paint and its colors consisted of mineral and organic pigments along with resin (or grease).

For engraving (fine incisions) and relief (deep incisions) on solid surfaces (rocks and bones), the burin was used as a tool, which was a small tool made from stone and played the role of a chisel in those times.

While engraving appears in the early Paleolithic times as an equivalent of drawing to painting, relief can only be seen at the end of it.

The Paleolithic Venuses

The Paleolithic Venuses are female figurines and small in size (at most they reached ten inches long). For its manufacture, materials such as:

• Stone
• Ivory
• Wood
• Bone
• Terracotta
• Animal horns

There are several types of specimens of Venus discovered to date, although they have some features in common, such as:

• Extremely large sexual organs.
• Small arms and feet.
• They do not have a defined face (or simply, it does not exist).

Venus of Lespugue. By José-Manuel Benito (Own work), via Wikimedia Commons

These statuettes belong to the group of movable art, and it is the most popular type of Palaeolithic art. Palaeolithic Venuses have been found not only in the Franco-Spanish area, but also in areas such as Italy and Siberia.

From the origin of art to the present day

Since its origins in prehistory mentioned previously, art has been transforming and diversifying over time in every corner of the planet. Some examples of post-prehistoric art:

Greek art

The figure of the human body in sculpture and the temples in architecture stood out.

Ruins of a Greek temple in the sunlight (Sicily). By miss karen http://www.flickr.com/photos/misbehave/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/misbehave/143086203/), via Wikimedia Commons

Roman art

Roman art has a great influence from Greek art and reached many corners of the European continent due to the Empire.

Hercules - See page for author, via Wikimedia Commons

Art in the Renaissance

With perspective, new models of representation emerge. The Renaissance is considered a time of great cultural splendor in Europe.

The Birth of Venus (1485), by Sandro Botticelli. Sandro Botticelli, via Wikimedia Commons

Pre-Columbian art

The art developed (architecture, sculpture, painting, among others) by the civilizations that inhabited the American continent before the arrival of the Europeans.

Disc of death. See page for author, via Wikimedia Commons

Contemporary Art (From 1800 AD to today)

The evolution of art becomes exponential. Different techniques, interpretations and styles appear and are constantly developing.

Traveler in Front of the Sea of ​​Fog (1818), by Caspar David Friedrich. Caspar David Friedrich, via Wikimedia Commons

References

1. Jenkins, Henry. (2002). The Politics and Pleasures of Popular Culture. North Carolina, United States: Duke University Press.
2. Honor, Hugh and Fleming, John. (2002). World history of art. Madrid, Spain: Akal.
3. Gombrich, E. & Torroella, R. (1997). The history of Art. Madrid Barcelona: Readers Circle Debate.
4. Beardsley, M., Hospers, J. & Calle. (1997). Aesthetics: history and foundations. Madrid: Chair.
5. Azcárate, J., nchez, A. & Dominguez, J. (1979). History of art. Madrid: Anaya.