Art History

The history of Art is long and varied, spanning tens of thousands of years from ancient paintings on the walls of caves
to the glow of computer-generated images on the screens of the 21st century.


Art History


"The role of art is to make a world which can be inhabited" - William Saroyan

Preface - What Is Art?

A discussion of what art is and can be, and what we mean by "art history" - a brief summary of the book.

Prehistoric Art

Aboriginal art works, European "cavemen" artworks such as the drawings at Lascaux and Cauvet.

Ancient Art

Egyptian, Greek and Roman (including Early Christian) Art, and their effects on the development of Art.

Medieval Art

Artworks from the European Middle Ages, including Gothic Art and Panel Painting.

The Renaissance

Including such artists as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.

The 17th Century

Other works from the 1600's, excluding the Renaissance movement.

The 18th Century

All major artworks, movements and artists from the 18th Century, including the Rococo movement and Neoclassicism.

The 19th Century

One of the biggest centuries in artistic history was the 19th century, with major movements such as Impressionism and Realism.

The 20th Century

Modernism, Post-Modernism, Surrealism, Cubism, Hyperrealism and all other artists and movements.

The 21st Century

Neo-Futurism, Stuckism

Glossary and Theory

A Glossary and compendium of artistic theory to help the reader gain a wider knowledge of art history.

Movements - Glossary of art movements

Authors and Contributors

Participants helping to develop this text.