Medieval Period (c. 500 - 1500):
* Focus on religious themes: Art served primarily a didactic purpose, illustrating religious stories and reinforcing faith.
* Emphasis on craftsmanship and skill: Skillful execution and realistic depiction were highly valued.
* Hierarchical structure: The importance of figures in a work was reflected in their size and position.
Renaissance (c. 14th - 16th centuries):
* Humanism and naturalism: There was a renewed interest in the human form and the natural world.
* Focus on perspective and realism: Artists aimed to create illusions of depth and space.
* Rise of individual artists: Artists began to be recognized for their individual styles and contributions.
Baroque (c. 1600 - 1750):
* Drama and grandeur: Art was characterized by emotional intensity, movement, and extravagance.
* Emphasis on light and shadow: Artists used chiaroscuro to create dramatic effects.
* Shift towards secular themes: Religious themes were less dominant, with an increasing focus on mythology, history, and portraiture.
19th Century:
* Romanticism: Emphasis on emotion, imagination, and individualism.
* Realism: Focus on depicting everyday life and social issues.
* Impressionism: Emphasis on capturing fleeting moments and subjective experiences.
20th Century and Beyond:
* Abstract art: Moving away from representation and focusing on form, color, and composition.
* Modernism: Experimentation with new materials and techniques, challenging traditional artistic boundaries.
* Postmodernism: Questioning traditional notions of art and beauty, embracing irony and ambiguity.
* Contemporary art: A vast and diverse landscape incorporating performance art, installation art, digital art, and more.
So, how has the definition of art changed?
* Purpose: Art has moved from primarily serving religious and didactic purposes to exploring a vast range of themes, ideas, and emotions.
* Representation: The focus has shifted from realistic representation to abstract concepts and subjective experiences.
* Materials and techniques: Art now encompasses a vast array of materials, from traditional mediums to digital technology.
* Concept of beauty: The traditional notion of beauty has been challenged and expanded to include ugliness, absurdity, and shock.
The definition of art is not static but rather a fluid and evolving concept. It continues to be shaped by societal influences, technological advancements, and the individual visions of artists.