Art History I – Prehistory to Middle Ages

Unit 1 – Prehistoric Art: Origins and Techniques

Unit 2 – Paleolithic Art: Cave Art and Sculptures

Unit 3 – Neolithic Art: Megaliths and Pottery

Unit 4 – Ancient Egyptian Art: Old to New Kingdom

Unit 5 – Ancient Egyptian Art: Sculpture & Architecture

Unit 6 – Ancient Near Eastern Art: Early Civilizations

Unit 7 – Ancient Near Eastern Art: Assyria to Persia

Unit 8 – Aegean Art: Cycladic to Mycenaean Cultures

Unit 9 – Greek Art: Geometric & Archaic Eras

Unit 10 – Greek Art: Classical & Hellenistic Eras

Unit 11 – Etruscan Art: Sculpture and Architecture

Unit 12 – Roman Art: Republic to Early Empire

Unit 13 – Roman Art: Imperial and Late Antique Eras

Unit 14 – Early Christian Art: Catacombs and Mosaics

Unit 15 – Byzantine Art: Early & Middle Periods

Unit 16 – Early Medieval: Insular & Carolingian Art

Unit 17 – Romanesque Art: Architecture & Sculpture

Unit 18 – Gothic Art: Architecture & Sculpture

Unit 19 – Late Medieval Art: Renaissance Precursors

Unit 20 – Art History: Review and Synthesis

## What do you learn in Art: Prehistoric to Middle Ages

You'll explore the origins and development of art from prehistoric cave paintings to medieval cathedrals. The course covers ancient civilizations like Egypt, Greece, and Rome, as well as early Christian, Byzantine, and Islamic art. You'll analyze sculptures, paintings, architecture, and decorative arts, learning about their cultural contexts and significance.

## Is Art: Prehistoric to Middle Ages hard?

It's not too bad, honestly. There's a lot of memorization involved - dates, artists, and artwork names can be a pain. But the content itself is pretty interesting, which makes it easier to digest. The hardest part is usually keeping all the different periods and styles straight in your head. As long as you stay on top of the readings and review regularly, you should be fine.

## Tips for taking Art: Prehistoric to Middle Ages in college

1. Use [Fiveable Study Guides](https://fiveable.me/cram-mode) to help you cram 🌶️
2. Create a timeline to visualize the progression of art periods
3. Make flashcards for key artworks, including their name, artist, date, and notable features
4. Visit local museums to see artworks from these periods in person
5. Watch "Civilizations" on PBS for a great overview of art history
6. Form a study group to discuss and compare artworks from different periods
7. Practice describing artworks out loud to improve your analysis skills
8. Read "The Story of Art" by E.H. Gombrich for additional context

## Common pre-requisites for Art: Prehistoric to Middle Ages

1. Introduction to Art History: This course provides a broad overview of art from various periods and cultures. It introduces key concepts and terminology used in art analysis.

2. World History I: This class covers major historical events and civilizations up to the Middle Ages. It provides crucial context for understanding the societies that produced the art you'll study.

## Classes similar to Art: Prehistoric to Middle Ages

1. Renaissance to Modern Art: This course picks up where Prehistoric to Middle Ages leaves off. It covers the explosion of artistic innovation from the Renaissance through the 20th century.

2. Ancient Mediterranean Art and Archaeology: Dive deeper into the art and material culture of ancient Greece, Rome, and surrounding civilizations. You'll learn about archaeological methods and how they inform our understanding of ancient art.

3. Medieval Art and Architecture: Focus specifically on the rich artistic traditions of the Middle Ages. You'll explore Romanesque and Gothic styles, illuminated manuscripts, and religious iconography.

4. Non-Western Art History: Expand your horizons by studying art from Africa, Asia, and the Americas. This course provides a global perspective on artistic traditions outside the Western canon.

## Majors related to Art: Prehistoric to Middle Ages

1. Art History: Focuses on the study of visual arts throughout history. Students learn to analyze, interpret, and contextualize artworks from various cultures and time periods.

2. Archaeology: Involves the study of human history through the excavation and analysis of artifacts. Students learn about ancient cultures, field methods, and how to interpret material remains.

3. Museum Studies: Prepares students for careers in museums and cultural institutions. The curriculum covers collection management, exhibition design, and the role of museums in society.

4. Classical Studies: Concentrates on the languages, literature, and cultures of ancient Greece and Rome. Students gain a deep understanding of the foundations of Western civilization.

## What can you do with a degree in Art: Prehistoric to Middle Ages?

1. Museum Curator: Organizes and manages museum collections and exhibitions. Curators research artworks, plan displays, and often specialize in specific periods or types of art.

2. Art Conservator: Works to preserve and restore artworks and historical artifacts. Conservators use scientific methods and artistic skills to maintain the integrity of cultural heritage objects.

3. Art Appraiser: Evaluates the authenticity and value of artworks for auction houses, insurance companies, or private collectors. Appraisers need a keen eye and extensive knowledge of art history and the art market.

4. Cultural Heritage Manager: Oversees the preservation and promotion of historical sites and monuments. This role involves working with local communities, government agencies, and tourists to protect and share cultural heritage.

## Art: Prehistoric to Middle Ages FAQs

1. Do I need to be good at drawing to take this class? Not at all! The focus is on analyzing and understanding art, not creating it.

2. Are there field trips in this course? Many professors organize visits to local museums or galleries, but it varies by school and instructor.

3. How much writing is involved? Expect to write several short papers analyzing specific artworks, and possibly a longer research paper on a chosen topic.

4. Will we cover non-Western art in this class? While the focus is mainly on Western art, many courses now include some examples from other cultures for comparison and context.

Art History

1.3 Interpreting Prehistoric Art: Theories and Challenges

1.2 Archaeological Methods and Dating Techniques

1.1 Definition and Timeline of Prehistoric Art

2.4 Symbolism and Possible Meanings in Paleolithic Art

2.3 Paleolithic Sculptures: Venus Figurines and Animal Representations

2.1 Major Paleolithic Cave Art Sites and Their Characteristics

2.2 Techniques and Materials Used in Cave Paintings

3.4 Early Metalworking and Its Impact on Neolithic Art

3.3 Neolithic Pottery: Styles, Techniques, and Cultural Implications

3.2 Megalithic Architecture: Types, Construction, and Significance

3.1 Transition from Paleolithic to Neolithic: Changes in Art and Society

4.4 New Kingdom Art: Imperial Expansion and Artistic Developments

4.3 Middle Kingdom Art: Innovations and Regional Styles

4.2 Old Kingdom Art: Pyramids, Mastabas, and Royal Sculptures

4.1 Historical Overview of Ancient Egyptian Dynasties

5.2 Funerary Art: Tomb Paintings, Sarcophagi, and Burial Goods

5.1 Egyptian Canons of Representation in Sculpture and Painting

5.3 Temple Architecture: Design, Function, and Symbolism

5.4 Materials and Techniques in Egyptian Art

6.1 Sumerian Art: Ziggurats, Votive Sculptures, and Cylinder Seals

6.3 Babylonian Art: The Code of Hammurabi and Ishtar Gate

6.2 Akkadian Art: Innovations in Royal Portraiture and Relief Sculpture

7.2 Neo-Babylonian Architecture and the Hanging Gardens

7.3 Persian Art: Persepolis and Achaemenid Royal Imagery

7.1 Assyrian Palace Reliefs and Monumental Sculpture

8.1 Cycladic Art: Marble Figurines and Their Influence

8.2 Minoan Art: Palace Complexes, Frescoes, and Pottery

8.3 Mycenaean Art: Citadels, Tholos Tombs, and Metalwork

8.4 Interconnections and Trade in Aegean Art

9.1 Geometric Period: Pottery Styles and Funerary Art

9.2 Archaic Sculpture: Kouroi, Korai, and the Development of Naturalism

9.3 Archaic Architecture: Early Temples and the Doric Order

9.4 Black-Figure and Red-Figure Pottery Techniques

10.1 Classical Sculpture: Contrapposto and Ideal Proportions

10.2 The Parthenon and Classical Greek Temple Architecture

10.3 Hellenistic Sculpture: Emotion, Movement, and Realism

10.4 Greek Painting and Mosaics

11.1 Etruscan Funerary Art: Sarcophagi and Tomb Paintings

11.3 Etruscan Bronze Sculpture and Metalwork

11.2 Etruscan Temple Architecture and Terracotta Decoration

12.1 Roman Portraiture: Verism and Imperial Imagery

12.2 Roman Architecture: Arches, Vaults, and the Use of Concrete

12.3 Wall Painting Styles and Domestic Decoration

12.4 Early Imperial Monuments and Relief Sculpture

13.3 Late Antique Art: Stylistic Changes and Christian Influence

13.1 Monumental Architecture: Colosseum, Pantheon, and Baths

13.2 Provincial Roman Art and Cultural Assimilation

14.1 Catacomb Paintings and Early Christian Symbolism

14.2 Early Christian Architecture: Basilicas and Baptisteries

14.3 Christian Sarcophagi and the Adaptation of Roman Imagery

14.4 Early Christian Mosaics: Techniques and Iconography

15.1 Early Byzantine Architecture: Hagia Sophia and Church Design

15.2 Byzantine Mosaics and Icons: Style and Function

15.3 Byzantine Manuscript Illumination

15.4 Middle Byzantine Art: The Macedonian Renaissance

16.1 Insular Art: Illuminated Manuscripts and Metalwork

16.2 Carolingian Architecture and the Revival of Roman Forms

16.3 Carolingian Manuscript Illumination and Ivory Carving

17.1 Romanesque Architecture: Pilgrimage Churches and Monasteries

17.2 Romanesque Sculpture: Tympana and Capital Decoration

17.3 Romanesque Wall Paintings and Manuscripts

17.4 Regional Variations in Romanesque Art

18.1 Gothic Cathedral Architecture: Structural Innovations and Style

18.2 Gothic Sculpture: Jamb Figures and Narrative Relief

18.3 Stained Glass: Techniques, Iconography, and Light Symbolism

18.4 Late Gothic Art and International Gothic Style

19.1 Italian Proto-Renaissance: Giotto and the Sienese School

19.2 Northern Gothic Painting: Panel Paintings and Manuscripts

19.3 Early Renaissance Innovations in Perspective and Naturalism

20.1 Chronological Overview of Art from Prehistory to Middle Ages

20.2 Comparative Analysis of Major Art Historical Periods

20.3 Enduring Themes and Influences in Medieval Art

Browse all Art History I – Prehistory to Middle Ages Key Terms

About Us

Resources

Stay Connected

© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

About Us

Resources

© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

Back

Next