Which Cultures Have Influenced Art throughout History?

Art is a very important aspect of the society. History can clearly prove that art is more than what is recognizable by the senses but it is also a reflection of how colorful a culture is. There are various cultures that have shaped and influenced art and made it appear as how it does these days. One example that would surely be listed is the Greeks. They were the ones who created a very vivid definition of what art is all about. Greek art is known to have mainly five forms. These forms include painting, jewelry making, sculpture, architecture and pottery.

The Greeks

Greek panel painting was referred to as the most respected form of art by authors such as Pliny and Pausanias. Panel paintings are individually-created mobile paintings on wooden boards. The techniques that were used in this form of art include encaustic painting and tempera. These kinds of paintings usually depict figural scenes such as portraits and still lives. Wall painting is also a form of painting that Greeks have gain popularity from.

The tradition of this art can be traced back up to the Minoan and Mycean eras. Some famous examples of wall paintings are the "Tomb of Persephone" that can be found in Vergina, Macedonia and the "Grace of Phillip." Polychromy or the usage of various colors was also a product of the Greeks imaginative type of thinking. It has been used to enhance the visual characteristics of Greek edifices and sculptures.

The history of Greek jewelry making started in 300 B.C. when the Greeks have begun using beads that are shaped as shells and animals. By 1,400 B.C. they started using gems and gold in their jewelry. This step made the art of jewelry making even richer. The Greeks was able to master this art and this talent was passed on to the next generations. Greek sculpture and architecture shows well how talented the Greeks are.

Sculptures were usually used to depict mythological characters or significant people in Greek history. Greek architecture is known for its elegant temples that show the rich culture of the Greeks. The concept of the classical orders of the Greeks is also widely used by today's most popular architects. These orders include the Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian order. Each of these shows unique traits of Greek architecture. Traits that have always been considered in weaving one of the most celebrated form of art, architecture.

The Romans

Another group of people that has produced a quite huge influence into art are the Romans. Romans have shown true artistic talents that could be reflected in their sculptures, buildings, and paintings. Roman art has shown intense emotional expression, concern for classical clarity of weight and technical perfection. Architecture is where Roman Art has produced its greatest innovations. Due to the expansion of the Roman Empire, Romans were able to develop a lot of techniques in planning, design and city development.

The concepts of their techniques are still used by a lot of architects in developing efficient design solutions. Sculptures and paintings were the ones that showed principles of art that is still celebrated up to this day. Roman literature has also influenced the world and the aspects of it. There are also artistic movements that have influenced art throughout history. These include the neo-classism, realism, impressionism, fauvism, symbolism, cubism, surrealism and other movements. These movements were able to introduce new approaches to art and have helped a lot in developing various styles of art.

These movements were also the ones who are responsible in shaping and defining what art is. Various cultures have helped in the development of the world's most celebrated medium of expression and social development and up to this day these cultures still continues to shape not only art but the manifestations of art in the world. These cultures made art more that a coagulated mixture of paint that touch a flimsy piece of paper or a still life formed on a stiff junk of marble but a treasure everyone must cherish.

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Which Cultures Have Influenced Art throughout History?

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