Paleolithic and Neolithic Art
As humans began to settle in communities and domesticate animals and plants, the Neolithic period is known for this (Curtis, 2006). During this time, sculptures were employed for ritualistic purposes. On the other hand, animals served as the primary topics of portrayal in Paleolithic art. The ibex, mammoth, horse, and bison are a few of these. As a result, these animals are depicted in precise profiles. Because of this, the appearance of the human figure varied depending on the subjects, positions, and environments in Neolithic and Paleolithic cave paintings. The method of applying paint changed along with the painting style.
Paleolithic Art Techniques and Examples
Paleolithic paintings primarily included animals, markings, and dots as their topics. Although there was a depiction of positive and negative hand prints, these were rare. As such, the used techniques include black and red pigments, which were brushed or sprayed on outlined figures or incised lines. The natural rock formation was used to depict an animal shape. Examples of these include the Chauvet Cave, which was discovered in 1994 and expected to have being done in early 31,000 B.C in France. The other one is Lascaux of the 15,000 to 10,000 B.C for the Well Scene, Chinese Horse, Axial Corridor, and Hall of Bulls in France (Whitley, 2009). There is also the Altamira Cave in Spain of the 14,000 to 12,000 B.C. for the Bison. In addition, the France Pech-Merle Caves having horses that are spotted and negative hand imprints were discovered between 14,000-12,000 B.C.
Paleolithic Art and Human Creativity
It is in the Paleolithic cave paintings when human's capacity of giving meaning to the surrounding, as well as communicating with others was demonstrated. It ranges 30,000 to 10,000 BCE. This precedes the writing invention and depicts the onset of human creativity. Engravings and paintings, which are along the ceilings and cave walls fall in the parietal art category. Wild animals were the common themes. The core aim of the paintings is obscure. However, it is theorized that these paintings have the potential of depicting the hunting success or act as a good representation of the mystical rituals for improving the future of the endeavor of hunting. Such paintings also pertained to the shamanism.
Neolithic Art and the Development of Civilization
Neolithic art is characterized of depiction of crop cultivation as a secure thing in society. It depicts the spree of innovation where humans tended to settle as an agrarian society while exploring different civilization concepts, which include measurement, religion, writing and architecture rudiments. Architecture and weaving were the common types of art. Such included the megaliths construction, as well as the increased stylized pictographs. Early arts of pottery, painting, and statuary were also experienced during this time. The art had a functional purpose with great representation of human images as compared to animals. Ornamentation was also presented during this time. Furthermore, the art was created within fixed locations during this time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Neolithic art is illustrated through the use of structures that include the Stonehenge, animal and human subjects, and sculptures, which were curved from ivory, eggshell, leather, bone, wood, and rock. On the other hand, the Paleolithic art is illustrated through the use of cave wall drawings and some objects, which are portable and constructed. It is the oldest form of art, which consisted of small figurines, cave art, and decorated objects carved from clay, stone, or bone.
References
Curtis, G. (2006). The Cave Painters: Probing the Mysteries of the World's First Artists. Knopf. Whitley, D. (2009). Cave Paintings and the Human Spirit: The Origin of Creativity and Belief. Prometheus. p. 35.
