-
Period: 1000 to 1500
Pacifica: Polynesian Expansion
Polynesian art is very intertwined with genealogy, mythology and spirituality. Pieces hold an immense amount of symbolism that is deeply connected to the communitites of the people who made them. Though the art forms each Polynesian communities are unique, many of the same themes are represented. Polynesian art is known for tattoo rites, monumental structures, intricate wood carvings and dwellings. Bold patterns and symbolism across textiles, stone, wood, decor and ceremonial pieces. -
Period: 1200 to 1400
SE Asia: Early Indo-Islamic Architecture
This period of art is known for blending religion, culture and politics. Religious expansion influenced advancements in painting, architecture and sculpture. Bringing forth new building techniques, stylized carvings and cultural traditions. -
1220
Qutb Minar
Delhi, India
1199–1220. Red Sandstone and Marble
SE Asian Art -
Period: 1325 to
Aztec Art
The Aztec civilization was founded in Lake Texcoco in the fertile valley of Mexico. Aztec art was centered around ceremonial and sacred pieces. This included monumental temples and colorful manuscripts that depicted mythos relating to creation, spirituality, ceremony and the cosmos. -
Period: 1336 to 1573
Japan: Muromachi Period
Greatly influenced by Zen Buddhism and meditative practices. Interest in tea ceremonies and ceramics. A focus on Zen aesthetics and natural beauty brings forth rock gardens, intricate architecture, landscape paintings and interesting ink techniques. -
Period: 1359 to 1411
N Europe: International Gothic Style
The International Gothic Style was popular from the late 13th to mid 14th centuries. It was very decorative with rich colors and gold accents and a focus on naturalistic details. Pieces started exploring atmospheric perspective to create depth. Items such as illuminated manuscripts and alter pieces were regularly commissioned. -
Period: 1368 to
China: Ming Dynasty
Imperial power in China was brought back to the forefront. Art focused on more of a decorative approach while still holding true to classical techniques. This included intricate and aesthetic courts, lush gardens, a continuation of literati painting and beautiful flower paintings, and the introduction of blue and white decorated porcelain ceramics. -
Period: 1392 to
Korea: Joseon Dynasty
Due to very little outside influence, this period was known for traditional Korean art and techniques. Landscape paintings, calligraphy, decorated ceramic pieces and genre paintings were popular. Much of society was influenced by Neo-Confucianism, bringing focus back to minimalist and simplistic ideals while emphasizing intellectual studies. -
1399
Annunciation, Visitation, Presentation in the Temple, Flight into Egypt
Melchior Broederlam
1393–1399.
Oil on wood panel
International Gothic Style -
1400
Returning Home Late from a Spring Outing
Dai Jin
Ming Dynasty. Hanging scroll, ink on silk
China -
Period: 1400 to 1576
SE Asia: Age of Syncretism and Courtly Patronage
Art is greatly influenced by trade with Europe and China. Islam continues to spread and Buddhism reemerges. These events lead to new art forms, an emphasis on Islamic architecture and design, and the start of monumental structures and temples. -
Period: 1401 to 1500
15th Century Early Italian Renaissance Art
The Early Italian Renaissance is known for the revival of Classicism, focusing on the art, philosophy and liturature from Ancient Greece and Rome. This period is marked by innovative architecture, realistic statues and naturalistic paintings that utilized the first iteration of linear perspective. These pieces often held religious ties and are crutial to the ground work of the Renaissance. -
1434
Double Portrait of Giovanni Arnolfini and His Wife
Jan Van Eyck
1434. Oil on Wood Panel
Early Northern Renaissance -
1436
Dome of Florence Cathedral (Santa Maria del Fiore)
BRUNELLESCHI
1420-1436. Architecture
Early Italian Renaissance -
Period: 1438 to 1533
Incan Art
The Incan civilization from the 1400s to the 1500s. They were fairly advanced politically and their territory stretched from Columbia to Chile. Incan art was known for their engineering and masonry used to build intricate settlements, metal work with precious metals and brightly colored and bold patterned textiles -
Period: 1450 to 1500
Early Northern Renaissance
A style that focused on more secular subjects. These pieces were made to showcase the economic boom happening in Northern Europe. These pieces use intricate symbolism and oil paints to create rich color. Commissioned portraits were really popular. -
1475
Saint Jerome in His Study
MESSINA
1475. Oil on Limewood Venice - Venician art at this time was very tied to the Catholic Church. The pieces tended to be more serious in nature and more muted in color. The use of linear perspective is popular and the pieces are incredibly detailed. -
1480
Rock Garden, Ryoan-ji
Muromachi Period, c. 1480
Japan -
Period: 1480 to 1520
High Italian Renaissance
This marks the peak of the Renaissance. This period is known for its focus on realism, technique advancements and work of the Masters. Many of the pieces and artists from this period have significantly impacted art in the west. -
1485
The Birth of Venus
BOTTICELLI
1485. Tempura on Canvas Florence - Known for richly colored paintings that focused on naturalism. Many of these works blended religious and Biblical figures with Greek and Roman mythos. -
1494
Mona Lisa
da Vinci
1503-1506. Oil on Wood Panel -
1498
The Last Supper
da Vinci
1495-1498. Oil, Tempura, Fresco Milan - The main art coming out of Milan at this time is attributed to da Vinci. His work was important to show the transition from Renaissance art into the High Renaissance. These pieces were accurately proportioned, good use of linear perspective and showed emotion in ways we hadn't seen before. -
Period: 1500 to
Africa: Colonial and Modern Art Period
-
Period: 1500 to
Africa: Age of Kingdoms and Empires
-
Period: 1500 to
North America: Native American Art
North American art is comprised of multiple regions and indigenous cultures, each with their own unique art style and expression. Many of these pieces were decorative, ceremonial and for everyday use. Some practices included wood carving, basket weaving, textiles, ceramics and vast settlements. Colonization greatly influenced the art of North America via new materials and oppression. -
Period: 1500 to
Pacifica: Micronesian Art
Art of Micronesia incorporated functional aspects and were used for survival and connection to spiritual beliefs. In addition to the importance of functionality, these pieces are rich with symbolism and reiterate the importance of the sea and connection to communities. They are known for textiles, navigational charts, and stonework. -
1510
Garden of Earthly Delights - Center Panel
Hieronymus Bosch
1505-1510. Oil on Wood -
Period: 1520 to 1550
Northern Renaissance
The beginning of this period is marked with deeply religious pieces that showcase devotion. These pieces are more graphic and jarring compared the the religious pieces of Italy. They are emotionally intense and depict gruesome imagery. The end of this period is influenced by the Protestant Reformation, resulting in the transition to more secular pieces in Northern Europe. -
1530
Machu Picchu
Peru, Inca, 1450–1530 -
Period: 1530 to 1560
Mannerism
A shift to more stylized works featuring elongated figures, emotionally intense scenes and interesting perspectives. These pieces allowed artists to create work that complemented their own individual expression while breaking away from more classical norms for art. -
1533
The Ambassadors
Hans Holbein the Younger
1533. Oil on Oak Panel -
1535
Madonna with the Long Neck
Parmigiananino
1535. Oil on Panel -
1541
Last Judgement - Sistine Chapel
Michelangelo
1534-1541. Fresco -
1545
The Founding of Tenochtitlan
Codex Mendoza
Aztec, 1545. Ink and color on paper -
Period: 1550 to
High Northern Renaissance / Early Mannerism
Pieces are more secular and focus more on the natural world and everyday life. (landscape paintings and genre works). Religious themes are relevant in Spain. The paintings of El Greco are vital to mannerism and the development of Spanish art into the Baroque. Opulent architecture becomes popular in France and England. There is also a shift into seeing more portraits of political figures coming out of England. These are full of symbolism and are slightly stylized. -
Period: 1560 to
Counter Reformation
A period of ornate religious works that revitalized the Catholic Church after the reformation, it also marks the transition from Mannerism to Baroque. These emotional pieces refocused on priotitizing Catholic doctorine and religious figures. -
Period: to
SE Asia: Golden Age of Monumental Architecture
Intricate and highly detailed architecture becomes more popular leading to grand temples, palaces and cultural buildings. Regional painting styles develop and art in SE Asia is still highly influenced by Islam. -
Period: to
Early Baroque
-
Period: to
Pacifica: Colonial Influence and European Contact
Colonization of the Pacifica cultures devastated not only the people, but their traditions, spiritual practices and thus their art. Due to the push for conversion to Christianity, many of the tools and mediums used for art were oppressed and destroyed. -
Baroque Flanders
Paul Rubens
Elevation of the Cross Triptych
1610-1611. Oil on Panel Baroque art in Flanders focuses on more secular and genre work. There is still some religious imagery and alter pieces being made, but they are not the main aesthetic. This region’s art was dramatic, using rich colors and interesting lighting while emphasizing the movement of the figure and its surroundings. -
Baroque Italy
Artemisia Gentileschi
Judith Beheading Holofernes
1611-1612. Oil on Canvas The Italian Baroque was very immeshed with the counter reformation. Many of the pieces made in Italy during this period held religious themes and figures. These pieces were visually dramatic from the strong contrast used and full of emotion and intimacy. -
Period: to
Japan: Edo Period
Focus on more whimsical and popular media due to positive economic impact on merchant class. Woodblock printing becomes popular along with the concept of “The Floating World”. Known for bright colors and interesting patterns melding with natural scenes. Some of the more recognizable Japanese works are from this period. -
Period: to
High Baroque
-
Period: to
China: Qing Dynasty
This period is known for the blending of belief, culture and west Asian techniques. Literati paintings are peaking and are created in more of a personal style compared to the strict realism of the Yuan Dynasty. -
Period: to
Mature Baroque / Dutch Golden Age
-
Taj Mahal
Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India
1632–1653. Mausoleum made of
White Marble -
Spanish Golden Age
Diego Velázquez
Las Meninas
1656. Oil on Canvas The Spanish Golden Age was tied closely to religion, much like Italy during this period. The works that came out of Spain highlighted power and focused on realism. Though religious imagery was significant, there were still plenty of genre artists and pieces being created. -
Dutch Golden Age
Johannes Vermeer
Girl with a Pearl Earring
1665. Oil on Canvas The Dutch Golden Age is known for its secular genre work. A huge focus was put on everyday life and people and the values of the Dutch people. These pieces featured still life's of food and everyday objects, portraits of people participating in daily tasks and capturing the vast landscapes. There was still some religious imagery, but it was not as popular as genre work. -
Amaranth
Yun Shouping
Qing Dynasty. Leaf from an album of flowers, bamboo, fruits, and vegetables Album of 10 leaves; ink and color on paper
China -
Period: to
Late Baroque / Early Rococo
-
Classicism in France
Jules Hardouin-Mansart and
Charles Le Brun
Hall of Mirrors (Galerie des Glaces),
Château de Versailles
Begun 1678. Architecture and interior design At this time France was under an absolute monarchy. This caused art to feel more restricted, influencing a more classical aesthetic seeking harmony and balance within architecture and paintings. These works included landscapes, historical scenes and ornately decorated residences and civvic buildings. -
Western Gateway of the Minakshi Sundareshvara Temple
Madurai, Tamil, Nadu, India
17th century. Stone
SE Asian Art -
Period: to
SE Asia: Colonial Period
Art and politics are influenced more by colonial powers resulting in European (specifically British) styles melding with local traditions and art styles. This impacts much of the architecture being build during this period. -
Period: to
Rococo
This period of art is a result of the excess generated during the Baroque. Rococo celebrates luxury, elegance, wealth, opulence and sensuality. Work is characterized by whimsical pastel paintings, soft and playful brush strokes, ornate architecture and sculpture, and satirical commentary on courtly life. Toward the end of the period, work becomes more politically charged, serious and is used to influence the chaotic political climate. -
Panoramic View of the Diamond Mountains (Geumgang-san)
Jeong Seon
1734. Hanging Scroll with Ink and Colors on Paper
Korea -
The Swing
Jean-Honoré Fragonard
1767. Oil on canvas
Rococo -
Period: to
Neoclassicism
The Neoclassicism period is known as a classic revival. It is a direct response against the playful and erotic nature of Rococo. It reestablishes the need for intellect and centers the “Enlightenment” in wake of the French Revolution. This period returns to Greco-Roman ideals, emphasizing balance, harmony, and conservative compositions with themes of heroism, sacrifice, grace and courage. History Painting and the Picturesque Movement are influential to portraiture, architecture and landscapes. -
The Nightmare
John Henry Fuseli
1781. Oil on canvas
Romanticism -
Cupid and Psyche
Antonio Canova
1787–1793. Marble
Neoclassicism -
Period: to
Romanticism
A response to Neoclassicism, Romanticism revives the drama of Baroque and sensuality of Rococo, leaving restrained compositions behind. This period is rooted in personal expression, deep emotion, dramatic and dynamic scenes and thick contrast in light and shadows. A focus on war, resistance and reform is a common theme in Spain, France and America. -
The Great Wave
Katsushika Hokusai
Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji
Edo Period, c. 1831. Polychrome Woodblock Print on Paper
Japan -
TE-HAU-KITURANGA (Maori Meeting House)
Raharuhi Rukupo
1842– 1843. Built and owned
by Rongowhakaata people of Turanga.
Restoration 1935. Wood, shell, grass, flax, and pigments -
Victoria Terminus (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus)
Mumbai, India
Completed in 1888. Stone and Brick
SE Asian Art -
Wapepe Navigation Chart
Marshall Islands 19th century. Sticks, coconut fiber, and shells -
Period: to
SE Asia: Independence Movement
This period is known for celebrating regional pride and reclaiming traditional art styles while embracing modern elements. These advancements also explore new forms and developing a new sense of identity within cultural art. -
Period: to
Korea: Japanese Colonial Period
Japan’s colonization of Korea greatly influenced art and how art was made. Japanese oppression resulted in exposure to western style art and ignited themes of resistance and a tight grasp on cultural identity. -
Period: to
Japan: Taisho Period
The Taisho Era is greatly influenced by western style arts. This influence opened avenues of exploration leading to western ideas blending with Japanese techniques in the 20's and 30's. -
Period: to
Japan: War and Post-War Periods
During the 20's and 30's, politically based work also became popular, usually in the form of propaganda. Post- war art was centered around reflection and a response to how the war impacted Japanese people, also working into the rebuilding of a nation. The end of the century was met with the Superflat movement, anime, and experimentation with new media and technology. -
Black-on-Black Storage Jar
Maria Montoya Martinez and Julian Martinez
New Mexico, c. 1942 Ceramic -
Melanesian Art: Three Dancers and Two Musicians: Corroboree of Mimi, Spirits of the Rocks
Jimmy Midjawmidjaw
Australia Mid 20th century. Natural pigments, eucalyptus bark Art of Melanesia integrated art into many aspects of their lives. Boldly patterned communal spaces to carved sculptures and weaved textiles reflected on spiritual practices, ceremonial rites, family and lineage and ancestral connection and worship. These pieces also touched on spiritual beliefs in Mimi spirits and Dreamtime. They often utilized materials provided by the land like wood, shells and natural pigments. -
Period: to
Africa: Post-Colonial and Contemporary Art in Africa
-
Period: to
Pacifica: Revitalization Movements
Art made in the Pacific after colonization tended to blend European styles with traditional themes. Around the middle of the 20th century, more traditional art practices were being experimented with, resulting in a revival of cultural styles, techniques and aesthetics. Descendants of these cultures have used art to explore cultural and personal identities and reflect on the impact of colonialism. -
Period: to
North America: Post Colonial Native American Art
This period of art focuses on the revival of Indigenous traditions. Much of the art created is a response to the centuries of opression and trauma endured at the hand of colonizers. It’s also a realignment with personal and cultural identity while also preserving and practicing art forms that have been lost or forgotten. -
Period: to
Korea: Modern and Contemporary Korean Art
The Korean War caused massive amounts of damage to land, families and the unity of Korea as a whole. This has led to themes of grief, identity reclamation and critiques of government, war and media. In the south, art had continued to evolve through abstraction and technology. In the North, socialist realism is still the main art style. -
Universe 5-IV-71 #200
Whanki Kim
1971. Oil on Cotton
Korea -
Period: to
China: Post-Cultural Revolution Era
Known for challenging and critiquing political powers in China and the exploration of self expression through new themes, mediums. Includes “New Wave Movement’s” experimental nature and intent to push through the traditional ideals of Chinese art, often through controversial means. -
Dropping a Han Dynasty Urn
Ai Weiwei
1995. Three photographs
China -
Everyday City
Tetsuya Yamada
2005. ceramics, plywood, sawhorses
Japan -
Fall, 2006
Wendy Red Star
2006. Pigment print on paper -
Witness
Shahzia Sikander
2023. Painted milled high-density foam, steel, fiberglass, glass tile
SE Asian Art