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30,000 BCE
Prehistoric
The earliest known drawings have been found in the Altamira and Lascaux caves in Spain and France. These drawings were carved into the walls of the caves and scratched onto primitive tools. -
3000 BCE
Ancient Egypt
Early Egyptians decorated the walls of temples and tombs by carving hieroglyphics, religious deities, and scenes of daily life. Egyptian drawings use a flat, linear style. -
800 BCE
Ancient Greece
The Greeks used drawing to depict scenes of battles and myths. They decorated artifacts such as vases and pottery to exhibit their decorative use of drawing. -
500
Middle Ages
Medieval art was produced in many forms of media, such as mosaics, sculptures, and stained glass. Art during the Middle Ages was almost exclusively commissioned by the church. -
1400
Renaissance
During this time period, many forms of art began to evolve and flourish. Classic Greek and Roman art styles were revived. Illusionistic painting techniques were mastered, naturalistic styles were implemented. Humanism was also a rising philosophy during the time and had a large impact on visual arts. -
Baroque Period
A time period in which new styles of drawing were introduced. Baroque art is characterized by exaggerated motion and vivid detail to produce a more dramatic effect. -
Rococo Period
A period characterized by a wealthy French culture of the aristocrats. The art of this time is defined by soft colors and curvy lines depicting scenes of love and nature. -
Impressionism
Impressionist art depicted the impression of the moment, especially in terms of the shifting effect of light and color. This style of art consists of small, thin brush strokes and a variety of colors. -
Expressionism
Expressionist art's typical trait is to present the scene from only a subjective point of view to evoke emotions and moods. -
Avant-Garde
Consisting of people and/or works that are unconventional and experimental, Avant-Garde art was a term coined in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Still used to categorize art today, this form of drawing has innovative aesthetic and new and unusual ideas.