History of Drawing by Jayna

Altamira and Lascaux Cave Drawings

30,000 BCE

The cave drawings date back to 30,000 - 10,000 BCE, which makes them the earliest known.

Ancient Egyptian Hieroglyphics

3000 BCE

The early Egyptian civilization often decorated their temples with hieroglyphics, religious gods/goddesses, and carving to display their daily life -- just like the modern-day diary.

The Middle Ages

400 BCE

During this period (400-1400 CE), a lot of artwork was produced to express religious messages and Bible stories. Since paper had not been invented yet, painters used tablets of wood, slate, or wax or drew on a canvas. Artists also kept model books which stored human figure images or subjects from nature.

The Renaissance

1300

During this time, paper became popular which made drawing and art popular. Art became important because of the cultural interest in decorative art in churches, palaces, and public buildings. Some Renaissance artists (like da Vinci) became familiar with new art materials such as chalk and charcoal.

Portraiture

1400

Portraitures are paintings or drawings of people. These were common among wealthy families.

Monograms

1498

Since art was becoming popular during the Renaissance, art materials were affordable and available. The increase in value of the artwork meant that artists earned more money, and to advertise their work they began putting personal monograms on them. In Albrecht Dürer’s self-portrait, you’ll be able to see his monogram by his right arm.

Baroque Period

1600

During this period, more art styles and techniques were introduced. One of the new art styles is called open composition. The open composition makes the piece of art seem like it is coming out of the canvas.

Baroque Period - Sketchbooks

1656

During this time, sketchbooks were created. This meant that artists could now paint what was in front of them whether that would be landscapes, people, etc.

Rococo Period

1723

This period developed through conveying moments with free lines. Rococo art is theatrical, elegant, and playful.

Expressionism

1900

Expressionism art was a result of curiosity which paved the way for many other art movements. Expressionism is art that is focused on expressing emotions.

Fauvism

1904

Fauvism is a painting style that uses vibrant colors and texture. This art style was an art movement that was developed during the 1800s-1900s along with many others.

Cubism

1907

Cubism art is creating realistic subjects, but using geometric shapes. This art style was developed by Pablo Picasso.