-
4000 BCE
Prehistoric Art
Prehistoric cultures that existed before the advent of a written language. -
400 BCE
Ancient Art
Civilizations from Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and the Americas. -
500
Medieval
Dark imagery, biblical subjects, Classical mythology, Gothic architecture. -
1017
Surrealism
Exploration of dreams and unconsciousness, inspired by Sigmund Freud. -
1400
Renaissance
Natural elements, individualism, realism, attention-to-detail, the precision of human anatomy -
1527
Mannerism
Stylized features, exaggerated details, decorative elements -
Baroque
Ornate, grandeur, richness, stylistically complex, dramatic -
Rococo
Lightness, elegance, natural forms, an asymmetrical design, subtle colors. -
Neoclassicism
Renewed interest in classical antiquity, harmony, simplicity, and proportion -
Romanticism
Imaginative elements, focus on passion, emotion, and observing the senses -
Realism
Detailed depictions of everyday life -
Impressionism
Short, quick brushstrokes, separation of color, sketch-like finish, modern subject matter. -
Post-Impressionism
Subjective visions, symbolism, abstraction. -
Art Nouveau
Long, sinuous lines and curves -
Fauvism
Expressive color, line, and brushwork, bold surface design, flat composition. -
Expressionism
Distortion of form, strong use of colors -
Cubism
Abstraction, flat, two-dimensional surfaces, geometric forms, contrasting vantage points -
Abstract Expressionism
Spontaneity, improvisation, colossally scaled works, unique techniques. -
Op Art
Use of colors, patterns, shapes, and contrast to create images that appeared to be moving or blurring -
Pop Art
Use of everyday, mundane objects, bold, vivid colors, mass media -
Arte Povera
Use of soil, rocks, paper, and other natural elements to create a pre-industrial sentiment -
Minimalism
A focus on exactly what the art portrays, aside from outside realities and emotions -
Conceptual Art
Emphasis on ideas over visual components in the form of performances, ephemera, and other forms -
Contemporary Art
Exploration of Postmodernism, Feminist art, Neo-Expressionism, Street art, Appropriation art, Digital art, and other small schools