Chapter 3
The Western Art History
“Art history looks at art works and the people
who have created them”.
Susan Vreeland
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tory
At the end of this chapter, the students should be able to:
1. describe the history of Art in Prehistoric Civilization;
2. discuss the Medieval arts in Europe;
3. identify the famous artists in Western Europe; and
4. analyse the most common Paintings in Classical Greek
As a preliminary activity for the topic, the teacher will ask the students about their
perception on the picture below.
istorically speaking, the human instinct to create art is universal. Art is an approach of
H a human being to communicate his/her beliefs and express ideas about his/her
experiences. It also provides valuable insights into the past and existing cultures. It
helps us to understand how others have lived and what they valued (Annenberg
Foundation, 2017).
The history of art reflects the remnant of civilization, the study of artworks, and the lives of
artists illuminate much about our shared past. It helps us to discover, authenticate who made a
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particular art object (Meyer, 2009). It also helped us to appreciate the stylistic and recognized
development of artistic practices on a large scale and within a broad historical viewpoint.
The history of art also covers the entire history of humankind since prehistoric times. Art is a
product of man’s emotional and intellectual connection with the world. It also aimed to produce
a message which will either provoke an unexplainable consciousness within the hearts of its
viewers or incite wisdom among inquisitive minds. Leroi-Gourhan (1967) lists three primary
domains of the expression of feeling associated to the first periods of humanity that may add to
our understanding of the beginnings of art such as Psycho-physiological impressions; Magic-
religious; and techno-economic.
Art in Prehistoric Civilization
The term “prehistoric” relates to the time before written history. Specifically, the writing
developed in ancient Mesopotamia before 3000 B.C.E., so this period includes visual culture
(paintings, sculpture, and architecture) made before that date (Zucker, 2015). The oldest
recognized decorative art forms come from Africa date back to 100,000 BC.E.
Prehistoric art has four main periods: Stone Age, Neolithic, Bronze Age, and Iron Age. The
remaining artifacts of this period are small sculptures and cave paintings. During these early
times, different forms of art were created and performed as a sign of communication or adoration
to the deity. This practice shows how cultural and religious factors played little to the
development of the art forms that made the ancient society so famous until now.
Ancient people often represented their worldviews and beliefs through visual images. Art
emerged with the appearance and the dispersal of entirely modern people through Africa, Asia,
Australia, America and Europe. Paintings, sculptures, engravings, and potteries are expressions
for beauty and complex social and spiritual systems. Prehistoric art like animals are the favorite
subjects of hunters, herdsmen, and breeders.
Prehistoric art is a symbolic system that is an integral part of the culture that creates it
(Honour et al., 2005). Many archaeologists have identified Stone Age art, namely: petroglyphs
(rock carvings and engravings); pictographs (graphic imagery, symbols); ancient sculpture
(totemic statues, ivory carvings); and megalithic arts (performs or any other works associated
with the formation of stones).
The oldest European cave art is the El Castillo Cave
(Cave of the Castle) in Spain. This cave was discovered in
1903 by Hermilio Alcalde del Río, a Spanish archaeologist.
Some Archaeologists argue that artwork inside this cave are
probably a creation of Homo neanderthalensis. Hand
stencils, claviforms (club shapes) and disks made by
blowing paint onto the wall in El Castillo cave found that
date back at least 40,800 years, making them older than
those of the Chauvet Cave in central France, which dated to
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around 39,000 years (Kwong, 2012).Other old cave painting sites in France include Lascaux,
Grotte de Cussac, Pech Merle, Cave of Niaux, and Font-de-Gaume.
Stone Tools for Art Making
Stone is formed based on the composition of minerals on it. It classified as Mineral growth,
Sedimentary, Metamorphic, and Volcanic. Sedimentary rocks shaped through the deposition and
compression of particulate matter. On the other hand, Metamorphic rocks changed from the
result of extreme temperature and pressure. Volcanic rocks are Figure 2. El Castillo Cave painting, Spain
from molten igneous magma (Prindle, 1994).
The tools made of tone were the instruments by which early man developed and progressed.
All human culture founded on the ingenuity and brainpower of our early ancestors in creating
sophisticated tools that enable them to survive. The first stone tools (eoliths- which are now
believed to be naturally produced by geological processes such as glaciation) and other types of
organic materials (wood, bone, ivory, and antler) were about two million years ago. The oldest
human tools were a simple stone chopper, such as those unearth at Olduvai George in Tanzania.
Many Paleoanthropologists (people who study the origins and predecessors of the present
human species) confirmed that the Palaeolithic Man produced four types of tools in creating an
art namely: pebble tools (with a single sharpened edge for cutting or chopping): Bifacial tools
(hand axes); Flake tools; and Blade tools.
Pebble Tools (Pebble chopper). It is a first cutting device and considered as the oldest type
of tool made by humans. The tool contains a rounded stone struck some blows with a similar
stone used as a pounder, which created a serrated crest that served as a chopping blade.
Bifacial tools. It is a hand ax prehistoric stone tool flake with two faces or sides. These
tools may be oval, triangular, or almond-shaped in form and characterized by axial symmetry.
The cutting edge could be straight or jagged and is used as a knife, pick, scraper, or weapon. The
technique was distinctive of the hand-ax tradition of the lower Palaeolithic period and the
Acheulian culture.
Flake tools. These are hand tools used during Stone Age. They are usually formed by
crushing off a small or large fragment then used as the tool. Both cores and flakes could be as
stone tools. New flakes were very sharp, but quickly became blunt during use and had to be
sharpened again by further flaking, a process called “retouch.”
Blade tools. These are a Stone tool created by striking a long narrow flake from a stone
core. This procedure of cutting the stone and creating the blades is called lithic reduction. After
chipping the blades, they integrated into larger tools, such as spears.
Medieval Arts in Europe
The primitive art of the Western world covers an extensive range of time and place over
1000 years. Specifically, Medieval art in Europe grew out of the artistic culture of the Roman
Empire and the iconographic practices in the church of the early Christian (Oliquiano, 2012).
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These sources were mixed with the influential "barbarian" artistic culture of Northern Europe to
make an extraordinary creative legacy. Medieval art portrayed in Pietistic painting (religious art)
displayed in a Ceramics, fresco and mosaic paintings, Goldsmith and Silversmith, Stained Glass,
illuminated manuscripts, metalwork, Tapestry, and Heraldry in churches.
a. Illuminated Manuscripts (Illumination) - They were colorful religious texts which often
use of gold and silver as its main feature. The term illuminate is the Latin word
“illuminate” which means to adorn or to enlighten. It is the embellishment of a
manuscript with bright colors. The artist who produced the impressive artwork on
illuminated manuscripts was called Illuminators.
b. Metalwork- Metalworkers were very skilled in creating religious objects for church
decorations. Experts in Bronze art produced beautiful jewels, sculptures, and even church
doors.
c. Silversmith and Goldsmith- They were excellent artists who created new shapes of
jewelry. The Medieval church demanded to employed silversmiths and goldsmiths in the
church to produce e2222 with small pieces of colored glass, stone or other materials. The
early Christians used ceiling and wall mosaics in their churches and cathedrals.
d. Paintings- Artists who were skillful in Iconography uses Fresco and panel painting with
the religious theme during the medieval period. Fresco is performed mostly on wall
covers or ceilings. Likewise, Panels is a painting which showed on several pieces of
wood that joined together. It is also for the Icons of Byzantine art.
e. Bayeux Tapestry- It is embroidery in colored wool. It is consists of eight long strips of
unbleached linen, sewn together to form a continuous panel of 230 feet long and 20
inches high.
f. Ceramics- They were hand shaped cooking pots, jars, and pitchers.
g. Stained Glass- It is usually applied exclusively to the windows of medieval churches,
castles, and cathedrals. It creates the primary form of art where small pieces of glass are
arranged to form pictures or patterns which are held together
h. by strips of lead and supported by a hard frame.
i. Heraldry- It is the manner of designing coats of arms and insignia. Specimens of coats of
arms were worked using embroidery, paper, painted wood, stonework and stained glass.
Famous Artists in Western Europe
The great artists introduced the advancement of arts during the middle periods. During this
era, artists split away from the influences of the Byzantium art style and developed into the
Gothic visual art. The Medieval painters and sculptors were founders of the movement towards
greater realism which culminated in the Renaissance art style. Most famous artists during
medieval period were Donatello, Giotto, Leon Battista Alberti, Cimabue, Filippo Brunelleschi,
Fra Angelico and Lorenzo Ghiberti.
1. Donatello (also known as Donato di Niccolo di Betto Bardi). He was born in 1386 in
Italy. He was the son of Nicolo di Betto Bardi, a wool merchant in Florence. He learned
the fabrication of metals and other substances which known as metallurgy. His most
famous works of art include David, Mary Magdalene, Madonna, Salome, Zuccone, and
St. Mark, St. John the Evangelist and St. George and the Dragon. He also invented a
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technique known as schiacciato (shallow relief), which achieved effects of spatial depth.
He died on December 13, 1466.
2. Giotto di Bondone. He was born about 1266 in Vespignano village, Florence. He was
the son of Giorgio Vasari, a small landed farmer. He worked with others artists for the
Cathedral of San Francesco in Assisi and began painting a fresco cycle there with scenes
from the Old and New Testaments. In 1300, he was invited by Pope Benedict XI in
Rome to paint a mosaic over the entrance to St. Peter's Basilica. He died on January 8,
1337, in Florence.
3. Leon Battista Alberti- He was born in Genoa on February 14, 1404, in Italy. As an
Architect, he was hired by Pope Nicholas V in the renovation of the papal palace and of
the Roman bridge of Acqua Vergine. He died in Rome on April 25, 1472.
4. Giovanni Cimabue- He was born in Florence in 1240. He devoted all his time wrapping
his paper and his books with photographs of horses, houses, people, and other various
things he dreamt up. He made mosaics .as well as paintings, which include the frescoes
of New Testament scenes in the upper church of St. Francis of Assisi. He died in 1302.
5. Filippo Brunelleschi- He was born in 1377 in Florence, Italy. He was the son
Brunellesco Di Lippoo, an Italian lawyer and his mother was Giuliana Spini. He was a
sculptor and goldsmith in one of the Florentine workshops. He died on April 15, 1446.
6. Fra Angelico (also known as Beato Angelico, which means "Blessed Angelic One”)- He
was born in 1395 in Florence, Italy. As a Painter, his most famous works of art include
the Annunciation, The Madonna and Saints and the Transfiguration of Christ painting.
7. Lorenzo Ghiberti- He was born in 1380 in Florence, Italy. He was admitted to the Gold
Guild and started his apprenticeship as a goldsmith in 1392. He started work on the East
Doors of the Baptistery of San Giovanni. The Bronze doors (known as the “Gates of
Paradise”) had 10panels depicting scenes from the Old Testament. He died in 1445.
Most Common Paintings in Classical Greek
During the classical era, most paintings were discovered in panels, tomb, and vases. It
portrays natural symbols with dynamic masterpieces about battle scenes, mythological figures,
and everyday scenes. It also discloses a grasp of linear perspective and naturalist illustration
(Rayos, 2018). Familiar paintings in classical Greek are as follows:
a. Kerch Vase Painting
Kerch Vase is red-figured pottery named after the place where it discovered. Most common
motifs were scenes from the life of women, mythological beings or mythical story or event. This
type of painting used a technique known as polychromy which combined different colors
especially the brilliant one in an artistic manner. The shapes commonly found are:
a. Krater (it is a bowl used for mixing wine and water)
b. lebesgamikos (a container with high handles and lid use to carry bridal bath)
c. lekanis (a low bowl with two horizontal handles and a small, broad foot)
d. pelike (a wine container)
b. Panel Painting
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Panel Painting was especially famous for making beautiful altarpieces. This type of
paintings executed on flat panels of wood or metals which can be either a small, single piece or
several boards that are together. The earliest known old panel painting is the Pitsa Panel (dated
between 540 and 530 B.C.E.).
c. Tomb/Wall Painting
Popular Tomb or wall painting during classical period uses either tempera (water-based) or
encaustic (wax) as a method of fresco. Colors in this type are made with grind powder stains in
pure water, dry and set with plaster to become a lasting part of the wall.
____________
Class Activity
a. Shape the Rock
Imagine how the prehistoric people were able to make an artwork all over the caves. Make
your style of cave art using a stone as your working canvas and another stone as your medium to
create an artwork.
Materials:
1. Flat rock (any shape)
2. Stones (with sharp edges)
Procedure:
1. Using the sharp-edged rock, scratch the flat rock with your desired design.
2. Put varnish utilizing a mixture of white glue diluted with water to preserve your plan on
the stone.
3. The rock design should imitate the character of a prehistoric artwork.
4. You may also use patterns that display the identity of your region of City.
b. Mosaic in a Wood
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The Greeks first manufactured mosaics during ancient time. This art of creating images with
an assemblage of small pieces of colored glass, stone, or other materials was usually black and
white used in the floor and pathways. Either in triangular or square design, pebbles are applied
with mortar or other adhesive to create floor and wall mosaics.
Materials:
1. Sheet of wood
2. Colored Tiles
3. Pencil
4. Grout float
5. Paper towel
6. Spray bottle
7. Sponge
8. White vinegar
9. Gloves
Procedures:
1. Create your decorative mosaic by sketching a design into a piece of flat wood (long
coupon band size).
2. Select your tile and wrap it in a cloth. Using a Hammer, Break the Tile. (Note: wearing
of safety goggles to protect your eyes is necessary).
3. Gather your broken tiles into color categories.
4. Glue each piece individually and put it in your design.
5. Spread the grout using a grout float.
6. Allow the grout to become stable for 20 minutes.
7. Using a sponge and water, gently wipe off excess grout.
8. Spray white vinegar to get grout dust off using a paper towel or cloth.
c. Bright Me Up
During the medieval time of Rome, Stained glass was used and has been one of the
prominent features of every cathedral built using the Christian symbolism.
Materials:
1. Big empty glass bottle
2. Black permanent marker
3. Acrylic paint
4. Paintbrush
5. White glue
6. Water
7. Candle
Procedures:
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1. Select a design for your “stained glass” bottle candle holder that has essential medieval
symbolism. You may use the themes, motifs, and patterns that advertise your region or
City.
2. Trace your design outside the bottle using the permanent black marker.
3. Color your design using acrylic paint.
4. Re-outline your design with a black marker to make the outline accurate and precise.
5. Apply a glaze composed of white glue diluted in water.
6. Place the light candle inside the bottle and light so you can see the stained glass effect.
_________________
Painting Analysis
Research the significant history of the following Western Arts and discuss the values that you
learned from it.
Petroglyphs, from Sweden Pitsa panels from Archaic Greece
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CHAPTER TEST
Name: _____________________________________ Score: ________________
Course/Year: ________________________________ Date: ________________
Time Schedule: ______________________________
Essay
1. How do you describe art as a cultural document?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
2. In your opinion, what are the purposes of art during ancient time in Europe?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
3. Why ancient arts are mostly found in Caves? What are their significant values?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
4. What is the importance of Stone during Palaeolithic period? Explain.
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
5. What art legacy you like most during ancient Europe? Explain.
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
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CHAPTER TEST
Name: _____________________________________ Score: ________________
Course/Year: ________________________________ Date: ________________
Time Schedule: ______________________________
Matching type: Match Column A to B. Write the letter of the correct answer on the box
provided before each item.
Column A Column B
1. It is a way to communicate beliefs and express ideas a. Artifacts
about the human experience.
2. It refers to the time before written history. b. Pictographs
3. It is an archaeological material of small sculptures and c. Megalithic arts
paintings found in caves.
4. It refers to rock carvings and engravings. d. Ceramics
5. This applies to pictorial imagery or symbols. e. Polychromy
6. This refers to totemic statues and ivory carvings. f. Pebble chopper
7. This relates to petroforms or any other works associated g. Sculpture
with the formation of stones.
8. It is a club shape and disks made by blowing paint onto h. Fresco
the wall in El Castillo cave.
9. They were hand shaped which produced cooking pots i. Bifacial
and jars.
10. They were religious texts embellished with vibrant j. Pitsa
colors which often featured the use of gold and silver.
11. It is a primordial cutting tool and considered as the k. Claviform
oldest type of device made by humans.
12. This tool may be oval, triangular, or almond-shaped in l. Illuminated Manuscripts
form and characterized by axial symmetry.
13. It is a method of painting water-based pigments on a m. Prehistory
freshly applied plaster usually on a wall surfaces.
14. It is known as the earliest panel painting during the n. Petroglyphs
Archaic period between 540 and 530 B.C.E.
15. It is the combination of different colors especially the o. Art
brilliant one in an artistic manner.
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Chapter 4
The Filipino Art and Crafts
“Curiosity about life in all of its aspects, I think, is
still the secret of great creative people”
– Leo Burnett
At the end of this chapter, the students should be able to:
1. understand the Pre-Colonial Art forms in the Archipelago;
2. identify the famous indigenous musical instruments in the Philippines;
3. demonstrate knowledge about importance of Philippine Artistic Handicrafts;
4. determine the common handicraft materials and the traditional handiwork in the
Philippines; and
5. recognize the importance of the Philippine GAMABA Awards and its awardees.
Springboard
As a preliminary activity for the topic, the teacher will facilitate any of the activities below:
1. Divide the class into five groups. Let each group compose a four-verse poem or song
honoring the great Philippine contemporary artists that have discussed in this lesson.
They may write it in whatever language or dialect they prefer and let them share their
composition in class.
2. Let the students create a masterpiece (a drawing, a dance, a drama, a song or whatever
artistic view they could picture). Their rendition must show nationalism or promotion of
a Filipino traditional art. Let them share their masterpiece in class.
3. Let the students name at least three festivals celebrated in their region/ municipality/City.
Let them enumerate the different activities that showcase in these festivals. Let them
share this in class.
Input
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