Paintings

Pre-historic Era

The period of human existence before the emergence of writing.

Prehistoric Art

Art that serves as a clue for understanding early human life and culture, studied by art historians, archeologists, and anthropologists.

Cave Paintings

Paintings found inside caves, possibly used for communication or religious purposes.

Cave of Lascaux

A significant prehistoric site with nearly 2,000 figures, discovered in 1940, featuring large animals and abstract designs.

Egyptian Paintings

Art created to ensure a pleasant afterlife for the deceased, emphasizing life after death and preservation of knowledge.

Sarcophagus of Tutankhamen

An example of Egyptian painting from the 17th dynasty, depicting themes related to the afterlife.

Panel Painting

Paintings on flat panels of wood, often small or composed of multiple joined panels, with few surviving examples.

Pitsa Panel

The earliest known panel painting, dating from the Archaic Period (540-530 B.C.E.).

Tomb/Walls Painting

Popular during the classical period, using fresco techniques with water-based materials, often depicting life and afterlife scenes.

Tomb of the Diver

An example of tomb painting from Paestrum, depicting a symposium scene.

Roman Era Paintings

Characterized by copying Greek styles, using fresco techniques, and featuring a variety of subjects including landscapes and portraits.

Mosaic

An art technique using small pieces of colored materials to create images, often used for decorative purposes.

Roman Floor Mosaic

An example from Pompeii, believed to depict a ceremonial rite.

Byzantine Painting

A style that evolved in Byzantium, focusing on Christian subjects with a blend of Greek and Oriental styles.

Fresco from the Villa of Mysteries

An example of Byzantine art from Pompeii, showcasing elaborate imagery.

Romanesque Painting

Characterized by mosaics in churches, following Byzantine conventions with decorative southern French influences.

Christ in Majesty

A notable Romanesque painting featuring Christ in a mandorla, showcasing artistic traditions of the period.

Gothic Era Paintings

Focused on manuscript illumination and frescoes, characterized by elegance and sophistication.

Lady and the Unicorn Tapestry

A Gothic artwork depicting popular legends and love stories, influenced by the Crusades.

Rose Window

A stained glass window from the Gothic era, designed to illuminate church interiors and instruct Christians in their faith.

The Shepherd David

A Gothic manuscript illustration showing realistic details and naive naturalism.