ARTH 100-Prehistoric art 1.2

Module Topics

  • Prehistoric Art and Architecture

    • Focus on Paleolithic sculpture, cave painting, and Neolithic architecture.

Recap of Last Module

  • Questions addressed:

    • What is art history?

    • What is art?

    • How do we study art?

  • Definitions of art history and art were established.

Important Vocabulary

  • Artist: Creator of art, can be an individual or group.

  • Patron: Individual or entity commissioning the art, funding materials and labor.

  • Viewer: Anyone who interacts with or studies artworks.

Image Comparison Assignment

  • Upcoming assignment comparing two artworks on differences and similarities.

  • Review terms discussed in the last module for enhanced understanding.

What is Prehistory?

  • Definition: Prehistory refers to the time before written records.

  • Timeline: Roughly spans from 300,000 to 3,000-2,000 years before the Common Era (BCE).

  • Written history begins around 3000 BCE.

  • Timeline Acronyms: BCE (Before Common Era), CE (Common Era).

Prehistoric Periods

  • Divisions: Paleolithic (earliest) and Neolithic (later).

  • Paleolithic (circa 300,000 BCE): People were hunter-gatherers, nomadic, living in caves, using primitive tools.

  • Neolithic (around 10,000 BCE): Transition towards agriculture and settled living.

Characteristics of Paleolithic Life

  • Nomadic lifestyle seeking food and shelter due to seasonal changes.

  • Utilization of basic tools: sticks, spears, axes; potential spoken language.

  • Creation of cave paintings and small sculptures reflecting beliefs (e.g., afterlife).

Prehistoric Art

  • Scholars from various backgrounds (art historians, anthropologists, archaeologists) study it.

  • Two forms: portable (figurines) and stationary (cave paintings).

  • Some scholars argue against classifying prehistoric art as art due to lack of art systems.

  • Proponents argue it reflects early human creativity and intelligence.

Definition of Sculpture

  • Sculpture Defined: A three-dimensional form created through:

    • Carving

    • Modeling

    • Casting

    • Assembling various materials.

  • Prehistoric Sculpture: Made from readily available materials (e.g., limestone, bone).

Example of Paleolithic Sculpture: Woman of Willendorf

  • Description: A small figurine, about 11 centimeters tall, carved from limestone.

  • Date: Approximately 24,000 BCE.

  • Characteristics: Exaggerated female attributes emphasizing fertility; lacks facial details possibly due to deterioration.

  • Form: Includes scale, material, and how it was crafted (made in the round).

Analysis of the Woman of Willendorf

  • Body Features: Emphasized breasts, belly, and thighs indicating femininity; hands placed on chest.

  • Cultural Significance: Possible interpretations as fertility symbol, goddess representation, ancestral celebration, ritual object, or good luck charm.

  • Nude vs. Naked: In art history, the term "nude" is used to describe unclothed representations rather than "naked."

Meaning and Interpretation

  • Interpretation in Art History: Understanding a piece based on its form and content, especially when historical context is absent.

  • Various interpretations of the Woman of Willendorf highlight her potential roles in early human culture, reflecting differing scholarly opinions.

Upcoming Resources

  • Review of presentation and video concerning the Woman of Willendorf provided on Moodle for deeper insight.