Animal Influences in Paleolithic, Egyptian and Greek Art Essay

Animal Influences in Paleolithic, Egyptian and Greek Art There are numerous ways in which animals have resonated within the human mind. Throughout history there have been representations ranging from the realistic, to myths, legends, symbols, and even horrific murderous beasts; at the same time providing fascinating perspectives of our own humanity. Various forms of art have conveyed ideas and concepts of animal’s intelligence, as well as behavior, from generation to generation. Animal art is used as a tool to make the connection between different cultures at different time periods and it relates historical and symbolic meanings. In most cultures animals have been linked with the supernatural forces which were believed to control the natural world and the destiny of humans. They were often revered as the agents. or associates, of gods, and goddesses, and were even the focus of worship as deities. Following the tracks of historical animal art, through the human imagination introduces a trail of creativity and unsurpassed beauty. Paleolithic art: Cave paintings are the earliest known example of human art dating 40,000 to 8,000 BCE. The paintings mainly feature various animals running, sleeping, and eating. Some also contain a few humans, geometrical shapes, and even hand prints. The artist used permanent features like ceilings, floors, and walls of rock shelters and caves as their canvas. Pigments of black, yellow, red, and brown were utilized to display the observations of animals. The painters gathered a great deal of information about finding food, and which foods were safe to eat or to hunt, by closely observing animals. The valuable information was passed to others through the detailes in the... ... Avery, Catherine B. The New Century Classical Handbook. New York, 1962 Beckett, Sister Wendy. The Story of Painting. New York, 1994 Boardman, John, Greek Art. London, 1964 Durant, Will. Our Oriental Heritage. New York, 1935 Fleming, William. Arts & Ideas. New York Gombrich, E. H. The Story of Art. London, 1967 Hall, James. Dictionary of Subjects & Symbolism in Art. New York, 1974 Kirk, G. S. The Nature of Greek Myths. New York, 1975 Janson, H. W. History of Art. New York, 1969 Leroi-Gourhan, Andre. Treasures of Prehistoric Art. New York MacClintock, Dorcas. Animals Observed. New York, 1993 Metropolitan Museum of Art. Treasures of Tutankhamun. New York, 1976 Richter, Gisela M. A. A Handbook of Greek Art. New York, 1987 Scranton, Robert L. Aesthetic Aspects of Ancient Art. Chicago, 1964 Stockstad, Marilyn. Art History. New York, 1995