The history of Art is long and varied, spanning tens of thousands of years from ancient paintings on the walls of caves
to the glow of computer-generated images on the screens of the 21st century.


Art History


Preface - What Is Art?

"The role of art is to make a world which can be inhabited" - William Saroyan
A discussion of what art is and can be, and what we mean by "art history" - a brief summary of the book.

Prehistoric Art 25% developed  as of May 29, 2006

Aboriginal art works, European "cavemen" artworks such as the drawings at Lascaux and Cauvet.

Ancient Art 25% developed  as of May 29, 2006

Egyptian, Greek and Roman (including Early Christian) Art, and their effects on the development of Art.

Medieval Art 25% developed  as of December 3, 2020

Artworks from the European Middle Ages, including Gothic Art and Panel Painting.

The Renaissance 25% developed  as of December 3, 2020

Including such artists as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.

The 17th Century 0% developed  as of June 4, 2022

Other works from the 1600's, excluding the Renaissance movement.

The 18th Century 25% developed  as of December 3, 2020

All major artworks, movements and artists from the 18th Century, including the Rococo movement and Neoclassicism.

The 19th Century 75% developed  as of December 3, 2020

One of the biggest centuries in artistic history was the 19th century, with major movements such as Impressionism and Realism.

The 20th Century 50% developed  as of December 3, 2020

Modernism, Post-Modernism, Surrealism, Cubism, Hyperrealism and all other artists and movements.

The 21st Century 0% developed  as of June 4, 2022

Neo-Futurism, Stuckism

Glossary and Theory 0% developed  as of May 29, 2006

A Glossary and compendium of artistic theory to help the reader gain a wider knowledge of art history.

Movements - Glossary of art movements 25% developed  as of May 29, 2006

Authors and Contributors

Participants helping to develop this text.