Western Art History Illustrated Timeline - Josh Greene

Timespan

Period: 40,000 BCE to 1700

40,000 BCE - 1,700 CE

Woman of Willendorf | Upper Paleolithic | 24,000 - 22,000 BCE

24,000 BCE

Also known as the Venus of Willendorf, this 11.1 cm tall sculpture in the round was carved in limestone during the Upper Paleolithic period. It is portable and able to be carried by nomadic people. Due to the emphasized features the artifact is suspected to have an association with fertility.

Hall of Bulls, Lascaux | Upper Paleolithic | 16,000 - 14,000 BCE

16,000 BCE

The Hall of Bulls is a mural in the Lascaux cave complex in France that was painted in the Upper Paleolithic period. The 11.5-ft long painting depicts 36 various animals, primarily aurochs, equines and stags and is painted using a variety of red, yellow and black mineral pigments.

Warka Vase | Late Uruk Period | 3500 - 3000 BCE

3500 BCE

The Warka Vase is a meter-high alabaster artifact of Ancient Mesopotamia. The sculpture is among the earliest surviving works of the narrative relief style. The vase has four registers with the bottom depicting the vegetation of the Tigris and Euphrates delta progressing to a procession of animals, then men carrying bowls and jars and the top being a scene with the goddess Inanna.

Pyramid of Khufu | Pharaoh Khufu | Fourth Dynasty of Ancient Egypt | 2551- 2528 BCE

2580 BCE

At 146 meters, the Pyramid of Khufum also known as the Great Pyramid of Giza, is the largest pyramid in the Egyptian Giza complex. The pyramid was built under the direction of Pharaoh Khufu and became the largest man made structure for more than 3,800 years. It was built using an estimated 2,300,000 blocks, many of Tura limestone and granite from as far as 500 miles away. The pyramid includes two mortuary temples that housed the pharaoh.

Stonehenge | Neolithic | 2,550 - 1,600 BCE

2550 BCE

Stonehenge is a monument in the English countryside built during the Neolithic period. It consists of a 97 foot diameter ring of stones approximately 13 feet high and 7 feet wide each weighing 25 tons and was built in three phases. The monument has a relationship with the solar and lunar calendar and was used as a burial site.

Law Code Stele of King Hammurabi | Middle Chronology Period of Near Eastern Bronze and Early Iron Age | 1792 - 1750 BCE

1792 BCE

The stele of King Hammurabi is a 2.25 meter ancient Mesopotamian basalt monument that shares the code of 282 laws of the 6th Babylonian King. It is significant in that it is one of the oldest writings of length that has been deciphered. The script is the Akkadian language using cuneiform carved in relief style.

Tutankhamun’s coffin and death mask | New Kingdom, 18th Dynasty | 1323 BCE

1323 BCE

Tutankhamun was an Egyptian Pharaoh who ruled from 1332–1323 BCE and died at the young age of 18. Discovered in 1922 in the Valley fo the Kings, his sarcophagus (stone tomb) held three coffins. The first two were crafted in wood and covered in gold and gemstones, while the innermost was made of solid gold. An intricately made gold death mask rested on top of the mummy and is considered a masterpiece of Egyptian art.

The Cyrus Cylinder | Achaemenid Empire | 559 - 530 BCE

559 BCE

The Cyrus Cylinder is an Ancient Persian clay artifact written in Akkadian cuneiform. The cylinder tells of the lineage of King Cyrus as well as his triumph over the Babylonian king Nabonidus. It also explains the new freedom of worship and restoration of various religions and temples that were subjugated under the Babylonian rule. It is sometimes regarded as the first bill of human rights.

Capitoline She-wolf | Etruscan Period or Middle Ages | Antonio Pollaiolo (Twins) | 5th century BCE

500 BCE

The Capitoline She-wolf is larger than life-size bronze sculpture of a wolf feeding the twins Romulus and Remus. These brothers are from the mythical story of the founding of Rome. The wolf was long thought have been cast in the 5th century Etruscan period, but there is some evidence and controversy that perhaps it was made during the middle ages. The twins are thought to have been added later by the sculptor Antonio Pollaiolo in the 16th century.

Artemision Zeus or Poseidon | Early Classical Period | 460 BCE

460 BCE

Artemision Zeus or Poseidon is a 2.09 meter high bronze statue done in the Severe style of the Greek god Zeus or Poseidon. The sculpture was discovered in a shipwreck in 1928 and would have either held a thunderbolt or a trident identifying the god. The eye sockets are empty and would have contained an inset of perhaps bone, while the eyebrows would have silver and the lips and nipples copper.

Parthenon | Ictinus Callicrates & Phidias | Classic Period | 447 – 432 BCE

447 BCE

The Parthenon is a Greek Temple dedicated to the Goddess Athena, and built on the Athenian Acropolis. It is the most important building remaining from the Classic Greek period and its sculptures some of the finest works of art. The temple is built in the Doric style with a large base and columns. The main statue of Athena which no longer exists, was made of gold and ivory. It and many of the other pieces were made by the sculptor Pheidias.

Laocoön and his Sons | Rhodian sculptors Agesander, Athenodoros, and Polydorus | Hellenistic Period | 200 BCE - 70 CE

200 BCE

Laocoön and his Sons is a 7' 10.5" - high marble sculpture discovered in 1506 and became a major influence on Renaissance and Baroque art. The piece portrays a Trojan priest, Laocoön, and his sons, Antiphantes and Thymbraeus, being attacked by serpents. It is one the few sculptures that is identified by ancient writers. Pliny the Elder attributed the work to the Rhodian sculptors, Agesander, Athenodoros and Polydorus

Rosetta Stone | Ptolemaic Period | 196 BCE

196 BCE

The Rosetta Stone is granodiorite stele with three language versions of a decree issued in Memphis Egypt during the Ptolemaic period. Before the discovery of the stone in 1799, the knowledge of Egyptian Hieroglyphic and Demotic writing had been lost to history. The last language recorded on the stele is Ancient Greek which allowed for the deciphering and revival of the other two languages.

House of the Vettii | Imperial Roman Period | 62 AD

62 BCE

The House of the Vettii is a townhouse in the destroyed Roman city of Pompeii. The building and its artworks were preserved by the massive and sudden eruption of the volcano Vesuvius in 79 AD. The frescos found in the home are of the Pompeian fourth style. The excavated remains give a unique insight into Roman art works, architecture and the form and function of their buildings.

Colosseum (Flavian Amphitheater) | Titus Flavius Vespasianus | Imperial Rome | 70 - 80 AD

70

The Colosseum also known as the Flavian Amphitheater sits in the center of Rome. It was the largest amphitheater in the world measuring 190 by 155 meters and held between 50,000 to 80,000 people. The Colosseum was a major center for entertainment and was used for gladiatorial contests, staged sea battles, hunts, animal fights, executions and theatre. The exterior has three stories of arches using the Doric, Ionic and Corinthian orders at each level.

Basilica of San Vitale | Bishop Ecclesius | Early Byzantine | 526 - 527 CE

526

The Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna Italy is an example of early Christian architecture and contains a series of important early Byzantine mosaics. They include old testament stories, the history of the Christian Church and Holy Roman Empire. A section known as the Justinian Mosaic, shows Emperor Justinian's complete authority as religious, military and civic leader as well as being Christs vice-regent on earth. His wife Empress Theodora is also depicted.

Hagia Sophia | Isidore of Miletus and Anthemius of Tralles | Early Byzantine | 532 - 537 CE

532

The Hagia Sophia was built as a Greek Orthodox Christian basilica on the instructions of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, by the Greek geometers Isidore of Miletus and Anthemius of Tralles. The epitome of Byzantine architecture, it was the worlds largest building, its dome an engineering masterpiece. The building was the seat of power for the Patriarch of Constantinople for 1000 years, later transformed into a Ottoman mosque and then a museum.

Paris Psalter | Middle Byzantine | 900 CE

900

The Paris Psalter is a Byzantine manuscript from the 10th century that hold 449 folios including fourteen full-page pagan and Christian illustrations. The book contains figures of King David composing the Psalms and other biblical figures painted on animal skin pages. This book was part of the Macedonian Renaissance that was a revival of classic Roman and Christian past works that followed the early Byzantine Iconoclasm.

Gloucester Cathedral | Norman | 1089–1499 CE

1089

Gloucester Cathedral in England is an example of a Romanesque style church also known as theNorman style in Britain. These Cathedrals were massively built of stone and even today are often the largest building in the town. The core naves of the cathedral are designed with extensive arches with repeating shapes. They are often decorated simply with geometric designs instead of more ornate carvings.

The Basilica of San Clemente | Middle Ages | 1099 - 1119 CE

1099

The Basilica of Saint Clement is a 12th century Roman Catholic church situated in the center of Rome. It was designed from an earlier Roman version that was destroyed. The mosaic in the apse copies early Byzantine style of early Christian art. It depicts Jesus on the cross surrounded by twelve doves representing the apostles and many other animals. The base contains twelve sheep and the cities of Bethlehem and Jerusalem.

Last Judgment, Tympanum, Cathedral of St. Lazare | Giselbertus of Autun | Middle Ages | 1130 - 1146 CE

1130

The Cathedral of Saint Lazarus of Autun is a Roman Catholic church with examples of French Romanesque art and pilgrimage destination. The tympanum of the Last Judgment found on the central portal on west facade of the Cathedral is a particularly detailed Romanesque masterpiece. Christ is depicted in the center as an elongated heavenly body with Mary and apostles. An arch vault with Zodiac signs borders them.

Ife Brass Masks | Ancient Yoruba | 1200 - 1400 CE

1200

The 17 bronze Ife masks originate in an ancient Yoruba city in south-western Nigeria. These masks are made using the lost wax cast method which starts with a wax cast that is covered in clay. After it is fired the wax melts out and the cast is filled with bronze. These bronze masks and some made from terracotta depict kings and gods. The style is naturalistic and have various versions with regalia, facial markings, scarification and body proportions.

Great Mosque of Djenné | Sudano-Sahelian | 1200 - 1330 CE

1200

The Great Mosque of Djenné is a large adobe building originally built in the 13th century in the Sudano-Sahelian architectural style. Rebuilt in 1907 it is located in Djenné, Mali. The current Mosque is the largest mud-built structure in the world. The current building uses a rectilinear plan with walls and roof that are supported by pillars and enclosed with an exterior wall.

Salisbury Cathedral | Richard Poore; Elias of Dereham | Early English Gothic | 1220 - 1258 CE

1220

Salisbury Cathedral is an Anglican cathedral in England and a classic example of early English gothic architecture. Because of its relatively rapid building in only 38 years it has a very consistent style with high ceilings and pointed arches. It continues to have the tallest church spire (123 meters) and the largest cloister in the UK. It also houses the best preserved of 4 remaining copies of the Magna Carta and the oldest working clock in Europe

The Alhambra | Mohammed ben Al-Ahmar | Nasrid Dynasty | 1232 - 1492 CE

1232

The Alhambra in is a medieval fortress in the Andalusian region of Southern Spain. The 26 acre complex was built by the Muslim Nasrid Dynasty in the 13th century on top of 9th century Roman ruins. The Alhambra is an elaborate palace with gardens, canals, pools and fountains. It is a unique example of Islamic art and architecture without much Byzantine influence. Tile mosaics contain all 17 mathematically possible tessellation patterns.

Saint Francis Altarpiece | Bonaventura Berlinghieri | 1235

1235

Saint Francis Altarpiece is a 5' tall tempera on wood painting by the Italian Gothic artist, Bonaventura Berlinghieri. The painting depicts Saint Francis of Assisi and several scenes from his life. He is elongated and surrounded by golden light. The piece is done in the Byzantine or maniera greca style using pigments in an emulsion that predated oil painting. Wood panel altarpieces were a common Gothic medium of art.

Sainte-Chapelle | Rayonnant French Gothic | 1242 - 1248

1242

The Sainte-Chapelle is a royal chapel in the Parisian Palais de la Cité (The residency of the French Kings at the time). The chapel is made in the French Gothic style known as Rayonnant that emphasizes high ceilings and vertical architecture. It contains one of the most elaborate 14th century stained glass collections. The chapel also houses King Luis IX collection of relics including the Crown of Thorns worn by Christ.

The Vitruvian Man | Leonardo da Vinci | Italien Renaissance | 1490 CE

1490

The Vitruvian Man is a study of the proportions of the human body sketched by Leonardo da Vinci around the year 1490 CE. It depicts a man superimposed in dual positions with arms and legs apart and bordered by a circle and square. The drawing with ink on paper is based on ideal human proportions and their geometry as described by the Roman architect Vitruvius. The piece illustrates the use of mathematics in art and its importance in proportions.

Dying and Rebellious Slaves | Michelangelo | Renaissance | 1513 CE

1513

Dying and Rebellious Slaves are two life-size and unfinished marble statues commissioned for the tomb of Pope Julius II. The two statues express contrasting emotions. The Dying Slave is depicted as young and handsome in a deep sleep or death. The Rebellious Slave is depicted contorted and trying to free himself. The two statues are a revival of ancient Hellenistic style sculpture such as Laocoön and His Sons that was in Michelangelo's possession.

Tughra of Sultan Süleiman the Magnificent | Ottoman Empire | 1520 - 1566 CE

1520

The Tughra is the official signature and seal of the the Ottoman leader, Sultan Süleiman the Magnificent. It is an opaque watercolor with gold leaf on paper measuring 63.5 x 76.2 cm. This Islamic calligraphic image is one of the high art forms of the Ottoman Turkish Empire and was included in all official documents.The complexity and specialized art made the Arabic monogram difficult to copy.

Queen Mother Pendant Mask (Iyoba) | Edo peoples of the Benin Empire | 1550 CE

1550

The Hip Pendant Mask originates in 16th century Benin and represents an Iyoba or "Queen Mother". The mask is carved in ivory and show her wearing a beaded headdress and neck choker. There is scarification on the forehead, highlighted with inlays of iron. Ivory is a symbol of ritual purity, wealth and power. Like many other African masks she is depicted with a serene expression.

View of Toledo | El Greco | Spanish Counter Reformation | 1596 - 1600 CE

1596

Vista de Toledo is an oil on canvas landscape painting by Spanish artist El Greco. Landscape paintings were rare because of a church ban. The piece uses dark and contrasting colors to a express a somber mood with a powerful and stormy sky over the city and green hills. View of Toledo is considered ahead of its time and is often compared with Vincent Van Gogh's 1889 painting Starry Night, another landscape with similar compositional elements.

Apollo and Daphne | Gian Lorenzo Bernini | Italian Baroque | 1622 - 1625 CE

1622

Apollo and Daphne by Bernini is a detailed life-sized marble statue. It depicts the climatic scene from the story of Daphne and Phoebus in Ovid's Metamorphoses where Daphne is being chased by Apollo and is changing from a human into a laurel tree. Bernini is masterfully able to capture both the beauty and motion of the story as Daphnes arms transform into branches. It is almost as if this immobile sculpture is a live theatrical performance.

The Taj Mahal | Ustad Ahmad Lahauri | Mughal Empire | 1632 - 1653 CE

1632

The Taj Mahal is a mausoleum for Mumtaz Mahal the wife of Shah Jahan, the fifth ruler if the Mughal dynasty in India. The tomb palace is the centerpiece built in white marble, ornately carved and surrounded by a mosque and 42 acres of lavish gardens. The Taj Mahal rests on the river bank in the city of Agra and remains one of the finest examples of traditional Persian and Mughal art and architecture. Symmetry is an important theme of the design

Consequences of War | Peter Paul Rubens | Flemish Baroque | 1638 - 1639 CE

1638

The Consequences of War is an oil on canvas painting by the Flemish artist Peter Paul Rubens. The piece is a commentary on the Thirty Years' War that saw the deaths of 8 million people in Central Europe. The painting depicts the Roman gods Mars (war) ignoring his mistress Venus (love) trying to hold him back. The painting is filled with symbols both contemporary and ancient to describe the devastation of Europe at wars end.

Girl with a Pearl Earring | Johannes Vermeer | Dutch Baroque | 1665 CE

1665

Girl with a Pearl Earring is an oil on canvas paining by the Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer. The painting depicts a girl wearing an exotic oriental style headscarf and oversized pearl earring. The painting is a tronie which unlike a portrait is a fictionalized characterization or type of person. The enigmatic expression and unknown identity of the subject lend to comparisons with Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa (1503-1519 CE)