Art, craft, and design history

Art, Craft, and Design History

Prehistoric Art

  • Earliest evidence of art dates back to the Stone Age; cave paintings and carvings were common.
  • Early artwork demonstrated basic human understanding and interaction with the world; animals, daily life, and spirituality were frequent themes.

Ancient Art

  • Civilisations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans produced diverse art: sculpture, mosaic, painting and architectural design.
  • Art was often used for societal, religious or political purposes, serving a functional role.

Medieval Art

  • This period saw the rise of Christian iconography and ornate architectural designs, like the Gothic style.
  • Illuminated manuscripts became popular; these are handwritten texts decorated with gold, silver, and colourful illustrations.

Renaissance Art

  • Known as the ‘rebirth’ of art and culture, the Renaissance period emphasised symmetry, proportion, and perspective.
  • Pioneering artists include Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael; their works remain influential.
  • Humanism played a significant role, impacting themes and subjects in artwork.

Modern Art Movements

  • Included Impressionism, Cubism, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, and Pop Art.
  • Artists began to experiment with new materials and techniques, often rejecting traditional methods.
  • Art reflected changes in society, politics, and technology, creating dialogue and challenging norms.

Design and Craft

  • Throughout history, design and craft have been vital components of our visual and material culture: furniture, textiles, jewellery and fashion.
  • Arts and Crafts movement was a reaction against industrialisation, advocating for handmade objects and recognising the crafter’s skill.
  • Bauhaus was influential in modern design, combining craft and fine arts with mass production.

Contemporary Art, Craft, and Design

  • An increasingly global and multicultural landscape, responding to complex socio-political, technological and environmental issues.
  • New media and forms emerge, such as installation, video art, virtual and augmented reality.
  • Conceptual art favours ideas and concepts over aesthetic and material concerns.