Animal Influences in Paleolithic, Egyptian and Greek Art Essay

Animal Influences in Paleolithic, Egyptian and Greek Art in that respect are numerous ways in which animals have resonated within thehuman mind. Throughout history there have been representations rangingfrom the realistic, to myths, legends, symbols, and evening horrific murderousbeasts at the same time providing fascinating perspectives of our ownhumanity. Various forms of imposture have conveyed ideas and concepts ofanimals intelligence, as well as behavior, from generation to generation.Animal art is used as a tool to make the connection between differentcultures at different time periods and it relates historical and symbolicmeanings. In approximately cultures animals have been linked with the supernaturalforces which were believed to control the natural world and the destiny ofhumans. They were often revered as the agents. or associates, of gods,and goddesses, and were even the focus of worship as deities. Followingthe tracks of historical animal art, through the human imag inationintroduces a trail of creativity and unsurpassed beauty.Paleolithic artCave paintings are the earlier known example of human art dating40,000 to 8,000 BCE. The paintings mainly feature various animalsrunning, sleeping, and eating. Some also contain a few humans,geometrical shapes, and even hand prints. The artist used permanentfeatures like ceilings, floors, and walls of rock shelters and caves as theircanvas. Pigments of black, yellow, red, and brown were utilized to displaythe observations of animals. The painters gathered a great deal of training about finding food, and which foods were safe to eat or tohunt, by closely observing animals. The valuable information was passed toothers through the detailes in the... ...Avery, Catherine B. The New Century neoclassic Handbook. New York, 1962Beckett, Sister Wendy. The Story of Painting. New York, 1994Boardman, John, Greek Art. London, 1964Durant, Will. Our Oriental Heritage. New York, 1935Fleming, William. Arts & Ideas. New Yo rk Gombrich, E. H. The Story of Art. London, 1967Hall, James. Dictionary of Subjects & Symbolism in Art. New York, 1974Kirk, G. S. The character of Greek Myths. New York, 1975Janson, H. W. History of Art. New York, 1969Leroi-Gourhan, Andre. Treasures of Prehistoric Art. New York MacClintock, Dorcas. Animals Observed. New York, 1993Metropolitan Museum of Art. Treasures of Tutankhamun. New York, 1976Richter, Gisela M. A. A Handbook of Greek Art. New York, 1987Scranton, Robert L. Aesthetic Aspects of antique Art. Chicago, 1964Stockstad, Marilyn. Art History. New York, 1995