The Annotated Mona Lisa: A Crash Course in Art History from Prehistoric to the Present

The origins of art trace back to the prehistoric era, where early humans used visual expression to communicate, record experiences, and engage in spiritual practices. The earliest known artworks are cave paintings, petroglyphs, and small sculptures, such as the Venus of Willendorf, which date back to the Paleolithic period. These early forms of art, often depicting animals, hunting scenes, and human figures, suggest a deep connection to survival, fertility, and religious beliefs. Found in places like Lascaux, France, and Altamira, Spain, cave paintings were created with natural pigments, applied with primitive brushes, or even blown onto surfaces using hollow bones. The exact purpose of these paintings remains debated, but many theories suggest they served ritualistic or instructional functions.

As human societies evolved, the Neolithic Revolution marked a significant shift in artistic production. With the advent of agriculture and permanent settlements, art became more intricate, reflecting the development of organized communities. Megalithic structures, such as Stonehenge, appeared during this period, demonstrating an understanding of architecture, astronomy, and social organization. Pottery and ceramic art flourished, showcasing early craftsmanship and aesthetic sensibilities.

Ancient Mesopotamian art emerged with the rise of civilizations such as Sumer, Akkad, Babylon, and Assyria. The Sumerians developed cuneiform writing, one of the earliest forms of recorded communication, which was often inscribed on clay tablets alongside artistic depictions. Mesopotamian art featured intricate relief sculptures, ziggurats, and votive statues, often centered around religious and political themes. The Stele of Hammurabi exemplifies the fusion of art and law, depicting the Babylonian king receiving the legal code from the god Shamash.

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