Art History Overview

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Early civilizations in Mesopotamia, Egypt, Nubia, Aegean Islands, Greece, and Rome contributed to art traditions.

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These civilizations are known for artworks made of durable materials, often preserved in inaccessible places.

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The medieval period saw significant shifts in art due to Christianity.

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Christianity emerged as a major religion, with the Church as a powerful patron of the arts.

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The Renaissance and Baroque periods saw the Church as a key patron of art.

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There was also a rise in secular artworks due to the Protestant Reformation and societal shifts in Europe.

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Major innovations of the Renaissance included linear perspective and naturalism.

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Baroque art is distinct from Renaissance art due to its movement and drama.

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The Rococo style was linked to the French aristocracy before the Revolution of 1789.

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The Neoclassical movement reacted to Rococo, while Romanticism reacted to Neoclassicism.

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Realism and Impressionism emerged in the late 19th century.

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These movements focused on everyday life, with Impressionism emphasizing light and color.

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The Armory Show in New York (1913) marked a shift in the art world.

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It introduced progressive artistic activity in the United States.

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Pop Art, Minimalism, and Photorealism responded to post-WWII industrial culture.

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These movements challenged conventional ideas of art and its limitations.

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Nonwestern art was often excluded from chronological studies of Western art.

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Art historians now recognize the interconnectedness of global art, especially contemporary art.

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China, India, and Japan have major ancient art traditions.

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These traditions relate to political power and religious practice.