History of Sculpture

The history of sculpture is as old as the history of art.

Sculpture has played an important role in the history of man. Like painting and pottery, sculptures have helped man record history. Additionally, the changes in sculptural styles evolved as man did.

Geography

The most famous prehistoric example of sculpture dates back about 25,000 years, according to the World History website. The four-inch sculpture known as "Venus of Willendorf" was found in Austria.

Humanism

During the Renaissance, artists began looking to Roman sculptures and mathematics for help with proper proportions for their statues. Art became more refined during this time.

Potential

Greek statues influenced the Western art that followed. Many Roman statues were copies of Greek ones, and artists from the Neoclassicists to Pablo Picasso were inspired by Greek statues.

Considerations

Although archaeologists have found examples of ancient sculpture all over Europe, many ancient peoples contributed to the history of sculpture including the ancient Americans, Asians and Africans. For example, in the 20th Century, African sculpture influenced art movements like Cubism.

Fun Fact

During the period of years between about 900 to 3,000 BCE, ancient man created many sculptures. According to the Fact Index website, some of the most famous of these figures come from Egypt, including the bust of Nefertiti and the Great Spinx of Giza.

References

• "Understanding Art"; Lois Rathus-Fichner; 2004
• World History: History of Sculpture
• Fact Index: History of Sculpture
• All About Renaissance: Humanism and Science and the Renaissance

Resources

• News Dial: History of Sculpture -- Ancient Times
• Cleveleys: The Seven Wonders of the World: Statue of Zeus