Wall painting: from rock paintings to the present

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

Wall painting is the oldest type of fine art, but it is difficult to determine exactly when it first appeared.

Rock painting

It is known that even in prehistoric times, our ancestors applied primitive drawings to the walls of the caves in which they lived. Rock art dates back to the Paleolithic era. Primitive people are the first artists in the world who left behind silent evidence of their existence on earth, and the drawings contain an incredible amount of valuable information about their life and way of life.

Mural paintings of the tombs of the pharaohs

Not all experts agree that rock paintings are the prototype of such painting. Many call the wall paintings of Ancient Egypt a wonderful example of fine art. Decorated mortuary temples testify to the great talent and giftedness of the inhabitantsa great civilization that left many mysteries to posterity.

Wall paintings tell of formidable deities and important historical events. All works closely related to mythology and religion were subject to strict canons. The artificially created space was filled with murals that make sense. Over time, magnificent masterpieces began to appear in the tombs of the pharaohs, who dreamed of decorating their posthumous home. The ancient masters pursued several goals - to ex alt the ruler and do everything so that his tomb was considered the most beautiful.

The drawings were applied to the walls of the tombs and thus perpetuated the life of the deceased pharaoh in the afterlife. That is why the wall paintings of Egypt do not reproduce landscapes and any emotions. Drawings were often supplied with hieroglyphs that complemented the essence of the image.

Significant difference between the drawings of primitive man and the Egyptians

Are there any differences between the rock paintings made by primitive man and the images in Egyptian tombs? They are related by the apparent simplicity of the drawings, but the artists of the most famous civilization faithfully reproduced every part of the body, excluding the slightest distortion. They carefully observed all the proportions of the human figure. The imperturbable rulers, on whose faces there are no feelings, were always portrayed as young and tall, thus the artists emphasized their importance in society.

Over time, the technique of wall painting improves: images are clearly transmitted, the composition acquiresorganization.

Art of Ancient Rome

The most common version is the one that sees a close connection between wall painting and frescoes made by the masters of the greatest state of Antiquity. And when it comes to ancient Roman art, it should be noted that it is fundamentally different from Egyptian art.

Frescoes are a special type of wall painting where coloring powder is mixed with water and applied to a damp surface, previously covered with a layer of plaster. They keep well in dry climates, which is why they are so popular in Italy.

The altar of peace is a new word in painting

During the reign of Emperor Augustus, an altar appeared in honor of the goddess of the world, which is a quadrangular structure. The walls of the historical monument, painted with images and ornaments, seem to protrude above the plane and begin to interact with space. Artists and architects have achieved an incredible effect: it seemed to the audience that they were standing in a niche, thus the masters created the illusion of depth.

Ancient Roman creators were already familiar with the techniques of chiaroscuro and applied them, embodying vivid artistic images. The paintings were accompanied by landscape backgrounds, insets with contour figures of people, and later wall paintings were complex structures reminiscent of a theater stage.

Religious subjects are replaced by images of secular life

During the Renaissance, artists who depicted illusions on the walls were extremely valued, andtheir masterpieces were so realistic that the audience did not find the line separating the fictional world from the real one. It was during this period that wall painting became secular. Brilliant creators paint not only temples, but also the interiors of residential premises.

Modern wall painting

Before the revolution in Russia, wall painting was considered a measure of the status of the owner - according to the drawings, they formed an idea of \u200b\u200bits we alth. In recent years, it has regained popularity in our country, because due to volumetric drawings it is possible to expand the space of the room and emphasize the individuality of its inhabitants. Modern designers know how to diversify the interior and bring bright colors to houses and apartments built according to the template.

Wall painting is not only beauty and harmony, but also durability. Many works of charm are unique, and their owners are warmed by the idea that they are the only owners of genuine masterpieces.