Pre-Modern

3000 BC - A.D. 1400

From ancient Greece and Rome to the medieval world, Western art focused on myth, religion, and civic life through sculpture, architecture, and symbolic imagery.

c. 1140–1500

Gothic

Medieval art and architecture focused on height and light. Cathedrals used pointed arches, vaults, and stained glass.

c. 1000–1150

Romanesque

Early medieval art with solid forms and symbolism. Architecture featured thick walls and rounded arches.

c. 330–1453

Byzantine

Christian art emphasizing spirituality over realism. Flat forms, gold backgrounds, and icons conveyed divine presence.

c. 500 BCE–400 CE

Roman

Art emphasizing engineering, realism, and power. Adapted Greek models for imperial purposes.

c. 900–31 BCE

Ancient Greek

Art centered on harmony, proportion, and the human body. It evolved from stylized forms to naturalistic and idealized realism.

c. 3000–1100 BCE

Aegean Art

Art of the Bronze Age Aegean cultures, including the Minoans and Mycenaeans. Known for frescoes, pottery, and architecture linked to ritual and power.