Part 2, Art movements – From the Cave to Mesopotamia, the land between the rivers.
The first documented art records.
What remains of cave art and prehistoric sculpted objects or what’s still to be discovered are our first and only records. The first artistic culture used its artworks in a dynamic way. This documented period in Antiquity began about the 4th millennium, 5 -6000 years ago. The peoples in the key area of Mesopotamia made great leaps forward in all aspects of their world. Essentially what could be called a modern life style, and sophisticated art was part of their development. The areas between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers are considered as the cradle of civilisation. The development of Mesopotamia in the 7th–5th millennium BC was centered around four cultures (tribes). They are credited with the first written word or cuneiform, a wedge-shaped writing system in clay tablets. Mesopotamian artists were highly skilled potters, metalsmiths, jewellers, carpenters and sculptors of stone. This extended to architecture some of which still survives today. The refinement of their culture was such that the pottery and sculptures were often painted and used to glorify gods. A whole new level, far removed from the cave.
Seeing their artistic skill.
Many examples of Mesopotamian artefacts exist in worldwide museum collections, such was the importance, output and recognition.
Click the link below to learn more…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Art_of_Mesopotamia#
Mesopotamian cylinder seals are some of their finest artistic achievements. These were administrative tools made from precious or semi-precious stones. Their carved designs were used to roll an impression onto wet clay. You can imagine the work and skill sets to create such a seemingly insignificant item. As such, they were used for over 3000 years! Seen here, https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/W_1873-0901-1
While Mesopotamia is also best known for the world’s first cities. The sophistication included writing, complex political and administrative systems. As well as advancements in mathematics, astronomy, and agriculture. Art was also incredibly important to them. Much of their art served religious needs such as ritual depiction of the deities. And the significance between terrestrial and divine relationships. https://www.worldhistory.org/collection/262/a-gallery-of-mesopotamian-religion/15/#gallery_wrapper
The many skills their craftsmen used created beautiful and intricate objects in gold, precious stones, clay, and wood. This sophistication rivalled that of Egypt and later influenced the art and culture of many civilizations in the Near East.
Copy and paste the link below to learn more…
https://www.invaluable.com/blog/mesopotamian-art/?srsltid=AfmBOore1djGqls1FDk1Q-GYcguNHOnijV7UxS3LTDvTQrR5Fn7riwAP
Their artisans created religious and royal art and everyday objects like pottery, tools and weapons, as part of their practical skills. There was no real distinction between artisans and artists. The art created was both functional, beautiful providing a valuable insight into both Mesopotamian culture and history. Primarily, this refined culture and artworks plus the written word combined to tell the evolving art story, for the first time in human existence.
More information here https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/galleries/mesopotamia#virtual-tour&gid=1&pid=1 and https://www.getty.edu/art/exhibitions/mesopotamia/
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