Wall painting: from rock paintings to modern times

Wall painting is the oldest kind of fine art, but it is difficult to pinpoint when it first appeared.

Rock paintings

It is known that even in prehistoric times our ancestors applied primitive drawings on the walls of caves in which they lived. Rock art dates back to the Paleolithic era. Primitive people are the first artists in the world to leave 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.

Wall painting of the tombs of the pharaohs

Not all experts agree that rock paintings are a type of such a painting. Many call the wall painting of Ancient Egypt a fine specimen of fine art. Decorated funeral temples testify to the enormous talent and giftedness of the inhabitants of the great civilization, which left a lot of mysteries to the descendants.

Wall painting tells of the terrible deities and important historical events. All works closely connected with mythology and religion were subject to strict canons. Artificially created space was filled with paintings that made sense. Over time, magnificent masterpieces began to appear in the tombs of the pharaohs who dreamed of decorating their posthumous dwelling. Ancient masters pursued several goals - to exalt the ruler and do everything to make his tomb considered the most beautiful.

Drawings were put on the walls of the tombs and thus perpetuated the life of the dead pharaoh in the afterlife. That is why Egyptian wall painting does not reproduce landscapes and any emotions. Figures were often supplied with hieroglyphics, complementing the essence of the image.

The significant difference between the drawings of the primitive man and the Egyptians

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

Over time, the technique of wall painting is improved: images are clearly transferred, the composition acquires organization.

The Art of Ancient Rome

The most widespread version is one that sees a close connection of wall paintings with frescos, made by masters of the greatest state of Antiquity. And when it comes to ancient Roman art, it can not be overlooked that it differs radically from the Egyptian one.

Frescos are a special kind of wall painting, where the coloring powder is mixed with water and applied to a damp surface, previously covered with a layer of plaster. They are well preserved in dry climates, so they gained such popularity in Italy.

Altar of the world - 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 the space. Artists and architects have achieved an incredible effect: the audience seemed to be standing in a niche, thus the masters created the illusion of depth.

Ancient Roman creators were already familiar with the techniques of light and shade and applied them, embodying vivid artistic images. The paintings were accompanied by a landscape background, the inclusion of inserts with contour figures of people, and later wall painting was a complex design, reminiscent of theatrical stage.

Religious subjects are replaced by images of secular life

In the era of the Renaissance, artists who depicted illusions on the walls were extremely appreciated, and their masterpieces were so realistic that the audience could not find the line dividing the fictional world with the present. It is during this period that wall painting becomes secular. Brilliant creators paint not only temples, but also interiors of living quarters.

Modern wall painting

Before the revolution in Russia, wall painting was considered a measure of the status of the owner - according to the drawings, it was a notion of his wealth. In recent years, in our country, it has regained popularity, because by the volume 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 make bright colors in houses and apartments, built according to a pattern.

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