Let's take a peek into the ancient world of art!
Cave paintings are the OGs of art, but there’s a whole world of ancient paintings out there! Scattered across the globe, these pieces of art go back thousands of years and come from all the great civilizations. While we can't crown one as the absolute oldest, we can definitely take a stroll down memory lane and check out some of the oldest ones we’ve found. Here are some of the ancient art pieces that take us way back in time!
Date: 3500 BCE
Name: The Painted Tomb at Hierakonpolis
The Ancient Egyptians were masters of art, especially the kind that adorned the walls of tombs, helping the deceased transition smoothly into the afterlife. One of the oldest examples is from the Painted Tomb at Hierakonpolis, dating back to the pre-dynastic period, 1,000 years before iconic figures like Tutankhamen and Nefertiti. This vibrant piece wasn’t the work of just one artist—it was a team effort, with different painters contributing over time. The painting is filled with action, and art historians believe it might show the arrival of Asians in Egypt and the harmony that followed between the two cultures.
Date: 1600 BCE
Name: Dancing Woman from Knossos
The earliest Greek painting actually comes from the Minoans, who were amazing at pottery. This piece is from around 1600 BCE, and the detail on this pot is incredible. We don't know much about the woman on it—who she was or if she really existed. The artist, also a mystery, might not have known her either. But she's dressed in traditional Minoan clothes and has the typical Minoan hairstyle, giving us a peek into ancient Minoan life.
Date: 690 BCE
Name: Tomb of the Roaring Lions
The Tomb of the Roaring Lions—it's a real gem! Imagine stumbling upon the oldest Etruscan tomb ever found, dating back to around 690 BCE. They say it likely belonged to a prominent figure, and inside, the walls are adorned with these ancient paintings. At first, they thought they were lions, hence the name, but turns out they might depict deer or horses. It's crazy to think this piece of history was only unearthed in 2006, thanks to a tip-off from an “unconventional source”! The paintings, in striking red and black hues, are hailed as some of the oldest western artworks outside of cave paintings.
Date: 400 to 100 BCE
Name: Wall in the House of Sallust
Roman art often takes a back seat to their incredible architecture. Sure, they had paintings, but it's their buildings that steal the show. When Mount Vesuvius blew its top near Pompeii, it wiped out a lot of those paintings, which is a bummer because Pompeii was like an ancient art capital. The ones that survived are pretty straightforward and decorative, like the ones in the House of Sallust. They used paint to mimic marble, making the walls look all fancy and textured. So, while the Romans did paint, they really made their mark with those awe-inspiring structures!
Date: 600 – 700 AD
Name: Painting from The Takamatsuzuka Tomb
It's fascinating how the oldest paintings in India, found in the Sittanavasal Cave, break away from the traditional cave art we usually think of. Instead of the typical outdoor scenes, these paintings deck the walls and ceiling indoors. They were crafted using plaster as a base, adorned with colourful paint layers. What's even more intriguing is their timeline: originally crafted in the 1st century BCE, they were later overlaid with new artwork by another artist. Unlike many contemporary works, these paintings steer clear of usual themes, opting instead for depictions of humans, elephants, birds, and lively scenes of dancers and singers.
These ancient paintings are like time capsules of creativity from way back when. It's amazing how they show us how people expressed themselves through art back in the day. They're definitely priceless gems that give us a glimpse into history!
