Ancient Egyptian | 3100 BC – 30 BC | This period is known for its grand monumental pyramids, temples, and sculpture in a style that emphasized idealization and symmetry. |
Classical Greek | 480 BC – 323 BC | The Greek era contributed significantly to arts, philosophy, and culture—the sculptures particularly were rendered in an idealized and balanced style. |
Hellenistic | 323 BC – 31 BC | This is a more diversified stage of Greek art, noted for increased realism, attention to detail, and the depiction of emotions. |
Roman | 500 BC – 476 AD | Roman art includes architecture, painting, sculpture and mosaic work. It’s often a blend of Roman unique designs and adaptations from the earlier Greek Art. |
Byzantine | 330 AD – 1453 AD | Characterized by highly ornate and richly symbolic religious art with a flattened, elongated style. |
Gothic | 12th – 16th Century | Known for features like pointed arches, ribbed vaults and the use of light. Gothic art covered not only architectural design but was a broad style that embraced sculpture, painting and monument design. |
Renaissance | 14th – 17th Century | Return to classical ideals of balance and harmony. The human form was celebrated and depicted with previously unseen realism. |
Baroque | 17th – 18th Century | Known for its drama, tension, exuberance and grandeur in sculpture, painting, literature and architecture. |
Rococo | 18th Century | This style is all about elegance and ornamentation, often employing asymmetry and playful forms. |
Neoclassical | Late 18th – Early 19th Century | Emphasizing clarity, order, and symmetry; a direct response to the excesses of Baroque and Rococo. |
Romanticism | Late 18th – Mid 19th Century | Characterized by emphasis on emotion, individualism, glorification of the past and nature. |
Cubism | Early 20th Century | Abstract style that is best known in the works of Picasso, emphasizing geometric shapes and collapsing of space. |
Art Nouveau | Late 19th- Early 20th Century | Style characterized by sinuous, asymmetrical lines, often taking inspiration from natural elements. |
Art Deco | 1920s – 1940s | Celebrated for its modern, functional designs that incorporate simple shapes and streamlined forms. |
Postmodern | 1970s – Present | A diverse and eclectic style characterized by the blend of high and low culture, and use of irony and parody. |