This timeline provides a brief overview of the key periods and movements in the history of art. Explore the evolution of artistic styles and techniques through the ages.
Early Periods
Prehistoric Art (c. 30,000 BCE - 4,000 BCE)
- cave paintings
- sculptures
- Explore more about Prehistoric Art
Ancient Art (c. 4,000 BCE - 500 CE)
Medieval Art
Byzantine Art (c. 330 - 1453)
- mosaics
- icons
Medieval Gothic Art (c. 1150 - 1450)
- stained glass
- architecture
Renaissance
Italian Renaissance (c. 1400 - 1600)
- humanism
- realism
- Discover more about the Italian Renaissance
Northern Renaissance (c. 1350 - 1550)
Baroque
- Baroque Art (c. 1600 - 1750)
- dramatic lighting
- movement
- Explore Baroque Art in detail
Rococo
- Rococo Art (c. 1730 - 1789)
- elegance
- pastel colors
- Learn more about Rococo Art
Neoclassicism
- Neoclassicism (c. 1760 - 1820)
- return to classical ideals
- simplicity
- Read about Neoclassicism
Romanticism
- Romanticism (c. 1800 - 1850)
- emotion
- individualism
- Explore Romanticism in art
Realism
- Realism (c. 1848 - 1870)
- focus on everyday life
- Learn about Realism
Modern Art
Impressionism (c. 1870 - 1880s)
- focus on light and color
- Discover Impressionism
Cubism (c. 1907 - 1920s)
- abstract representation
- Explore Cubism
Expressionism (c. 1910 - 1920s)
- emotional intensity
- Learn about Expressionism
Contemporary Art
- Contemporary Art (1945 - present)
- diverse styles and techniques
- Explore Contemporary Art
More about Art History Timelines
Art History Timeline