Before this quarter, I have never studied ancient art. I enjoyed every time period that we went through, but I was most interested in prehistoric art.
For example, the Venus of Willendorf was quite astonishing in the sense that even in the beginnings of human kind; prehistoric people were already advanced enough to carve her from a chunk of limestone. This was before any technology existed, and since sculptures such as this are some of the only evidence of prehistoric human life, these people must have been more intelligent than most of us believe. There are several debates on what these carvings were used for. One of the possibilities that appeals to me is that these little sculptures were intended to be used as fertility idols and perhaps education of feminine hygiene. I am particularly intrigued by the statuette’s lack of feet and facial features. Also, her voluptuous shape seems rather unsuitable for the time period of hunters and gatherers. I found the idea that pregnant women may have used their own bodies as a model very appealing. As if they observed each side looking down and as a result, it creates this obese effect. The Venus itself is quite interesting in shape and size; however I think I am more curious about its historical context. Where is it from? How did they carve the limestone? Were they using a model? Did they carry it around with them everywhere as an idol?
Other works of art that I found most interesting are the cave paintings. I am so amazed at how talented prehistoric people were. For example, the cave paintings at Lascaux, France are so captivating. The walls are so high; I am curious how they even got up there. Not to mention how people were able to crawl and climb through the dark, narrow caves where some paintings are located. One thing I found really interesting is the silhouette of a handprint next to the painting of the dotted horse. The fact that they blew pigment from a straw to get this airbrush effect is astounding. My guess to why that person’s handprint is there is that it was intended to be a signature, or form of identity. I am also curious if the stories portrayed in some of these paintings are memories of true events. For example, one of the Lascaux paintings demonstrates a man lying dead in front of a bison with its intestines hanging out of its stomach. I also find it interesting that prehistoric people probably painted these figures without any model or picture, purely from imagination. It was fun to explore these different possibilities in class. Because this piece is so ancient and there is no proof of origin and no recorded history, no one really knows the answers, we just have theories. I find this very fascinating.
