Art through the ages has been through many changes. Drastically following people’s perception, it constantly stages a theme, and then rearranges.

Some of the oldest artwork ever found is expressed on the stone walls deep within our Earth in prehistoric caves.

PALEOLITHIC...

The mural at Pont D’Arc in France, has been carbon dated, and is said to be created between 30,340 to 32,410 BCE. Hundreds of animal paintings have been cataloged, depicting at least 13 different species. The walls of the Chauvet Cave are covered with not only horses, cattle, reindeer, and bison, but also predatory animals such as lions, panthers, bears, owls, rhinos and hyenas.

There is etching, shading, and an array of superbly creative lines. The mural is tied together in a way that would be expected by skilled artists; an incredible piece of Paleolithic art.

...ANCIENT CANVAS FOREVER IN PROGRESS

Located in the Northern territory of Australia, we find tales of antiquity. Ubirr rock is a natural art gallery forged into the landscape, providing shelter for the artistic work of the ages. There are depictions of the creation ancestors as well as animals that inhabit the area. These tales are passed down from generation to generation in pictorial form, as these rock formations have been enduring artistic endeavors since around 40,000 BCE. From ancient times to present days the rocks at Ubirr provide a gateway through history.

SCULPTED HOMES  FOR THE SPIRIT …

This is a sculpture created around 2548-2530 BCE depicting Pharaoh Menkaure and his Chief Queen Khamerernebty II. At this point in time Egyptian freestanding sculpture had been developed into a stylistic and much disciplined art. There is a rule of proportions that the Egyptians standardized for all artwork. First a grid would be marked on the surfaces of the rectangular block. Then the sculptor would draw the views they wanted on each side. The sketches would then be carved in until these views all met. With this method the statue can be viewed from all sides with artistic proportions.

A sculpture such as this one was built to be placed inside their tomb as a vessel for the subject's ka to inhabit. Egyptian sculpture of royalty displays an impassive calm and enduring serenity that suggests an eternal existence, it shares the conventional qualities common to virtually all Egyptian sculpture of human figures.  Egyptian statues were created for royalty and wealthy officials, they each possess a monumental frozen quality symbolizing the absolute control of the god-ruler; this immobility serves as a visual counterpart of an ancient Egyptian belief in which immutable laws govern humans and nature.  The large works of sculpture were often displayed at temples, which the pharaoh would build to their favorite deity.  Sculptures were stiff, formal, and solemn. The Egyptians did not strive for realistic depiction, but instead wanted to present a powerful image. Egyptians used the size of their sculptures to show the social order. The pharaoh was larger then life size, scribes and court officials were life size, and workers and peasants were always shown working. 
Large-scale sculpture was an important feature of the great temples and tombs of ancient Egypt and was believed to be imbued with powerful spiritual qualities.

As we examine the pieces today, we get an image in our mind. It is a vivid image of a time when pharaohs reined. Gods and Goddesses controlled the earth, sky, and waters. We can visualize the history of the land and culture. Royalty and Gods alike were honored through the great pyramids, paints, and sculptures. It is through this extensive art that we know so much about this culture.

...A MOVE TOWARD FLOWING FREELY

Laocoon and his sons is a sculpture created around 42 to 20 BCE. Techniques of classical Greek artists were expanded upon. The statues during the Hellenistic period capture emotion and action. The sweeping lines and movement in the stillness evokes passion in the viewer.

Realistic poses were studied and moments of tension were manifested through ridged stone making lines flow freely and in nearly perfect detail. Notice the twisting facial expressions and outstretched muscles exposing the veins. The drapery of the clothing is so natural to the movement of the piece.