Art Movements & Periods

What is the Renaissance?

A cultural movement from the 14th to 17th century originating in Italy, emphasizing humanism, classical learning, and realistic representation in art

What is Impressionism?

A 19th-century art movement characterized by small visible brushstrokes, emphasis on light and color, and capturing fleeting moments; originated in France

What is Baroque art?

A dramatic, ornate style from the 17th-18th centuries featuring rich color, grandeur, and emotional intensity; associated with Caravaggio and Bernini

What is Cubism?

An early 20th-century movement pioneered by Picasso and Braque that depicts subjects from multiple viewpoints using geometric forms

What is Surrealism?

An art movement from the 1920s that sought to channel the unconscious mind, featuring dreamlike imagery and unexpected juxtapositions; led by Andre Breton

What is Abstract Expressionism?

A post-WWII American art movement emphasizing spontaneous, gestural brushwork and large-scale canvases; key artists include Pollock and de Kooning

What is Pop Art?

A 1950s-60s movement that drew from popular culture and mass media, challenging traditional fine art; key artists include Warhol and Lichtenstein

What is Romanticism?

A late 18th to mid-19th century movement emphasizing emotion, individualism, and the sublime power of nature; key artists include Delacroix and Turner

What is Art Nouveau?

A decorative style from the 1890s-1910s characterized by flowing organic lines, floral motifs, and integration of art into everyday objects

What is Minimalism?

A 1960s movement using simple geometric forms, industrial materials, and stripped-down aesthetics; key artists include Donald Judd and Dan Flavin