Art Preservation & Presentation Through the Ages

By kevergreen
  • 2999 BCE

    Prehistoric (before 3000 BCE)

    Prehistoric (before 3000 BCE)
    Cave Paintings - Preserved by natural shelter in places like Lascaux (France) and Altamira (Spain). Art was painted with minerals and animal fats.
  • 1499

    Ancient Civilizations (3000 BCE – 500 CE)

    Ancient Civilizations (3000 BCE – 500 CE)
    Greek Marble Statues - Stored in temples; many survive due to the durability of marble. Ex. Pieta by Michelangelo
  • 1519

    Renaissance (1400 – 1600 CE)

    Renaissance (1400 – 1600 CE)
    Oil Paintings on Canvas - A new durable format that allowed art to be moved and preserved more easily. Ex. Mona Lisa by Leonardo Da Vinci

  • Enlightenment & Industrial Era (1600s – 1800s)

    Enlightenment & Industrial Era (1600s – 1800s)
    Public Museums - The Louvre opened in 1793. Art started being preserved in collections instead of only private homes.

  • Modern Era (1900 – 2000)

    Modern Era (1900 – 2000)
    Art Conservation - Use of chemical treatments, humidity control, and restorers trained in preserving ancient and modern works revolutionized how art was preserved and protected.

  • Contemporary (2000–Present)

    Contemporary (2000–Present)
    Digital Archives Virtual Museums - Google Arts Culture or museum VR tours provide opportunities for a wider audience to experience art.