Simply put, pictographs (or pictograms) were drawings or designs used to convey a word or phrase.

Ideographs (or ideograms) are symbols or designs used to

convey ideas, thoughts, feelings, or actions, rather than

just words or a phrase alone.

We see them almost every day and come in contact with them: trademarks are logos, designs or insignias of a company or establishment that they identify themselves with and to distinguish themselves from one another. Trademarks will often hold some sort of legal protection so that their labels and products are not being counterfeited or tampered with.

This strange symbol “&” originated from

Latin and is a combination of a logogram and a

ligature to denote the word “and.”

Ampersand can be written in a few

different ways, as shown on the left.

Similar to the pictograph and ideograph, a logogram is a character or symbol used to denote a reoccurring phrase or word. Logograms are everywhere and help us use caution, guide us, and help us quickly distinguish signs or warnings.

In some cultures, calligraphy is considered a sacred art form. Calligraphy is essentially incorporating aesthetic into writing, creating a visually appealing, gorgeous and distinctive insight on history in a particular written language.

Chops (the colloquial name for a seal or stamp) were originated in the Oriental region of the world and were used to mark artwork or documents. Chops were made either in relief form or a raised design and were unique among the people who created them. The chops used on Chinese money were considered extremely important and severe punishments existed for those who dared to emulate one.

Moveable type is the use of interchangeable

letters and eventually designs that were used

to create books, advertisements,

pamphlets and more. In 1450, Johannes

Gutenberg was the pioneer that paved the way for the innovation known as the printing

press. There were a multitude of components needed to properly run a

printing press, such as holdfast ink and relief printing (just like how chops were made).

A movement stemming from the teachings of Mohammad and made to glorify Allah, Islamic art was bred predominantly in the populous religious cities that governed the Middle East. This style boasts flowing calligraphy, robust architecture with bold curvature, and Aniconic artwork. Rich gold, deep blue hues, sharp black, and blood red colors were particularly prominent in Islamic artwork.

Egyptian artwork is known for its rich history and deep roots in

the Middle East dating back to almost 3000 BCE. The artwork would contain hieroglyphics,

extensive murals depicting stories of gods and goddesses, and held many iconic symbols

like the Eye of Horus, the sacred scarab beetle and the Ankh.

Arabesque style artwork is named after its origin. This style included intricate and decorative designs that were incorporated into architecture like archways and round domes. In some of the art, calligraphy is ornately included. Symmetry and contrasting patterns are frequent, but are strategically designed to make every piece of Arabesque art unique and aesthetically pleasing.

Literally meaning “in the Roman manner,” this style of art emerged among the 11th and 12th century. Key features of the Romanesque architectural style included rounded arches, modestly vaulted ceilings, and highly detailed tympanums that would decorate entryways. Romanesque art incorporated religious themes and featured aureoles encompassing Christ.

In the 12th century, the Gothic style emerged. It’s architecture held more airy and lighter features, soaring vaulted ceilings, ornate buttresses and vibrantly colored stained glasses. Cathedrals mainly featured Gothic architecture; excessively decorated fixtures and open floor plans make up the foundation of these churches.

Unlike rounded arches that were prominent in Romanesque architecture, these Gothic styled arches were considerably more sturdy and resilient. The pointed arch was a staple in Gothic cathedrals and styled after Islamic architecture.

Another staple in Gothic Architecture, flying buttresses were exterior support columns and allowed the installation of more stained glass windows in the cathedrals.

Ribbed vaults are a compilation of two to three intersecting barrel vaults. The intended uses of ribbed vaults are to support the weight of walls or the ceiling. These vaults, unlike the sharp and angular Romanesque style, added flair to the pointed arches that styled the Gothic cathedrals.

Rose windows were featured in the cathedrals of the early Gothic era of architecture. These windows are essentially circular pieces of decorative stained glass.

Stained glass designs became popular in the early to mid 1000s. This colorful form of art was frequently constructed in cathedrals and they typically hold a theme of Christian history in each design.

A staple in Celtic artwork are intricate patterns called interlaces. The complex intersecting lines are made to look as if the lines are woven together.

When the line work in interlaces is replaced with animals, the lacertine style was born. Some of the better-known animals that are interwoven in this Celtic style are snakes and lions.

Borders are decorative designs or patterns that are placed along the edges of each side of a document or paper. In Celtic art, interlaces and lacertine designs were used to line the pages of manuscripts.

In the medieval era, rune stones were used as memorials for royalty. These stones were completely encompassed with elaborate designs, brightly colored and would have Runic inscriptions along them.

Mesoamerican art consists of early artwork originating from central Mexico to Central America. Each civilization had distinctive styles. The Olmec were known for their colossal stone heads, The Mayan styled a lot of art after their ruler, Lord Pakal. The Nazca were known for their intricate pottery designs and great desert drawings.

From rock paintings to

distinct sculptures, African artwork

included depictions of

animals like Saharan horses and camels to

busts of African tribe leaders.

These sculptures were often

decorated with jewelry and made from brass, iron, or

terra cotta.

Surfacing in the medieval period, greatly decorated booklets called illuminated manuscripts were eloquently gilded (which would glow when light was shone on it, hence the term “illuminated”) and handwritten. These manuscripts were prominent in Europe but can also be found in other Mediterranean regions as well.

Woodcutting is a form of art that uses a block of wood

with reliefs cut into the unwanted space of the block

for the desired print. The exposed area is then dipped into ink and pressed onto the

desired document. Its successor, the copperplate

intaglio printing, allowed more detail and was easier to

make.

Italians introduced their own printer’s marks as a way to

distinguish and trademark a document or book. Printer’s

marks vary in design from simple orbs to detailed

objects, figures or animals.  

Also known as the period of “rebirth,” the Italian Renaissance period was a time for renewal of interests in arts and humanities. The acceptance of male nudity is shown in many sculptures and the highly detailed painted artwork held significant emotional appeal.

The artists who incorporated perspective into their art intended for the focus to be on Christ, an important figure, or a central object. It is safe to say that religion and skill played a noteworthy role in perspective artwork. This strategy in artwork was difficult to master, but offered refreshingly new insight to the viewer.

From the 16th to 18th century, The Baroque period emerged from

Rome and was considered an evoking,

dramatic style of artwork. Baroque art features

gorgeously gilded architecture, along with dramatic and powerful

paintings. Intense contrast known as

chiraroscuro and the even more excessive

tenebrism was featured in Baroque art.