The History of Painting 1/4
The History of Painting from Cave Walls to Early Civilizations
(Part 1 of a 4-Part Series on the History of Painting)
Painting is among the oldest human art forms—an enduring narrative that begins deep within prehistoric caves and continues to flourish in modern studios. In this first installment of our four-part series on the history of painting, we’ll explore how early humans developed painting techniques, the cultural forces that shaped their art, and the foundations they laid for future movements. From Paleolithic handprints to the monumental murals of ancient empires, the origins of painting are as fascinating as the masterpieces themselves.
Peering into Prehistory—Where It All Began
The First Mark Makers
When we talk about the origins of painting, few images are more iconic than the ancient hand stencils and animal sketches found in caves around the world. These rudimentary paintings—discovered in places like Lascaux in France and Altamira in Spain—date back tens of thousands of years. Although far removed from the complex techniques of modern times, they reveal a remarkable creativity and a desire to communicate visually.
Early humans used naturally occurring pigments like ochre, charcoal, and hematite to create simple yet striking imagery. With these basic materials, our ancestors depicted bison, horses, deer, and other wildlife—subjects that likely held spiritual or survival-related significance. Over time, these early artists experimented with color variations, layering, and rudimentary shading.
Scientists estimate this pig painting was drawn 45,500 years ago.
Tools of the Cave Age
Natural Pigments: Minerals (like iron oxide) and plant-based dyes formed the earliest color palette.
Primitive Brushes: Sticks, animal hair, or even fingers became makeshift applicators.
Surfaces: Cave walls functioned as the first “canvases,” although hides and wood may also have been used.
Symbols and Storytelling
Researchers suggest that cave paintings did more than decorate stone walls; they likely served a communal function—transmitting stories, myths, and knowledge. In many ways, these prehistoric illustrations laid the groundwork for art’s future role as a medium of cultural memory and identity.
The Development of Early Civilisations—A New Canvas Emerges
From Caves to Urban Centers
As human societies evolved from nomadic groups into agricultural communities, painting took on new forms and purposes. With the advent of permanent settlements, people built temples, palaces, and communal spaces—larger, sturdier surfaces that invited more elaborate murals. While ancient painting techniques varied by region, the shift from cave dwellings to brick-and-mortar structures opened new doors for decorative and ceremonial art.
Artisans and Early Guilds
In these growing civilizations, specialized craftspeople emerged. Instead of painting out of mere necessity or ritual, they began painting as an occupation. Artisan guilds (or their ancient equivalents) often guarded trade secrets: pigment recipes, brush-making methods, and fresco techniques. These skill-sharing networks influenced not only the evolution of painting but also the future establishment of formal art academies.
Egyptian, Greek, and Roman Innovations
The transition from prehistory to the classical world saw painting flourish on tomb walls, pottery, and monumental architecture. Each civilization contributed its own stylistic flair and inventive techniques, leaving an indelible mark on the painting history timeline.
Egyptian Tomb Paintings
Egyptian art remains a cornerstone of the history of painting. Paintings in tombs—and on papyrus—depicted gods, daily life, and spiritual journeys. Skilled artisans combined mineral-based pigments with precise outlines, creating distinctively flat, linear designs. Rather than focusing on realism, Egyptian painting prioritized symbolism and continuity, reflecting a culture deeply concerned with the afterlife.
Technique: Fresco secco (painting on dry plaster) allowed for meticulous detail.
Color Palette: Bold earth tones: red ochre for men’s skin, yellow ochre for women, and vibrant blues and greens for deities and royalty.
Vibrant earth-toned pigments and symbolic figures captured on a temple wall.
Greek Mastery of Form
Ancient Greek painters—many now known by name only through historical texts—influenced a broad range of art forms, including frescoes and vase paintings. They emphasized anatomical precision, proportion, and storytelling. While much of their monumental painting has been lost, pottery designs, mosaic floors, and surviving sculptures reflect a culture captivated by human form and mythological subjects.
Intricate black-figure styles exemplifying classical Greek artistry.
The Birth of Naturalism
Greek experimentation with perspective and shading laid groundwork for later European movements. The idea that art could approximate real-life appearances—though not perfected yet—sprang from this period.
Roman Adaptations and Mosaics
Romans, inheriting Greek influences, pushed painting further by embracing realism and trompe-l’œil illusions. They adorned villas with ornate wall paintings, using advanced fresco techniques. Roman mosaics, made from tiny tesserae, displayed extraordinary attention to detail and color gradation—especially in high-end villas, where sea-themed or mythological scenes dominated the floors and walls.
A detailed view of an ancient Roman mosaic, featuring ornate patterns and a horned figure, captured during a 2021 trip to Italy.
Influence of Religion and Mythology on the History of Painting
From prehistoric times onward, spiritual beliefs often dictated the subject matter of art. Ancient societies saw painting as a bridge to the divine—be it ancestors, gods, or nature deities.
Ceremonies, Rituals, and Representation
Spiritual Narratives: Paintings illustrated religious ceremonies, heroic legends, and moral lessons.
Mythical Inspiration: Gods, goddesses, and fantastical creatures became recurring motifs, fueling an eternal wellspring of artistic ideas.
Key Takeaway: Religion and mythology didn’t just inspire the content of paintings; they spurred artists to innovate, refining techniques to better convey sacred messages.
Techniques and Materials Across Ancient Cultures
Varied as they were, ancient painting traditions share common threads. The quest for durable pigments, stable surfaces, and new ways to depict perspective united artists across empires and epochs.
Pigment Innovations
Mineral & Organic Sources: From verdigris (green copper compound) to cochineal insects (red dye), artists experimented with an array of substances.
Encaustic Painting: A technique favored in places like Egypt’s Fayum Portraits, combining hot wax with pigments for a glossy, long-lasting finish.
Early Perspective and Layout
Pre-classical art lacked linear perspective as perfected in the Renaissance, but that didn’t stop ancient artists from exploring ways to suggest depth. Overlapping figures, varying proportions, and vertical layering were employed, demonstrating a budding understanding of spatial relationships.
Cultural Exchanges and the Evolution of Painting
Trade Routes and Artistic Cross-Pollination
With the expansion of trade across the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and parts of Asia, painting styles began to blend. Silk Road caravans and merchant ships often carried more than spices and silk; they transported artistic motifs, pigments, and methods, weaving a tapestry of global influence.
For example, the Roman Empire’s vast reach facilitated encounters with Egyptian, Greek, Celtic, and Middle Eastern art. This cultural mixing advanced techniques in fresco-making, portable panel painting, and even mosaic design.
A wall painting from a Roman villa, highlighting advanced ancient fresco methods.
Local Influence—Early Swiss Context
Though Switzerland as we know it today wasn’t a unified entity in antiquity, the region intersected with Roman territories. Archeological finds suggest that Roman painting styles, especially frescoes, reached Swiss locales like Augusta Raurica (near modern Basel). While the true “famous Swiss painters” appeared centuries later, these early cross-cultural influences paved the way for the artistic heritage that would flourish in the region.
Internal Link: Interested in discovering more about Swiss artistic lineage? Join our Free Gallery tour and meet other creativly inclined people in Zurich!
From Ancient Walls to Future Art—A Preview of What’s Next
Painting’s ancient chapters show us just how creative—and resourceful—humanity can be. From humble cave sketches to the lavish murals of thriving empires, our forebears experimented with color, form, and symbolism. They also laid the foundation for more sophisticated developments still to come, from the glories of the Renaissance to the avant-garde movements of the 20th century.
In our next installment, we’ll journey through the Middle Ages and Renaissance, exploring how religious iconography morphed into human-centric masterpieces and how new materials and techniques changed the painting history timeline forever.
A Subtle Next Step
Feeling inspired? While this blog series is purely educational, you can certainly take your artistic curiosity a step further. If you’re located in or visiting Zurich, you might enjoy a relaxed learning environment at Zurich Art Club, where workshops and courses occasionally delve into both classic and contemporary painting methods. It’s a gentle way to connect the dots between past and present without overloading your calendar.
Internal Link: Learn about upcoming events or secure a spot at one of our casual Zurich Painting Workshops.
Final Thoughts
From humble beginnings etched on cave walls to the grandeur of Egyptian tombs and Roman villas, painting has served as a cultural and spiritual beacon. In the chapters ahead, we’ll see how these ancient techniques informed the Medieval and Renaissance breakthroughs that reshaped European art. Stay tuned for Part 2 of our History of Painting series, where we’ll venture into the Middle Ages and witness the transformative power of faith, craft, and humanism in art.
