Early European and Colonial American Art, 200–1750 CE

Use point arches standard Mesoamerican constructions despite their rarity Mediterranean architecture.

Reliance solely post-and-lintel construction ignoring developments such vaulted ceilings domes originating older times.

Use classical columns capitals adapted suit larger scale required hold up extensive roofs common churches region.

Complete avoidance decorative friezes entablatures even though they widely prevalent ancient Greco-Roman buildings.

Representation of Christian iconography in art

Critique of European colonial expansion

Influence of Asian culture on European art

Illustration of scientific taxonomy in Renaissance Europe

Mihrabs.

Minarets.

Battlements.

Pendentives.

Mission Church at San José de Tumacácori.

Chartres Cathedral stained glass windows.

Equestrian Statue of Marcus Aurelius from Rome.

The School of Athens fresco by Raphael.

To depict historical events

To explore abstract concepts

To illustrate botanical specimens

To display wealth or status

To display wealth, power, and status to viewers.

To challenge the social hierarchy and promote democracy.

To document daily life among lower classes.

To serve as legal documentation of property ownership.

Integration of Christian iconography with indigenous materials and techniques.

Strict adherence to pre-Columbian sculptural themes without European influence.

Use of traditional European bronze-casting methods without local influences.

Predominant adoption of naturalistic European sculpture forms by indigenous artists.

Rembrandt van Rijn utilized etching to mass-produce images meeting demand from bourgeois collectors

Peter Paul Rubens adopted etching techniques allowing him to reproduce his baroque paintings widely

Jan Van Eyck favored detailed etchings aligning his work with consumers’ desires for precision

Hieronymus Bosch utilized surreal imagery which gained popularity in newly established print markets

Less religious iconography and more secular themes were favored.

Increased use of classical mythology figures was prevalent in ecclesiastic art.

More grandiose and ornate depictions of Catholic saints were created.

There was a shift towards Byzantine styles and religious subjects in artistry.

To depict everyday life of common people

To teach religious stories and glorify Christian doctrines

To document historical events contemporaneous to their creation

To serve as functional doors for cathedral chambers