THOMAS MCLEAN

Figurative art, showcasing recognizable forms like humans and animals, boasts a history as long as human expression itself. Early cave paintings captured figures for hunting and ritual purposes. Ancient civilizations like Egypt and Greece depicted idealized forms often imbued with symbolic meaning. The Renaissance ushered in a focus on realism and anatomy, exemplified by masters like Michelangelo.

Throughout history, the portrayal of people in art has reflected cultural values and artistic movements. Baroque art emphasized drama and emotion, while Romanticism explored individual experience and nature. Modernism saw a fragmentation of the figure with Cubism and Expressionism, while Pop Art challenged traditional representation. Today, figurative art continues to evolve, embracing diverse perspectives and pushing boundaries in its exploration of the human form.