In this chapter, we will briefly go through the developments of visual art through history. We start by looking at early art, starting from the caves and moving forwards to the Egyptian, Greek and Roman art. In the second section, we go through an incredibly short art history of the world, fitting a bookfull of information in one section – you will get to research a period in history and express your findings both visually and verbally.

After a more comprehensive art history, we take a closer look at Finnish art throughout the years. Here you will get to know the most famous Finnish artists and their work. Afterwards, we move on to contemporary art and take a look at some examples.

Finally, we learn how to look at and analyse art, using both verbal and visual analysis.


Objectives (NCC 2014) for this chapter

In this chapter, the pupil observes the art and visual culture of different periods of time as well as of other cultures. They examine the significance of visual arts for the individual, the community and the society , and are inspired to apply the means of visual production from different times and cultures in their own visual production. (O1, O8, O9.) Through discussion with a partner or in a group, the pupil learns to express opinions, find meanings in visual culture and apply different types of visual, verbal and other means of visual interpretation in looking at images (O2, O3, O7). The pupil is guided towards an exploratory approach, in which the study of images begins with their own interests (O5). Additionally, the pupil is encouraged to try different materials and techniques in creating their own work of art (O4). 


Key content areas (NCC 2014) in this chapter

C1 Pupils' own visual cultures: Contents for this chapter are selected through the pupil's preferences; while key works of art from the art history canon are presented, the pupil also has a chance to select those works that most appeal to them or feel the most familiar. Images from visual cultures the pupil participates in independently are observed in light of these key works of art.

C2 Visual cultures in the environment: Contents are selected from different environments from early works of art to contemporary art. Different types of media are also present. Contents include all types of visual art; paintings, sculpture, media art, architecture etc. 

C3 The worlds of visual arts: The contents for this chapter are selected from visual arts produced in different times and different environments and cultures, with a focus on Finnish art. Pupils examine different viewpoints in looking at art, and analyse art through verbal and visual means. Works of art are used as the basis for the pupil's own visual work.