Minoan Art History

A LOOK AT

We have little evidence of massive temple-based religion, rulers, or conflict in Minoan society, but plenty of creative energy and youthful vitality. According to some historians, an essential element of the greatest Minoan art is the ability to convey a sense of movement and dynamism while adhering to a system of exceptionally formal standards.

EXPLORATION OF MINOAN ART

Minoan art encompasses a wide range of subject matter, with most of it represented in a multitude of mediums, however, only a few types of ceramics have realistic figures.

STYLE AND SUBJECTS

Several Minoan wall paintings have been discovered in Crete, usually in fragments that require extensive reconstruction; in some cases, barely 5% of a restored area is original.

MINOAN PAINTINGS

The first kind of fresco is a relief fresco, in which the plaster is shaped into a relief of the primary subject before it is colored, perhaps in emulation of stone reliefs in Egypt.

MINOAN FRESCOES

Huge Minoan sculptures are extremely rare. This might be partially explained by a shortage of appropriate stone, as there are smaller Minoan sculptures in Crete.

MINOAN SCULPTURE

Throughout Crete’s history, several diverse forms of ceramics and production processes may be found. Early Minoan pottery included triangles, spirals, crosses, curved lines, fish bones, and beak spouts.

MINOAN CERAMICS

Minoan jewelry has largely been discovered in cemeteries, and until recently, much of it consisted of diadems and hair decorations for women.

MINOAN JEWELRY

Finely engraved bronze weapons have been discovered in Crete, particularly during the LM era, although they are significantly less notable than the relics of warrior-ruled Mycenae.

MINOAN WEAPONS

Minoan Metal vessels were made in Crete from at least EM II in the Prepalatial era to the Postpalatial era. The earliest were most likely composed entirely of precious metals.

MINOAN VESSELS