Three Key Movements of Design History

These three design movements each focus on different mediums, and I chose them because I wanted to illustrate the evolution of design and the remarkable advancements made over time. For example, when I think of the Classical period, I picture sculpture; the Renaissance brings to mind the mastery of oil painting; and the Industrial Revolution is associated with metals and machinery. Despite their differences, a common thread throughout all three movements is the important role of architecture. I also selected these periods because, when I first studied them in my high school AP Art History class, I was particularly captivated by European art (especially in the Classical era) since it was during this time that many iconic designs were introduced. Overall, the Classical period laid the groundwork for the art and architecture of both the Renaissance and the Industrial Revolution. During the Renaissance, classical ideas were fine-tuned, and humanism and science came into the mix. Then, with the Industrial Revolution, there was a shift away from classical styles, turning design into something more focused on function and mass production. Each period was built on what came before, therefore making a big impact on the way we see art today.