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Wild Things

DID YOU KNOW THAT ANIMALS PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN ART?

Artist unknown, "Five Dinar Banknote," 20th century, paper currency, Algeria
The relationship between human beings and animals dates at least as far back as the origins of art itself. In fact, the earliest, recognizable "realistic" paintings on cave walls depict animals. In contrast, human beings in paintings from the same time are extremely rare! This discovery is one of the things which leads us to believe that the paintings were "magical" pictures designed to help control animals and the forces of nature. In other words, painting animals was a way to bring good luck to the individuals or the entire tribe.

There is much reason to believe that Neanderthal man, the humanoid species that was replaced by Homo Sapiens (that's us), worshipped bears over 100,000 years ago. Later, of course, animals were domesticated, used for labor and pets as well as, for food and clothing. All the same, the magical power of animals has never gone away, and they are almost always used in art to suggest something beyond just: "Here's a tiger."

Baby animals, like the little fox peeking from behind the plant on the Algerian banknote, often make us feel protective and nurturing. Whereas, powerful and/or predatory animals symbolize those qualities of strength or aggression. Animals are almost always a substitute of some sort for human beings, whether in stories like Aesop's Fables or Br'er Rabbit, or as symbols of qualities we value or would like to possess.

Can you think of any animal pictures you have seen which make you feel some sort of emotion?

 Activity: Make your own art book. Gather pictures of animals. Label them and describe how they make you feel or what they might symbolize.

Wild Things
Animals AloneAnimals TogetherAnimals and People


The Institute of Museum and Library Services, a federal agency that fosters innovation, leadership, and a lifetime of learning, supports the operating expenses of the Amarillo Museum of Art.