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Lesson Plans


Re: First Art Signature

[ Thread ][ Subject ][ Author ][ Date ]
Becky Alexander (Bekalex)
Sat, 11 Jan 1997 09:51:14 -0700

>The other day one of my 5th grade students asked me the name of the
>first artist. I said the cave artists were the first. He said I know
>but what is the name of one of them. I said I guess the hand print
>could qualify as that. I was wondering if there is a name that the
>art world seems to think is the first recognizable one for creating
>art with a signature.
>Ellyn

Hi Ellen,

Evidence of signed pottery (rare) in Ancient Greece (530 B.C. But that is
as far back as I can get. Maker and painter was Exekias. He signed,
"Exekias painted me and made me." Known artists go back farther but I don't
think they gave evidence of their names on their works. Imhotep was a well
known Egyptian archetect. (2750 B.C.)

I find the study of how different cultures at different times have viewed
the artist to be fascinating.

Becky Alexander
Porterville, Ca