Question

What is the purpose of art? What can the art/architecture or artifacts tell us about ancient cultures?

Answer 1

The purpose of works of art may be to communicate ideas, such as in politically, spiritually, or philosophically motivated art; to create a sense of beauty (see aesthetics); to explore the nature of perception; for pleasure; or to generate strong emotions. Art helps make that happen by making sure that identities and their cultures are given due recognition around the world. ... This is why the Artist believe that art is a form of creative human expression, a way of enriching the human experience. The ceremonial purpose of the visual arts is to celebrate or acknowledge an event or era, or to contribute to a ritualistic activity, such as a dance celebrating... Generally speaking, there are five main functions of the visual arts: ceremonial, artistic expression, narrative, functional, and persuasive. The arts reflect the society that creates them. Nowhere is this truer than in the case of the ancient Greeks. Through their temples, sculpture, and pottery, the Greeks incorporated a fundamental principle of their culture: arete. ... Ancient Greek art emphasized the importance and accomplishments of human beings.