How has nature influenced art throughout the eras?

Nature is a fundamental source of inspiration for artists, shaping elaborate and personal expression from ancient times to the present day. Across different eras, artists have looked to the natural world to imbue their work with deeper meaning, emotion, and interpretation. The depiction of animals and natural scenes in art has evolved, reflecting broader cultural, philosophical, and technological shifts.

Below, we’ve explored how nature has influenced art through the ages, from ancient civilisations to the modern, digital sphere.

Nature in ancient art

In ancient art, nature was often represented symbolically, reflecting the cultural and religious values of the time.

Egyptian art, for example, used natural elements like the lotus flower and the papyrus plant as symbols of life, creation, and rebirth. These motifs were commonly found in tomb paintings and temple carvings, which suggests that they saw an eternal connection to nature.

In ancient Greece, nature was just as prominent, but with a different emphasis. Greek art often depicted gods in dreamlike natural settings. The Greeks also celebrated the human body as a pure form, encapsulating its beauty in sculptures that mirrored nature’s proportions.

The natural Renaissance

The Renaissance marked a shift in the portrayal of nature in art, driven by a renewed interest in the study of the natural world.

Artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Albrecht Dürer epitomised this change, meticulously studying plants, animals, and landscapes to create more detailed representations.

Leonardo’s sketches reveal his deep engagement with the mechanics of nature. Even the Mona Lisa sits before a tranquil of trees, water, and rural splendour. Similarly, Dürer was known for his intricate engravings of flowers and fauna, proving his scientific curiosity and desire to understand nature’s complexities.

The Romantics and the pastoral

The Romantic movement of the late 18th and early 19th centuries brought a new perspective on nature, focusing on its sublime qualities.

Artists like Caspar David Friedrich and J.M.W. Turner sought to capture the power of nature in wondrous yet fearsome scenes. Friedrich’s haunting visions of solitary figures in vast, untamed landscapes – as famously portrayed in Wanderer above the Sea of Fog – carry a sense of the sublime, where nature’s grandeur undermines human capabilities.

Meanwhile, Turner created some of the most memorable watercolour works of the era, including warm, dappled depictions of rural Yorkshire. But through tumultuous seascapes, he also highlighted the uncontrollable forces of nature. With swirling clouds and crashing waves, paintings like Fishermen at Sea evoke feelings of awe, helplessness, and wonder.

The future of nature in art

Through the 21st century and beyond, the relationship between nature and art is still evolving.

Artists are increasingly using their work to unashamedly comment on prominent sociopolitical issues. These include climate change, deforestation, and biodiversity loss. Banksy is famous for this rebellious form of creativity, leaving surprise artworks permeated with hidden messages.

The future may see the merging of traditional and modern techniques, with artists still inspired by the natural world – all while using new tools to address contemporary issues. With heightened awareness of the fragility of our planet, art increasingly fosters a deeper connection to nature.

Throughout history, nature has had a profound influence on artists.

From the symbolic depictions of ancient civilisations to the comforting rural landscapes of the Romantic era, nature has inspired artists to explore the beauty and complexity of the natural world.

In the future, art will continue to shape and challenge our perceptions of the natural world – and all that exists within it.