Empathy in the creation and reception of prehistoric art and early ancient art in Europe

This article addresses matters relating to the role of empathy as a key element of visual narration in the creation and reception of prehistoric art (c. 40 000 BC – c. fifth century BC) and early ancient art (c. 900–700 BC) in Europe. Drawing on neuroaesthetics research, particularly that which concerns the behaviour of mirror neurons, a discussion is provided of the mechanisms underlying the interpretation of intentions as well as the development of empathy and emotions in works of art. This analysis indicates that prehistoric art and early ancient art, despite their ostensibly limited means of expression – understood as simplified form, schematic representation, reduction of detail, and a restricted range of formal and technical devices – exhibit marked emotional and communicational impact. The author demonstrates that the way in which these depictions affect viewers of art – both past and present – is based on universal, neurobiologically conditioned mechanisms of aesthetic perception.