Discovering The History Of Narrative Drawings

By Kristen Baird


For centuries stories have been told through art. This kind of art presents stories in a sequence or as a part of an ongoing story. Historically, stories have been passed on through pictures. In ancient times narrative drawings were not systematically organized making the stories difficult to understand. There are common features of narrative art that vary among cultures. These features present a distinctive way of recognizing the actions that are depicted in the pictures.

Before there were written languages information was passed on through art. Early in history these pictures were unorganized and not in lines making them hard to understand. After the development of literacy picture communications began to be more organized in in rows that were like lines on paper. This helped people to better understand the narrative because the direction of it was clearer. Eventually the linking of pictures led to today telling stores through comic strips and books today.

Folks have enjoyed comic books for may years. Most people have owned or at least have read one or two comics in their life. You may remember your folks reading the comics in the newspaper. These are perfect examples of narrative art and its evolution. Present day funnies and comic strips remain favorites of a number of adults, children and teens.

Even though comic books use language to tell a story, the sequence of the events are depicted in the drawings. In many cases stories are clearly understood simply by looking at the pictures. The books that are published for young children are another good example of this kind of art. Children who have not yet learned to read understand stories through picture books.

When a young child starts communicating it is typically done with paper and crayon. Stories about their home and family are told in drawings. Often a child draws scenes that depict the places that they have gone. A drawing of children playing or a swing set is likely relaying a story about a visit to a favorite park.

This type of drawing is also used to help children who have suffered some type of trauma. Children can be very descriptive in their drawings. The professional is often able to see a story unfold as the child creates their art. In addition to getting an idea of the type of trauma a child has suffered, the act of drawing helps children work through the memory.

Through interpretation of the drawings a therapist will identify triggers that are causing nightmares, apprehensions, depression, and anxiety. Once identified, a professional can help the child learn alternative coping skills. In addition, the complete traumatic event is analyzed so that the child can deal with and eliminate fears.

The number of examples of this kind of drawing and it purpose is almost endless. Anyone who spends time in art museums is likely to see several works that relate stories. Studying ancient cave drawings provides a valuable lesson in preserving stories with pictures. Take some time and look at the different public signs and you will see specific actions depicted in drawings.




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