The earliest figurine the Venus of Tan-Tan discovered to date originated somewhere between 500,000 and 300,000 BC, during the Middle Acheulean period. Discovered in Morocco, it is about 6 centimeters long. Evidence suggests that this Moroccan piece may have been created by natural geological processes with a minimum of human tool-work, but the piece bears evidence of having been painted; "a greasy substance" on the stone's surface has been shown to contain iron and manganese and indicates that it was decorated by someone and used as a figurine, regardless of how it may have been formed. *
500Etruscan and Roman Art : A Bibliography - Though the author says this list is neither comprehensive nor up to date - it is a good start to books covering the Etruscan and Roman art periods.
The Catacombs of Rome - Ars Mar Film describes the art of the Christian catacombs of Rome, which include frescoes, sculptures and inscriptions.
Meta Description: [ The Catacombs of Rome film documents the art of the ancient roman cemeteries. Known also as paleochristian art, this funerary art includes frescoes, sculptures, inscriptions and graffiti. Through this artwork, the early christians left testimony of their profound faith in Jesus Christ. ]