Why do we rarely see ultra-realistic paintings from ancient/medieval times, given the fact that many humans have a natural talent of creating them today with minimal items?

Question

I’m asking because paintings, whether on the wall of a cave, or on generally of a King or Queen in ancient times look quite weird. Not necessarily in a bad way, it has its own cool art style, but they are not realistic or anywhere close.

If human beings have a natural talent, photographic memory or incredible artistic ability today where they can make TikToks of painting ultra realistic art with fire, chalk or charcoal etc Why do we almost never see realism in painting/artistic history? I’m talking paintings specifically not sculptures btw

In: Other

Answer 1

Modern artists have excellent reference material. Your subject doesn’t need to pose for hours, you can zoom in 200% on something to get to that exact detail. You can project your subject onto your canvas, and trace/paint away.

Check out a documentary on Johannes Vermeer called Tims Vermeer [(LINK)](https://youtu.be/94pCNUu6qFY?si=psIObLShOLrTIJsK). This is probably what you’re looking for, an artist making near photo realistic paintings in the 1600’s.