Art is created and enjoyed by many people for many reasons. Anything designed by human beings exhibits visual qualities that are specific to the place and period in which it originates. Cave art, generally, the numerous paintings and engravings found in caves and shelters date back to the Ice Age. For centuries the Church was the primary patron of artists. In traditional societies even today, the primary purpose of art is religious or ceremonial. Art often serves as propaganda or social commentary. Propaganda images are attempts to persuade us toward particular viewpoints or actions promoted by public or private institutions such as political parties, lobbyists, governments, or religious groups. The artist as social commentator may simply make us more aware of the human condition as he/she perceives it, without suggesting particular action. Art may be simply a means of recording of visual data-- telling the "truth" about what we see (realism). Art can also be seen as pleasing the eye- creating beauty, create powerful means of storytelling, and convey intense emotion (capturing facial expression and body language).
