- This document discusses different types of prehistorical and historical art forms including cave paintings, frescoes, encaustics, mosaics, and panel paintings. Cave paintings from prehistorical eras depicted large animals, human figures, and abstract designs, and were likely used for religious and ceremonial purposes. Frescoes were a method of wall painting using water-based pigments on fresh plaster and were common in tombs, depicting natural figures. Mosaics were created using small pieces of colored glass, stone, or other materials to form an image. The art forms discussed span prehistorical times through Roman and early Christian eras.