Acrobatic traditions are found in many cultures. In the West,
Minoan art from circa 2000 BC contains depictions of acrobatic
feats on the backs of bulls, which may have been a religious
ritual.Hickoksports.com The court displays of the European
Middle Ages would often involve acrobatic performances along
with song, juggling and other activities. Though initially the
term applied to tightrope walking, in the 19th century, a form
of performance art, including circus acts began to use the term
as well. In the late 19th century, tumbling and other
acrobatic/gymnastic activities became a competitive sport in
Europe. Acrobatics in Western history have become a key subject
for fine art. An excellent example is Acrobats at the Cirque
Fernando (Francisca and Angelina Wartenberg) by Impressionist
Pierre-Auguste Renoir which depicts two German acrobatic
sisters. The painting resides at the Art Institute of Chicago.