Studying art history is essential to understanding the time period and the cultural influences during which an artwork was created. Art history can be an incredibly rewarding experience as it allows us to better understand how various cultures have shaped our world and our own lives.
However, it can also be an intimidating endeavor, especially if you don’t know where to start. The following is a guide for effectively studying art history, so that you can get the most out of your experience.
Identify your interests:
Before beginning to study art history, it is important to identify what aspects of it interest you the most. Do you enjoy learning about different cultures?
Are you fascinated by particular styles or techniques? Is there a particular artist that speaks to you? By exploring what interests you, you will be able to create a more tailored and enjoyable learning experience.
Research:
The next step in studying art history is doing research. Start by reading up on the artist or artwork that interests you.
Look up articles, biographies, and other resources that provide more information on the subject. This will give you a clearer understanding of how it fits within its historical context.
Look at the artwork:
It’s not enough to just read about an artwork or artist; in order to truly understand them, you need to look at them yourself. Visit museums and galleries for a firsthand look at the artworks and explore online resources for images or videos of pieces that cannot be seen in person. As you observe these works, take note of any details or techniques that stand out to you.
Analyze:
Once you have done your research and looked at some artwork, begin analyzing what makes them unique. What elements does this painting have that make it stand out from others? How does this style reflect its time period? What kind of message is being conveyed here?
Answering these questions will give you a deeper understanding of how each artwork fits into its historical context.
Reflect:
Finally, take some time to reflect on what you have learned while studying art history. Think about how this particular artist or artwork has impacted your own life and views on culture and society. Ask yourself if there are any lessons that can be drawn from this work and how they apply to our modern world.
Conclusion:
Studying art history effectively requires taking time to identify one’s interests in the subject matter, researching both online resources and published literature related to those topics, viewing actual works of art in person or online when possible, analyzing those works closely for their unique elements and messages conveyed by them, as well as reflecting on their impact upon one’s own life experiences and views on culture & society.