Art history is a field of study that has been around for centuries, yet it is still a subject of debate as to whether it is considered a humanity or not. Art history is the study of visual arts and their histories, including painting, sculpture, architecture, photography, ceramics, and other related media.
It encompasses both the fine arts and the decorative arts. Art historians attempt to understand why particular works were created and how they have been interpreted throughout history.
The argument for art history being classified as a humanity rests on the fact that art has been used to convey meaning throughout human history. It has had an impact on shaping cultures and societies, while also providing an outlet for creative expression.
It has also been used as a form of education, communication and social commentary. By studying art history we can gain an understanding of how art has helped shape our world.
On the other hand, there are those who argue that art history does not fit into the category of humanities because it does not focus on traditional topics such as literature or philosophy. Art historians may look at paintings from different eras but they are not necessarily looking at them from a literary or philosophical point-of-view. They may be looking at them from an aesthetic perspective or trying to understand how certain works have been interpreted over time.
Ultimately, both sides of this argument have valid points and can be seen as having merit. Whether you consider art history to be part of humanities or not depends on what you define as humanities and how you view art in general. For some people, they see art as something that is inherently tied to culture and society, while others may see it purely as an aesthetic experience.
Conclusion: Whether one classifies Art History as a Humanity or not ultimately depends on one’s own definition of what constitutes Humanities and their own interpretation of Art itself. One thing is clear – Art History plays an important role in our understanding of culture and society throughout human history.