What Is Art and What Is Art History?

Art|Art History

Art has been a human activity as long as we have records of it. Art is a reflection of the artist’s inner world, their emotions and thoughts.

It can be an expression of political or social ideas, or simply an aesthetic object created for its own sake. Art history is the study of art in its historical context, looking at the evolution of artistic styles through the ages. It examines how art has been influenced by political, social, and cultural forces throughout history.

The definition of art has evolved throughout history and continues to be debated today. Ancient Greeks called art “techne” which means craftsmanship or skillful construction.

The Renaissance period saw the emergence of “imitative arts” which were based on copying nature or reproducing classical statues and paintings. During this period, art was also seen as a form of communication between God and man – an expression of faith and spirituality.

In modern times, the definition of art has become broader. It is often seen as an individualistic endeavour – a way for artists to express their inner thoughts and feelings about the world around them.

It is also seen as an act that transcends boundaries – creating something unique that speaks to multiple cultures and societies at once. At its most basic level, art is simply something that sparks emotion in viewers.

Art history looks at how different forms of art have changed over time in response to social, cultural, and political influences. It studies how certain styles emerged in certain periods and why they were so popular during those times. Art historians compare works from different eras to understand how they reflect different worldviews and beliefs about life and society.

What Is Art?

In short, art is anything that expresses emotion through creative expression – whether it be painting, sculpture, photography, writing or even music. Art can come in all shapes and sizes – it doesn’t have to be limited to traditional forms like painting or sculpture.

What Is Art History?

Art history is the study of artistic styles throughout time looking at how they have been influenced by cultural forces such as religion, politics or economics.

Conclusion:


Art is a creative endeavor that expresses emotion through various forms of expression while art history studies how different styles have changed over time in response to external factors such as culture or politics. Through understanding both what constitutes art itself and its various influences through time we gain a better understanding not only what it means to create something beautiful but also our place within our ever changing world.