What Is Art History Considered?

Art|Art History

Art history is an academic study of the visual arts throughout history, from the ancient era to the modern day. It is considered to be one of the oldest disciplines in academia and is a vital component of a comprehensive education in the humanities. Art historians examine artworks and artifacts from various cultures and time periods, considering both historical context and aesthetic qualities.

The primary purpose of art history is to provide an understanding of how art has evolved over time and its impact on society. Art historians use a variety of sources, including written documents, oral histories, archaeology, and archival material to gain insight into artworks. They also analyze visual evidence such as paintings, sculptures, prints, photographs, and other forms of art to gain an understanding of their meanings in different contexts.

Art history encompasses many different areas of study such as iconography, iconology, archaeology, anthropology, sociology, psychology, philosophy and aesthetics.

It also includes related areas such as architecture and design studies. Art historians often specialize in a specific area or period such as Ancient Greek or Roman art or Renaissance painting. They may also focus on particular artists or movements such as Impressionism or Cubism.

In addition to studying works of art from past eras, art historians also investigate contemporary works by living artists. This type of research involves looking at how contemporary works are influenced by past styles while still being innovative and relevant to our current culture. By examining both past and present works together, art historians can gain insight into the changing trends in visual culture throughout history.

Conclusion:

Art history is considered an important discipline within academia due to its ability to provide valuable insights into the evolution of visual culture through time. Art historians analyze both contemporary works as well as those from past eras in order to understand how they have been shaped by societal values and aesthetics throughout human history.