Art history methods are approaches to the study of art that are used in order to gain a better understanding of artworks, their context, and the wider culture in which they were created. These methods involve research and analysis of a variety of sources, including art works themselves, documents related to their production or reception, as well as broader cultural and historical contexts. As an interdisciplinary field of study, art history methods employ a range of strategies from both traditional disciplines such as archaeology and history, as well as more recent approaches from literary theory and media studies.
The cornerstone of many art history methods is close visual inspection. This involves carefully examining the technical aspects of an artwork such as its composition, materials used, craftsmanship techniques employed and other details related to its physical make up.
These can provide insights into the artist’s intentions and cultural influences. Art historians may also use other forms of analysis such as iconography (the study of symbols within an artwork), semiotics (the study of signs), or psychoanalytic interpretation (a type of psychological analysis).
In addition to close visual inspection and analysis, art historians also use documentary research methods in order to gain an understanding of the social context surrounding a work or artist. This can include examining written records such as letters or diaries, newspaper articles or reviews written at the time the artwork was made or exhibited. It can also involve engaging with oral histories from people who experienced the artwork during its lifetime.
Conclusion:
Art history methods provide a comprehensive approach for studying artworks that combines close visual inspection with documentary research in order to gain insights into both artistic intent and broader cultural context. By combining traditional disciplines such as archaeology and history with newer approaches from literary theory and media studies, art historians are able to develop deeper understandings about works of art that are often overlooked by more superficial examinations.