Art history has historically been understood as the academic study of objects of art in their historical development and stylistic contexts, i.e. genre, design, format, and look. This includes the "major" arts of painting, sculpture, and architecture as well as the "minor" arts of ceramics, furniture, and other decorative objects.

As a term, Art history (also history of art) encompasses several methods of studying the visual arts; in common usage referring to works of art and architecture. Aspects of the discipline overlap. As the art historian Ernst Gombrich once observed, "the field of art history [is] much like Caesar's Gaul, divided in three parts inhabited by three different, though not necessarily hostile tribes: (i) the connoisseurs, (ii) the critics, and (iii) the academic art historians".

As a discipline, art history is distinguished from art criticism, which is concerned with establishing a relative artistic value upon individual works with respect to others of comparable style, or sanctioning an entire style or movement; and art theory or "philosophy of art", which is concerned with the fundamental nature of art. One branch of this area of study is aesthetics, which includes investigating the enigma of the sublime and determining the essence of beauty. Technically, art history is not these things, because the art historian uses historical method to answer the questions: How did the artist come to create the work?, Who were the patrons?, Who were his or her teachers?, Who was the audience?, Who were his or her disciples?, What historical forces shaped the artist's oeuvre, and How did he or she and the creation, in turn, affect the course of artistic, political, and social events?

Art history is not only a biographical endeavor. Art historians often root their studies in the close scrutiny of individual objects. They thus attempt to answer in historically specific ways, questions such as: What are key features of this style?, What meaning did this object convey?, How does it function visually?, Did the artist meet their goals well?, What symbols are involved?, and Does it function discursively?

The historical backbone of the discipline is a celebratory chronology of beautiful creations commissioned by public or religious bodies or wealthy individuals in western Europe. Such a "canon" remains prominent, as indicated by the selection of objects present in art history textbooks. Nonetheless, since the 20th century there has been an effort to re-define the discipline to be more inclusive of non-Western art, art made by women, and vernacular creativity.

Art history series Prehistoric art Ancient art history Western art history Eastern art history Islamic art history Western painting History of painting Art history Western art history series Medieval art The Renaissance Mannerism Baroque Neoclassicism Romanticism Realism Modern art Contemporary art

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Mon Aug 23 21:47:45 2010

art history?
Q. i am thinking about getting a major in art history. can anyone tell me a good college i should attend?
Asked by Club Soda - Fri Oct 26 17:42:49 2007 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments

A. If you're "just thinking" about it, go to some cheap public school. If you're serious find the closest private art school you can find(warning- they're about $32,000 a semester). Kansas city art school is pretty good.
Answered by seraphicangel04 - Fri Oct 26 17:48:00 2007

What do art history teachers have to know in order to teach at a college?
Q. What kinds of skills do you need in order to be a good art history teacher? Basically, the question says it all.
Asked by unknown - Mon Aug 2 20:36:35 2010 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments

A. You will need an MA or doctorate in Art History, or an MFA in art. Your classes will teach you all you need to know. For your undergraduate degree I would suggest that you major in Art with a minor in History.
Answered by Lasey Puget - Mon Aug 2 20:40:43 2010

Is there an Art History summer program for high school students?
Q. I really want to go to Europe to study art history (not how to draw, but artists and periods). Anything will do.
Asked by Bohemian - Mon Feb 4 20:16:39 2008 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Search "study abroad programs". Look for something in Florence, Italy, or Paris. Have a great time!
Answered by SUE - Mon Feb 4 20:40:12 2008

From Yahoo Answer Search: "Art History"
Sat Aug 28 12:30:24 2010

See also:

  • Resources in Art History for Graduate StudentsResources in Art History for Graduate Students
    efn.org
    This newsletter lists grants, fellowships, internships, conferences, publication and study abroad opportunities for graduate students in art history and closely related areas.
  • Art Historians' Guide to the MoviesArt Historians' Guide to the Movies
    personal.stthomas.edu
    A record by Craig Eliason of appearances of and references to famous works of art and architecture in the movies, arranged by period.
  • About.com: Art HistoryAbout.com: Art History
    arthistory.about.com
    Online community and resource guide for the artists and art periods of the past.
Custom search only Art History sites:

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03 SaintLuke jpg
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above Luke s right shoulder is a miniature ox the symbol traditionally associated with the saint The bottom of the composition has a receptacle meant to contain a precious relic Attributed to Master Theodoric Saint Luke 1360 1364 Paint and gold on panel

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Leonardo da Vinci 1452 1519 Last Supper 1495 98 Tempera and mixed media on plaster

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Prev Next Diego Velazquez Spanish 1599 1660 Infanta Maria Teresa ca 1652 3 Oil on canvas 12 7 x 98 5 cm Inv 353 Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna Photo Courtesy of National Gallery

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Since Lebanon Valley College teaches photography as part of its art and . art history. program, students and photographers will "benefit tremendously from seeing Adams' work in the flesh," Tice adds.The opening reception for "Ansel Adams: ...

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Simon Schama: The Power of
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Primitivism refers to artwork inspired by simplicity, and such an artist who depicted this genre includes Henri Rousseau. Find out what else could ... youtube.com.

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