Art History Introduction

Introduction to Art History 

What is art history? 

Art history is the study of art and its visual components as well as how they relate to cultural significance. While definitions of art may vary, the fine arts are renown as the visual arts: painting, sculpting, and architecture. The subject of art history was developed during the 15 to 20th century. It emphasized the classical tradition and medieval words. 


Why is studying art important? 

Art is reflective of the human condition and capable of cultivating intense emotions. Historians typically analyze form and cultural significance in relation to the art piece. One thing to note is that interpretations of specific pieces constantly shift and transform over time, and usually reflect contemporary society. 


Art: Formal analysis 

A formal analysis is an analysis of the artwork's visual components. In order to do this, it's important to understand style, cultural significance, subject matter, function, and critical thought. 


Tips for analyzing art 

  1. Analyze the visual components 

  2. analyze the subject matter 

  3. Apply the historical context 


Terms and definitions 

  • Scale - Size 

  • Composition - Arrangement of forms 

  • Pictorial space - Illusion of 3d space 

  • Form - The subject or solids (people, nature, objects, etc.) 

  • Line - Creates forms 

  • Color - Creates contrast 

  • Light - Creates shadows 

  • Tone - The amount of Lightness of Darkness in a color 

  • Texture - Visual / tactile quality of a surface 

  • Pattern - Repetition of a form 

  • Foreground - Front 

  • Background  - Back (behind the horizon) 

  • Orthogonals - Lines that converge at a vanishing point 

  • Contour lines - Separate forms 

  • Charoscuro  - Contrast of a 3d form 

  • Veracity - Accuracy 

  • Naturalism - Accurate precise portrayal of a subject 

  • Abstraction - Not accurate 


  • Impressionism - A movement focused on capturing light and movement in a scene, often using loose brushwork and vibrant colors.