Art history is the study of artifacts in relation to their historic development and in context to their style. Art can be categorized as major and minor. Major art includes painting, architecture and sculpture, while minor art includes decorative objects, furniture and ceramics.
The main aspects that an art historian concerns himself with are the origin, patrons, teachers, audiences, intentions and influences that are related to the piece of art under examination. They do not critique art and determine its value or aim at understanding the fundamentals of art like the students of art philosophy.
Art historians use different methodologies to study art. This includes understanding of the form, which entails the study of line, texture, shape, composition and color. The analysis of form aims to understand how the artist came about the work of art, whether using the two or three dimensional space or frame. Iconographical analysis is another methodology where particular elements of design are focused on. By studying these elements closely, it is possible to determine the lineage and origins of that piece of work.
The entire field of art is divided into eras and regions. It can be further subdivided by the medium used. Eras date back to ancient times starting from Mesolithic and Neolithic art, and progresses to the middle Ages with Islamic and Byzantine art. Renaissance art movement is characterized by realism and impressionism. The modern art includes post-impressionism, abstract expressionism, cubism, surrealism and pop art. Today, performance art seems to be at the forefront. |
