Humanistic field of inquiry that studies visual culture. Science and Humanities.
Orginally based in connoisseurship.
Modern Art History - deals with placing and understanding art in its social/cultural context while examining and analyzing the formal elements of a work of art.
Terms: Western group of cultures thought of as having common traditions. North America, Europe, Mesopotamia (not South America) - ideas/traditions more than geography.
Dating: BCE, CE (if nothing after, assume CE)
Why do we study the History of Art?
Understanding art is critical to becoming a well rounded human being.
Art is a window into human feelings and thoughts over time in various cultures.
Art reflects the cultural diversity of various societies while at the same time reflects human commonalities.
What is Art?
Mimesis - needs to look like real life
Utilitarianism - has a use/purpose
Expressionism - focuses on human feelings
Modernism - art for arts sake
Art a Behavior - visual expression to meet human needs
Functions of Art
Historical Record/Documentation
Telling cultural stories
Reinforcing cultural beliefs
Meeting spiritual needs
Addressing important life events
Showing power
Imagining the future
Taj Mahal - Sha's(sp?) wife, overspending, used to remember someone
