Art 101 : Introduction to Art History

Welcome, to the History of Art History!

Humans have been making art since the dawn of time. Ever since we could walk we have sought to leave our creative mark on the world – whether it be for religious, political, didactic, explanatory or spiritual reasons, we have used the visual arts to express our ideas for all to see.

The ways in which we have sought to create art has drastically changed over time, as styles and tastes ebb and flow, and technology advances, new techniques, materials and practices arise.

Gustave Courbet, The Artist’s Studio, 1855

There are innumerable movements in the history of art, in each culture a vast and rich history to explore. Over the next few months, we will explore some of the most influential periods of art making in the West, focusing mainly on Europe, and perhaps taking a journey abroad beyond our shores to explore some of the beautiful art that can be found outside our borders…

Johannes Vermeer, The Art of Painting, 1668

This series will focus on the following topics (click the links below to read along as we update!):

• Ancient Art – Stone Age, Bronze Age, Iron Age, Ancient Greek, and Ancient Roman Art
• Illuminated Manuscripts
• The Medieval period – Carolingian, Romanesque and Gothic Art
• Renaissance Art
• Mannerism
• Baroque Art
• Rococo, Neoclassicism and Romanticism
• Impressionism, Post Impressionism and Expressionism
• Cubism, Abstraction and Surrealism
• Modern Art – Conceptualism, Performance Art, Pop Art and Street Art

This list is by no means exhaustive, but will give a strong foundation in the study of art. Come with us over the next 10 weeks as we explore the creative realm!

Rene Magritte, La Clairvoyance, 1936