Introduction to Art History

The Esoteric Witch is all about art history and occultism. As our catchphrase says, this is where art meets arcana. So, here we are, taking the first step on our journey towards learning about art history and occultism. What’s a better way to begin than hearing about the basics of art history? I can’t think of any, so here we go!

Throughout history, art has been an essential part of our society as it reflects the prevailing beliefs and values of the time. Consequently, occult ideologies have been ingrained in the very essence of art through these beliefs. By studying art movements, techniques, and historical uses of art, we can see that connection more clearly. Once you know what to look for, you notice that the connection is evident and has been there even before the invention of writing.

On the other hand, art history is an interdisciplinary field that explores the historical, social, and cultural contexts in which artworks were created. It draws upon elements from various fields, including history, anthropology, sociology, psychology, philosophy, and many others. It’s surprising how much we can learn about the past, the present, and even ourselves as humans through studying art history.

What Is Art?

So, what exactly is art? Defining it is difficult as it means different things to you and me. At its foundation, art can be defined as a creative and expressive form of human communication that aims to elicit emotions, transmit ideas, and encourage reflection. Art can move or challenge us. It can also help us perceive the world in new and unexpected ways. Art can take many different forms, including painting, sculpture, photography, performance, music, and literature.

If somebody asked me what art is, I would say that it is made to evoke emotion. I would also remind the person asking me that those emotions are not always positive. Do not expect all art to be polished and beautiful. Do you remember that ugly painting that still makes you shiver years later? Yep, that can be art too, because it made you feel something.

We use words such as art period or art movement to organise artworks into groups. Sometimes, we might even use those terms interchangeably, but you should notice that they are, in fact, very different things. Since this post is supposed to be an introduction to art history, I’ll try to keep things simple.

Art Periods vs. Art Movements?

An art period is a time frame in which particular characteristics and styles of art were produced. One example of an art period is the Renaissance, which occurred in Europe from the 14th to the 17th century. As a period, it was characterised by a revival of classical art and humanism and a focus on realistic representation in painting, sculpture, and architecture.

On the other hand, an art movement is a specific style or technique developed within a period and is typically associated with a particular group of artists. An example of an art movement is Impressionism, which originated in France during the late 19th century. It was characterised by its emphasis on capturing the fleeting effects of light and colour in everyday scenes through loose brushwork and bold, vibrant colours.

Art is a Shared Experience Between the Artists and the Audience

I think one of the most exciting things about art is its ambiguity. This may sound obvious, but if you think about any work of art, someone must have created it. The obvious doesn’t stop there, however. Usually, someone also looks at the finished piece of art and thinks about its meaning. This interaction between the artist and the audience is what makes art so exciting.

Those two people in our example have each grown up in their own environment. Various characteristics of said environments influence the way we see the world and the way we think. For example, norms and customs affect us more than we might think. We all have our own lives with unique experiences. This all means that the artist and the viewer can never perceive the world around them in exactly the same way.

The ambiguity of a work of art arises from the following layers:

• How does the artist perceive the world?
• What is the artist trying to express?
• How does the artist express his ideas (how skilled, what tools he uses, etc.)?
• How did the museum decide to display the artwork (lighting and space play a significant role)?
• How does the viewer perceive the world?
• How experienced is the viewer as an interpreter of art?

How To Study Art History?

In my opinion, the best introduction to art history is to start by familiarising yourself with the fundamental art movements, periods, and artists related to them. Do you like Surrealism? Cool, then start by learning about that and slowly expand from there. Doing so gives you a solid foundation to build upon as you go deeper into art history. Keeping a journal will help you along the way.

It is also important to develop your skills in visual analysis. Examine and analyse a painting by trying to see its elements, such as colour, composition, form, and style. Visual analysis is the main difference between a casual spectator and an art historian. Don’t worry if you don’t see everything at first. There are many professionally made interpretations online where you can learn more.

While learning about an art period, you should also study about what was happening at the time. A beginner art historian should understand that the different contexts in which artworks were created are important. Those contexts include the social, political, and economic conditions and the cultural and religious beliefs that affected the artist. For example, you can’t understand Picasso’s Guernica if you don’t know that it is related to the bombing of Guernica.

Art is meant to be seen, so visiting museums and galleries is a good idea. While there are many high-quality pictures online nowadays, you can’t beat seeing the real thing. Many museums and galleries also have guided tours and educational programs to help you on your journey. You can gain valuable insights from the experts who work at the museums.

Methods and Theories of Art History

The final step in this introduction to art history is learning about the various theories and methods. They are valuable tools that offer you unique perspectives on art. Mastering them can make your analysis more systematic and straightforward. For example, if an artwork was created when there were only a few public female artists, feminist art criticism might give you some extra context.

Semiotics

Semiotics helps us understand meanings and messages in paintings and sculptures that could otherwise be hidden. It’s about figuring out the artist’s intentions by revealing the thought and purpose behind each visual choice. Rather than just admiring the artwork’s surface, semiotics allow us to dig deeper and discover the layers of symbolism in the artistic expression.

In simpler terms, semiotics deals with signs and symbols in art and how they interact. In other words, artists try to communicate with their audience knowingly or indirectly through their life’s context. Imagine trying to comprehend a written story without understanding the words – that’s what it is like if you don’t use semiotic methods. The tools it provides help you decipher what you are seeing.

Iconography

Iconographic analysis is quite similar to semiotics, but the difference is that semiotics is the broader study of signs and symbols. In contrast, iconographic analysis focuses explicitly on interpreting visual symbols and icons in visual media. In other words, iconographic analysis is the process, and semiotics is one of the tools for that.

The first step in the iconographic analysis is to closely observe and describe the piece of art you want to analyse. Take note of the visual elements such as colour, composition, and style. Look for symbols, figures, or objects that stand out or seem to be emphasised. Describe the overall mood or feeling that the piece of art conveys. This step is all about cataloguing everything we see.

The next step is to identify the symbols or visual elements with the most significance or meaning. Research the historical and cultural context in which the artist created the piece to better understand the symbols and their intended meaning. You will most likely need a lot of books or online resources for this step.

Consider how the symbols contribute to the overall message or theme of the artwork. Look for patterns or repeated characters indicating a more profound meaning or connection. Ask yourself questions such as, “What does this symbol represent?” and “How does it relate to the piece of art?”

The final step is to interpret the artwork as a whole and combine all the pieces you have gathered in the previous steps. Ask yourself what the artist was trying to convey through these symbols and elements. How does the artwork reflect the period’s values, beliefs, or political or social issues? Why did the artist make it?

Formalism

Formalism is an approach that emphasises a piece of art’s formal elements (lines, colour, shape, texture). It originated in the early 20th century when the idea that art should be evaluated solely based on its formal qualities and the artist’s ability to explore the inherent properties of the selected medium began to spread.

Formalism systematically studies an artwork’s form, encouraging us to appreciate it as a self-contained entity with its own rules and dynamics. Rather than searching for hidden meanings or going deep into the artist’s narrative, formalism guides us to examine the features that make up the artwork’s aesthetic impact. This approach is especially useful while studying more abstract modern art.

Just as linguistic analysis dissects the structure of a sentence, formalism enables us to examine the visual “grammar” of an artwork. It provides a systematic approach to understanding how each formal choice contributes to the overall artistic statement. Not using the tools offered by formalism is like attempting to decipher a complex sentence without grasping its grammatical rules.

Critical theory

Critical theory is a broad term used to describe different methods of analysing art. It focuses on the societal structures and pressures that have influenced the creation of art. Critical theory encompasses various theories such as Marxist theory, feminist theory, psychoanalysis, post-colonialism, and queer theory. These methodologies have gained significant importance in the field of art history over the last century as scholars aim to broaden the discourse surrounding art beyond the traditional, Euro-centric viewpoint.

Marxism

Marxist art criticism provides a socio-economic lens through which to analyse artistic works. It examines them as reflections of the prevailing class structures and societal power dynamics. This approach emphasises that art is not detached from the broader socio-political context but intimately tied to the overall economic system. Marxist art criticism seeks to uncover the ideological underpinnings embedded in artworks, exploring how they may perpetuate or challenge existing social hierarchies.

According to Marxist art criticism, artistic expression is shaped by the material conditions of production, and artworks can serve as both mirrors and instruments of societal change. They provide insights into the struggles and contradictions of different classes and participate in and respond to the ongoing dialectics of class struggle within a given historical context. Marxist art criticism offers a framework for understanding how art reflects and influences the class struggle.

Feminist art criticism

Feminist art criticism emerged in the 1970s during the feminist movement to examine art produced by women and the visual representations of women in art. Women have been under-represented in art for generations, so many older views might be one-sided. By expanding the discourse surrounding art history, feminist theory transcends the traditional male-centric perspective, injecting many perspectives into the artistic narrative and fostering a more inclusive and diverse understanding of the art world.

Queer Theory

Queer theory is a methodology that challenges the discourse regarding heteronormativity, expanding the artistic dialogue to include queer artists and pieces of art. It aims to re-evaluate art history to include historically marginalised sexualities. This idea makes it closely related to feminist art criticism. Queer theory seeks to broaden the discourse around sexuality in art and promote greater acceptance and inclusivity of queer artists in the art world.

Psychoanalysis

Psychoanalytic theory of art is an approach to understanding the subconscious influences and motivations that affect a work of art. Psychoanalysis, developed by psychologist Sigmund Freud in the early 1890s, claims that human behaviour is influenced mainly by irrational desires rooted in the unconscious. When applied to art, psychoanalysis seeks to uncover the hidden meanings and emotions that art expresses.

Post-colonialism

Postcolonial theory examines the impact of colonialism and imperialism on art. It focuses on the control and exploitation of indigenous peoples and the political power constructs that sustain colonialism. This approach aims to expose how colonialism and imperialism have shaped the portrayal and production of art.

Conclusion

Now that we have covered the basics of art history, it’s time to put this knowledge into practice and explore the world of art history further. Whether you decide to visit a museum, attend an art exhibition, or even create your own artwork, remember that art is a shared experience between the artist and the audience. So, let’s embrace the ambiguity of art and enjoy the journey of discovering new perspectives and emotions through the power of creativity. Who knows, maybe one day you’ll find yourself creating a masterpiece that will inspire future generations of art lovers!