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What is art history?

Art history is the study of objects of art considered within their time
period. Art historians analyze visual arts’ meaning (painting,
sculpture, architecture) at the time they were created.

A definition of art history

Art history doesn’t consist in

simply listing all the art
movements and placing them on
a timeline. It is the study of
objects of art considered within
their time period. Art historians
analyze visual arts’ meaning
(painting, sculpture, architecture)
at the time they were created.
Also, another of art history’s
mission is to establishes authorial
origins of artworks, i.e.
discovering who created a
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particular artwork, when, when

and for what reason.

Iconography is a major part of art

history. It consists in analyzing the
symbolism of works of arts. For
instance, art historians identify the
visual elements of a painting and
interpret its meaning. Art
historians are interested in what
the works of art represented at
the time they were created. It is a
way to learn about the civilizations
of the past.

Why is art history important?

"Why study art history (/paris/news-

events/study-art-history-france) when there
are many other careers to pursue?" Well, if
we consider the discipline differently from a
career standpoint, we realize that it serves
fundamental purposes. 

Understanding cultures

Visual art recounts stories of our past, it

gives an account of past events. Art history
allows us to look back and understand how
our civilization evolved over the centuries. It
is a way to know ourselves better. Why do
we have certain values? What shaped the
way we think and our vision of the world?

Develop critical thinking

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Studying art history is really not about

memorizing dates, artists’ names, art
movements, etc. Instead, it drives you to
analyze paintings, photographs, sculptures,
etc. To support your analysis, you must build
rational and convincing arguments, hence
developing your critical thinking. 

Jobs in art history

What jobs can I get with a degree in art

history (/paris/news-events/art-history-
jobs)? Is a question you are probably asking
yourself. There are many career paths for
art history majors. The more obvious one
are college professors and museum
curators. To practice certain art-related
professions one must have a solid
background in art history: 

— Art administrator

— Exhibition organizer

— Antiques dealer

— Arts consultant 

— Art gallery manager

— Journalist 

— Art critic

— Archivist

Studying this discipline, during gap year

program in art history abroad
(/paris/bachelor-expertise-french-art), for
instance, allows you to develop the following
professional skills:
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— Visual awareness

— Critical thinking to build strong

arguments

— Presenting ideas clearly and

effectively

— Knowledge of other cultures’ values

— Developing an open mind

— Historical and cultural knowledge

— Writing skills

— Oral communication (oral

presentation in public)

— Gathering and analyzing information

— Time management

— Research methods

Most of those skills are transferable and can

be used outside the field of art. Critical
thinking, time management and being to
make a case for your ideas are essential in
any mid-management to top management
positions. 

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