Class: Introduction to Art History

Date: April 20, 2023

I. What is Art History?
 A discipline that studies the historical development of art, architecture, and
visual culture
 A method of analysis that considers the social, cultural, and political context of
artworks
 A tradition of inquiry that spans thousands of years and includes many
different periods and movements
II. Key Concepts in Art History
 Periodization: the division of art history into distinct periods or movements,
such as the Renaissance, Baroque, or Modernism
 Iconography: the study of the symbols and meanings in artworks
 Style: the visual language and characteristics of an artwork, such as color, form,
and composition
 Patronage: the support and funding of art by individuals, institutions, or
governments
III. Historical Context of Art History
 Ancient art: the art of ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians, Greeks, and
Romans
 Medieval art: the art of the Middle Ages, including the Byzantine, Romanesque,
and Gothic styles
 Renaissance art: the art of the Renaissance, including the work of Leonardo da
Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael
 Baroque art: the art of the Baroque period, including the work of Caravaggio,
Peter Paul Rubens, and Diego Velázquez
 Modern art: the art of the 20th century, including the work of Pablo Picasso,
Jackson Pollock, and Georgia O'Keeffe
IV. Case Study: The Renaissance
 The Renaissance was a period of cultural and artistic rebirth in Europe,
spanning the 14th to the 17th centuries
 Key features of Renaissance art include:
 A revival of classical Greek and Roman ideas
 A focus on humanism and the individual
 A interest in naturalism and realism
 A use of linear perspective and chiaroscuro
 Key artists of the Renaissance include:
 Leonardo da Vinci
 Michelangelo
 Raphael
 Titian
 Albrecht Dürer
V. Assignment
  Write a two-page essay on the role of patronage in Renaissance art, using
specific examples to support your argument.
VI. Next Class
 Topic: Baroque art and the Counter-Reformation
Note: These class notes are just a sample, and the actual content and format of class
notes may vary depending on the instructor and course.