Art history is the study of the visual arts throughout history. It examines the development of art, from the earliest cave paintings to contemporary works, and explores the different styles, techniques, and meanings of art.
Art history is a valuable field of study for a number of reasons. First, it helps us to understand the past. Art can provide a window into the cultures and societies of the past, and it can help us to understand the ways in which people have thought and lived. Second, art history can help us to appreciate beauty. Art can be a source of great joy and inspiration, and it can help us to see the world in new and different ways. Third, art history can help us to develop critical thinking skills. Studying art can help us to develop our ability to analyze and interpret visual information, and it can help us to form our own opinions about art.
There are many different career paths available to people with a degree in art history. Some art historians work in museums, where they curate exhibitions and conduct research. Others work in galleries, where they advise collectors and sell art. Still others work as art critics, writing about art for newspapers, magazines, and websites. In addition to these traditional career paths, there are also a number of new and emerging career opportunities for art historians. For example, some art historians work as art consultants, helping businesses and individuals to acquire and manage art collections. Others work as art educators, teaching art history at schools and universities. And still others work as art conservators, preserving and restoring works of art.
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what can you do with art history?
Art history is a diverse field that offers a wide range of career opportunities. Here are ten key aspects to consider:
- Research: Art historians research the history of art, from the earliest cave paintings to contemporary works.
- Curate: Art historians curate exhibitions, selecting and arranging works of art for display in museums and galleries.
- Educate: Art historians teach art history at schools and universities, and develop educational programs for museums and other institutions.
- Write: Art historians write books, articles, and reviews about art, for both scholarly and popular audiences.
- Consult: Art historians advise collectors and businesses on the acquisition, care, and management of art collections.
- Preserve: Art historians work as conservators, preserving and restoring works of art.
- Appraise: Art historians appraise works of art, determining their value for insurance, estate planning, and other purposes.
- Exhibit Design: Art historians design and install museum and gallery exhibitions.
- Art Criticism: Art historians write about and critique contemporary art, for newspapers, magazines, and websites.
- Digital Humanities: Art historians use digital technologies to research, analyze, and present art history.
These are just a few of the many things you can do with an art history degree. The field is constantly evolving, and new opportunities are emerging all the time. With its focus on critical thinking, research, and communication, art history prepares you for a wide range of careers in the arts and beyond.
Research
Research is a fundamental aspect of art history. Art historians use a variety of methods to research the history of art, including archival research, fieldwork, and laboratory analysis. Archival research involves studying documents and other primary sources to learn about the history of art. Fieldwork involves visiting museums, galleries, and other sites to study works of art in person. Laboratory analysis involves using scientific techniques to study the materials and techniques used in works of art.
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Facet 1: Understanding the Past
Through research, art historians can gain a deeper understanding of the past. By studying the art of different cultures and periods, art historians can learn about the social, political, and economic conditions that shaped those cultures and periods. For example, by studying the art of ancient Egypt, art historians can learn about the religious beliefs and social structure of ancient Egyptian society.
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Facet 2: Preserving Cultural Heritage
Research is also essential for preserving cultural heritage. By documenting and studying works of art, art historians can help to ensure that they are preserved for future generations. For example, art historians have played a vital role in the preservation of the Sistine Chapel ceiling, one of the most famous works of art in the world.
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Facet 3: Inspiring New Art
Research can also inspire new art. By studying the art of the past, artists can gain new ideas and inspiration for their own work. For example, the artist Pablo Picasso was inspired by African art, which he studied in the early 20th century.
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Facet 4: Informing Public Policy
Research can also inform public policy. By studying the history of art, policymakers can gain a better understanding of the role that art plays in society. For example, research on the impact of art on tourism has helped policymakers to develop policies that support the arts.
These are just a few of the ways that research is connected to the field of art history. Research is essential for understanding the past, preserving cultural heritage, inspiring new art, and informing public policy. Art historians who are skilled in research are well-prepared for a variety of careers in the arts and beyond.
Curate
Curating exhibitions is a core responsibility of art historians working in museums and galleries. It involves selecting and arranging works of art in a way that tells a story or conveys a particular theme. Curators must have a deep knowledge of art history in order to select works that are relevant to the exhibition’s theme and to arrange them in a way that is both visually appealing and informative.
The ability to curate exhibitions is a valuable skill for art historians. It allows them to share their knowledge of art history with the public and to create exhibitions that are both educational and enjoyable. Curating exhibitions can also help to raise awareness of particular artists or art movements and to promote the appreciation of art in general.
Here are some examples of how art historians have used their skills to curate exhibitions:
- In 2018, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City presented an exhibition titled “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination.” The exhibition explored the relationship between fashion and religion, and featured over 150 garments and accessories from the Vatican’s collection. The exhibition was curated by Andrew Bolton, the museum’s curator in charge of the Costume Institute.
- In 2019, the Tate Modern in London presented an exhibition titled “Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors.” The exhibition featured a number of Kusama’s immersive infinity mirror installations, which allowed visitors to experience her work in a new and unique way. The exhibition was curated by Frances Morris, the museum’s director.
- In 2020, the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy presented an exhibition titled “Botticelli and His Time: Masterworks from the Uffizi.” The exhibition featured over 100 works by Botticelli and his contemporaries, and explored the artist’s life and work in the context of his time. The exhibition was curated by Eike Schmidt, the museum’s director.
These are just a few examples of the many exhibitions that art historians have curated. Curating exhibitions is a vital part of the work of art historians, and it allows them to share their knowledge of art history with the public and to promote the appreciation of art in general.
Educate
Teaching and developing educational programs is a core responsibility of art historians working in academia and museums. It involves sharing their knowledge of art history with students and the public, and creating educational experiences that are both informative and enjoyable.
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Facet 1: Cultivating Future Art Historians
Art historians who teach at universities play a vital role ining the next generation of art historians. They teach students the skills and knowledge they need to conduct research, curate exhibitions, and write about art. Many of these students will go on to have successful careers in the field of art history.
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Facet 2: Raising Public Awareness of Art
Art historians who develop educational programs for museums and other institutions play a vital role in raising public awareness of art. They create programs that are designed to engage and educate people of all ages about the history of art, different cultures, and the role of art in society.
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Facet 3: Promoting Critical Thinking Skills
Studying art history can help students develop critical thinking skills. Art historians teach students how to analyze works of art, interpret their meaning, and form their own opinions about them. These skills are valuable in a variety of fields, including law, business, and education.
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Facet 4: Fostering Creativity and Innovation
Studying art history can also foster creativity and innovation. Art historians teach students how to think outside the box and come up with new ideas. These skills are valuable in any field that requires creativity and innovation, such as design, marketing, and engineering.
These are just a few of the ways that art historians educate the public about art. Teaching and developing educational programs is a vital part of the work of art historians, and it allows them to share their knowledge of art history with the world.
Write
Writing is a core responsibility of art historians. They write books, articles, and reviews about art for a variety of purposes, including to share their research with other scholars, to educate the public about art, and to critique contemporary art.
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Facet 1: Disseminating Research
Art historians write books and articles to disseminate their research findings to other scholars. These publications can be found in academic journals, edited volumes, and monographs. They allow art historians to share their new knowledge and insights with the broader scholarly community.
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Facet 2: Educating the Public
Art historians also write books and articles for a more general audience. These publications can be found in popular magazines, newspapers, and online platforms. They allow art historians to share their knowledge of art history with a wider audience and to educate the public about the importance of art.
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Facet 3: Critiquing Contemporary Art
Art historians also write reviews of contemporary art exhibitions and publications. These reviews can be found in newspapers, magazines, and online platforms. They allow art historians to share their opinions about contemporary art and to help the public to understand and appreciate new trends in art.
Writing is a vital part of the work of art historians. It allows them to share their knowledge of art history with a variety of audiences, from other scholars to the general public. Through their writing, art historians can contribute to the advancement of knowledge about art and help to promote the appreciation of art.
Consult
Art historians are often called upon to advise collectors and businesses on the acquisition, care, and management of art collections. This can involve a variety of tasks, such as researching and authenticating works of art, advising on the purchase and sale of art, and developing collection management plans.
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Facet 1: Expertise in Art History
Art historians have a deep knowledge of art history, which allows them to provide expert advice on the acquisition, care, and management of art collections. They can help collectors and businesses to identify and acquire works of art that are of high quality and value, and they can also provide guidance on how to care for and manage these works of art. -
Facet 2: Market Knowledge
Art historians also have a good understanding of the art market, which allows them to advise collectors and businesses on the purchase and sale of art. They can help collectors and businesses to find the best possible prices for works of art, and they can also advise them on how to negotiate the sale of works of art. -
Facet 3: Collection Management
Art historians can also help collectors and businesses to develop collection management plans. These plans can help collectors and businesses to organize and manage their collections, and they can also help to protect the works of art from damage or loss. -
Facet 4: Conservation and Restoration
Art historians can also provide advice on the conservation and restoration of works of art. They can help collectors and businesses to identify and address any damage or deterioration to works of art, and they can also recommend qualified conservators and restorers.
These are just a few of the ways that art historians can advise collectors and businesses on the acquisition, care, and management of art collections. Art historians play a vital role in the art world, and their expertise is highly valued by collectors and businesses alike.
Preserve
Preserving and restoring works of art is a vital part of art history. Art conservators use their knowledge of art history and chemistry to repair and restore damaged works of art, ensuring that they can be enjoyed by future generations. Without conservators, many of the world’s most treasured works of art would be lost to time and decay.
Art historians who work as conservators play a crucial role in preserving our cultural heritage. They use their skills to repair and restore works of art that have been damaged by time, neglect, or disaster. For example, after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, art conservators worked tirelessly to restore the damaged artwork at the World Trade Center.
The work of art conservators is essential to preserving our cultural heritage. They ensure that future generations can enjoy and learn from the works of art that have been created throughout history.
Appraise
Appraising works of art is an important part of art history. Art historians who are trained in appraisal can determine the value of a work of art for insurance, estate planning, and other purposes. This skill is in high demand, as art collectors and investors need to know the value of their art in order to make informed decisions.
The process of appraising a work of art involves examining the work’s physical condition, researching its history and provenance, and comparing it to similar works of art that have been sold recently. Art historians who are appraisers must have a deep understanding of art history in order to be able to accurately assess the value of a work of art.
Appraising works of art is a challenging but rewarding career. It requires a high level of expertise and knowledge, but it also offers the opportunity to work with some of the world’s most beautiful and valuable objects. Art historians who are interested in a career in appraisal should consider taking courses in art history, appraisal, and business. They should also develop a strong network of contacts in the art world.
There are many different career paths available to art historians who are trained in appraisal. They can work for auction houses, galleries, museums, or insurance companies. They can also work as independent appraisers. No matter where they work, art historians who are appraisers play an important role in the art world.
Exhibit Design
Exhibit design is a vital part of art history. It involves the planning and installation of museum and gallery exhibitions. Art historians who are trained in exhibit design use their knowledge of art history and museology to create exhibitions that are both educational and visually appealing.
Exhibit design is a complex and challenging process. It requires a deep understanding of art history, as well as a strong knowledge of design principles. Art historians who are exhibit designers must be able to work closely with curators, conservators, and other museum staff to create exhibitions that are both informative and visually appealing.
Exhibit design is an important part of the museum experience. It can help visitors to learn about art history and to appreciate the beauty of works of art. Well-designed exhibitions can also inspire visitors to learn more about art and to visit museums and galleries more often.
There are many different career paths available to art historians who are trained in exhibit design. They can work for museums, galleries, historical societies, and other cultural institutions. They can also work as independent exhibit designers.
Exhibit design is a rewarding career that allows art historians to use their knowledge and skills to create beautiful and educational exhibitions. It is a great way to share the love of art with others.
Art Criticism
Art criticism is an important part of art history. It involves writing about and critiquing contemporary art, for newspapers, magazines, and websites. Art historians who are art critics use their knowledge of art history and contemporary art to analyze and interpret works of art, and to share their insights with the public.
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Facet 1: Raising Public Awareness of Contemporary Art
Art historians who are art critics play a vital role in raising public awareness of contemporary art. They write about and critique contemporary art in a way that is accessible to a wide audience, helping to educate the public about the latest trends in art and to encourage a greater appreciation of contemporary art.
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Facet 2: Providing a Critical Perspective on Contemporary Art
Art historians who are art critics provide a critical perspective on contemporary art. They analyze and interpret works of art, offering their own insights and opinions about the work’s meaning, significance, and quality. This critical perspective can help the public to understand and appreciate contemporary art in a deeper way.
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Facet 3: Influencing the Direction of Contemporary Art
Art historians who are art critics can influence the direction of contemporary art. Their writings can help to shape public opinion about contemporary art, and can encourage artists to explore new directions and to create new works of art.
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Facet 4: Documenting the History of Contemporary Art
Art historians who are art critics play a vital role in documenting the history of contemporary art. Their writings provide a record of the development of contemporary art, and can help future generations to understand the art of our time.
These are just a few of the ways that art historians contribute to the field of art criticism. Art criticism is an important part of art history, and art historians who are art critics play a vital role in raising public awareness of contemporary art, providing a critical perspective on contemporary art, influencing the direction of contemporary art, and documenting the history of contemporary art.
Digital Humanities
The field of digital humanities is growing rapidly, and art historians are increasingly using digital technologies to research, analyze, and present art history. This has opened up a whole new range of possibilities for art historians, and is helping to shape the future of the discipline.
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New Research Methods
Digital technologies are providing art historians with new ways to research and analyze works of art. For example, they can use high-resolution images to examine details that would be invisible to the naked eye, and they can use 3D scanning to create virtual models of sculptures and other objects. These technologies are helping art historians to gain a deeper understanding of works of art and to make new discoveries about their history and meaning.
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New Ways to Share Research
Digital technologies are also making it easier for art historians to share their research with others. For example, they can use online databases to publish their findings, and they can create interactive websites and virtual exhibitions that allow people to explore works of art in new ways. These technologies are helping to make art history more accessible to a wider audience.
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New Opportunities for Collaboration
Digital technologies are also fostering new opportunities for collaboration between art historians and other scholars. For example, they can use online platforms to share research data and to work together on projects. These technologies are helping to break down the traditional boundaries between disciplines and to create new and innovative ways of studying art history.
The use of digital technologies is having a profound impact on the field of art history. It is opening up new possibilities for research, analysis, and presentation, and it is helping to make art history more accessible to a wider audience. As digital technologies continue to develop, we can expect to see even more innovative and exciting ways to use them in the study of art history.
FAQs on “What Can You Do with Art History?”
Knowing what career paths are available after earning an art history degree can be an important consideration for prospective students. Here are answers to frequently asked questions about careers in art history:
Question 1: What jobs can I get with an art history degree?
Art history graduates can pursue careers such as museum curator, art critic, art dealer, archivist, and art historian. They can also work in fields like education, publishing, and non-profit organizations.
Question 2: What are the earning prospects like for art historians?
The earning potential for art historians varies depending on their experience, qualifications, and career path. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for museum curators was $56,940 in May 2021.
Question 3: What kind of skills do I need to be successful in art history?
Successful art historians typically possess strong research, writing, and communication skills. They also have a deep understanding of art history and a keen eye for detail.
Question 4: What is the job outlook for art historians?
The job outlook for art historians is expected to be competitive in the coming years. However, there will be opportunities for qualified candidates with specialized skills and experience.
Question 5: Can I get an art history degree online?
Yes, it is possible to earn an art history degree online. Several accredited universities offer online art history programs, which provide the same rigor and quality as traditional on-campus programs.
Question 6: What are some of the benefits of studying art history?
Studying art history offers numerous benefits, including developing critical thinking skills, enhancing visual literacy, and fostering an appreciation for diverse cultures. It also provides a solid foundation for careers in the arts and beyond.
Summary: Art history offers a wide range of career opportunities, from museum curator to art dealer. With its focus on research, critical thinking, and communication, an art history degree prepares graduates for success in various fields.
Transition to the next article section: Our next section delves into the importance of art history in education, exploring its role in developing essential skills and fostering a well-rounded perspective.
Tips for Making the Most of an Art History Degree
An art history degree can open doors to a wide range of exciting and rewarding careers. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your degree:
Take advantage of internships and research opportunities.
Internships and research opportunities provide invaluable hands-on experience and help you build connections in the art world. They can also help you to identify your interests and career goals.
Develop strong writing and communication skills.
Art historians need to be able to write and communicate clearly and effectively. Take courses in writing, rhetoric, and public speaking to develop these skills.
Build a strong foundation in art history.
Take a variety of art history courses to gain a broad understanding of the field. This will help you to develop your critical thinking skills and your ability to analyze and interpret works of art.
Get involved in extracurricular activities.
Join art history clubs, attend lectures, and visit museums. These activities will help you to network with other students and professionals in the field and to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in art history.
Explore different career options.
Art history can lead to a variety of careers, from museum curator to art dealer to art therapist. Research different career options to find one that matches your interests and skills.
Network with professionals in the field.
Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and reach out to people in your field. Networking can help you to find job opportunities, learn about new trends, and get advice from experienced professionals.
Summary: By following these tips, you can make the most of your art history degree and prepare yourself for a successful career in the field.
Transition to the conclusion: With its focus on critical thinking, research, and communication, an art history degree prepares you for a wide range of careers in the arts and beyond.
Conclusion
Throughout this exploration of “what can you do with art history?”, we have uncovered the diverse career paths and profound impact that this field offers. Art history empowers individuals to delve into the rich tapestry of human creativity, fostering an understanding of the past, present, and future of art.
The skills honed through art historycritical thinking, research, communication, and visual literacyare essential in today’s rapidly evolving world. Graduates with an art history degree are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the art world and beyond, contributing to the preservation, interpretation, and appreciation of our cultural heritage. As we continue to grapple with the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century, art history remains a vital discipline, inspiring creativity, stimulating intellectual inquiry, and shaping a more informed and empathetic society.
