Have you ever stood in front of a painting or a sculpture and wondered, “What am I supposed to see?” A work of art may look simple at first glance, but there’s often a lot more going on. Art historians don’t just know the names of famous artists and memorize the dates when they lived; they also learn to look at the details in a work of art and consider the history of the time and place in which it was made. By understanding these things, art historians can better understand what the artwork means, why it was created, and what it says about the artist and the world around them.
Just like any other skill, the more you practice analyzing art, the better you will get at it. Over time, you’ll find yourself discovering new things every time you visit a museum, go to an art show, or browse an online gallery.
Look at the Art
The first thing you should do when you look at a work of art is… look at it! Don’t start by deciding whether you like it or not. Take some time to look at every detail.
How big is it? What colors are in it? What shapes are used? How is the image arranged on the canvas? What materials did the artist use to create it? Where does your eye go first when you look at it? What catches your attention? Is it symmetrical, or are the different sides different?
If you take the time to look before you start thinking about what it means, you’re more likely to pick up on details you might otherwise miss.
Think About Composition
Composition is how the parts of the artwork are put together. An artist will arrange different shapes, colors, lines, and other elements in specific ways to draw your attention and evoke certain feelings. A piece that looks perfectly balanced may seem calm and peaceful, while a composition with sharp angles and lots of contrast can seem exciting or even threatening. Patterns can give a feeling of rhythm and repetition, and a lot of empty space can feel like an important part of the composition too.
When you know what to look for in a composition, you can appreciate more than just what the artwork is about; you can also understand how it’s saying those things.
Consider the History
Every piece of art was made during a specific time in history, and the world of that era will be reflected in the artwork. Many things affect art, including politics, religion, technology, and social norms. A portrait painted during the Renaissance will be different than one painted during the Impressionist period. When society changes, art often changes with it. By learning about the history of a work of art, you can gain a better understanding of why the artist made certain decisions.
Look for Symbols
Often, an artwork will contain symbols that convey meanings other than what is literally shown. Flowers, animals, colors, clothing, and other items can all have hidden meanings that vary depending on the culture and historical period. Even small objects included in the artwork can represent ideas like wealth, death, hope, knowledge, or faith. If you’re able to recognize these symbols, you’ll have a much deeper understanding of what the artwork is trying to say. Keep in mind that some symbols may have more than one meaning. This is why art historians will research the artwork to ensure they fully understand what it’s trying to communicate.
Look at the Artist’s Technique
An important part of art history is studying how a work of art was made. You can learn a lot about an artist’s intentions by looking at the brushstrokes, texture, light, shadows, perspective, and other features of the work. Some painters will create very realistic-looking images using smooth, almost undetectable brushwork, while others will use thick globs of paint to express movement and emotion. Sculptors will do the same thing with their materials and techniques. All of these technical choices can add meaning to the artwork.
Ask Questions
Instead of trying to figure out “the right” interpretation of an artwork, try asking yourself questions. Try to figure out answers to questions like:
- Why was this artwork made?
- Who was it made for?
- What emotions does it bring up in me?
- What was happening in history when it was made?
- How does the composition support the message?
By taking time to ask these questions, you can dig deeper into the artwork and come to a more informed conclusion.
Compare and Contrast
One great way to improve your art analysis skills is to compare different artworks to each other. Try looking at pieces from different time periods, regions, and art movements. See how different artists portray the same subject. For example, a romantic landscape will probably look very different from a contemporary abstract landscape. Comparing artworks will help you see how styles develop over time and how many different approaches can be used to express an idea.
Conclusion
Art history isn’t about finding the correct interpretation of an artwork. It’s about learning to carefully observe and critically analyze everything that went into creating the artwork, including the technique, history, symbolism, and the artist’s intent. There’s always more to learn, and you’ll find it increasingly rewarding as you learn more and more. Next time you’re at a museum, an exhibit, or even on your computer looking at art online, keep your eyes open and try to find new things to learn.