Product Description

This clear and concise new introduction examines all the major debates and issues in the field of art history, using a wide range of well-known examples. Dana Arnold also examines the many different ways of writing about art, and the changing boundaries of the subject of art history. Other topics covered include the canon of art history, the role of the gallery, "blockbuster" exhibitions, the emergence of social histories of art (such as feminist art history or queer art history), and the impact of photography. The development of art history using artifacts such as the altarpiece, the portrait, or pornography to explore social and cultural issues such as consumption, taste, religion, and politics is discussed. And the book also explains how the traditional emphasis on periods and styles originated in western art production and can obscure other approaches.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #145669 in Books
• Published on: 2004-04-08
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 144 pages

About the Author

Dana Arnold is Professor of Architectural History at the University of Southampton and Director of the Center for Studies in Architecture and Urbanism. Her recent publications include Re-presenting the Metropolis and The Georgian Country House: Architecture, Landscape and Society.

Customer Reviews

Vague
This essay, sprinkled with expressions of feminist ideas, is trying to convince readers that some approaches to art history are invalid. It is hard to be certain what art history is in the book author's opinion; I think it boils down to the following: art history is how artworks make us feel. This is historically legitimate, since artist contemporaries view artworks in different ways from generations that supersede them.

The author also pays attention to how the ways art is exhibited and written about influence our perceptions.

At the end of the book you will find a little bit of information on progression of fine art techniques.

If you like to read critical articles, I think you will enjoy reading this book.