Chapter 8 Introduction

A Note About Art History

In the upcoming modules, we will delve into the fascinating subject of art history. It is essential to note that, although these modules will provide a substantial basis in the history of art on a global scale, this is not an art history course. The intention behind including historical perspectives in this course is to cultivate a greater understanding and appreciation of the impact that visual art has had on various cultures worldwide.

History has no natural divisions. A woman living in Florence in the fifteenth century did not think of herself as a woman of the Renaissance. Historians divide history into large and small units in order to make characteristics and changes clear to themselves and to students. It’s important to remember that any historical period is a construction and a simplification. Below are some important basics to get you started.

Global and Gender Considerations

As you read the timeline in this module, please keep in mind that equally momentous developments occurred in Africa, Asia, the Americas, and in the Pacific. Our survey of non-Western Art is included in an upcoming module.

As we examine the landscape of Western Art, it is important to consider why the majority of artists referenced are male. Historically, opportunities for training and education in the arts were largely inaccessible to women until the 19th century. The few women artists who emerged prior to this period were typically the daughters of established male artists, benefiting from the unique environment of their fathers’ workshops, where they received instruction that was otherwise denied to most. It is crucial to recognize that for much of history, women were often legally constrained by the decisions of their fathers, husbands, or other male relatives, leaving them with limited agency over their own lives and futures. Significant civil rights advancements for women did not occur until the early 20th century, and even in nations such as the United Kingdom, women were excluded from inheritance lines until the mid-1950s. The barriers to education severely hindered the potential contributions of women artists throughout much of history. Additionally, even after the 1800s, many female creators used male pseudonyms to conceal their gender.