Why studying art? Some people still believe that art history is something odd, something that might be interesting to specialists only. However, if you have a deeper look, you will see that art theory and art history play an immense role in the history of humankind and its present.
While there are many things we can learn from art history, we would concentrate on the main ones, those that help us to move on as humankind and personally.
Art History Is the History of Humankind
By learning art theory and art, we learn about the history of us as a kind. Creativity is persistent to people only. Not a single animal can create, not a single animal can experience art inspiration. That’s why we can study now carvings made by ancient people in caves and on rocks. That’s why we can look at famous paintings and see how people could live at that time, what clothes they used to wear, and so on.
By the way, books, illustrations, music, sculpture – this all is about art. Even our writing systems are about art – how else letters could be created if not in an immense art inspiration act?
When we draw our attention to famous paintings, for example, you will see that every historical period has brought its own styles and manners to paint as well as its own themes. For example:
The Medieval period brings the dominance of religious themes.
The Early Renaissance brings new themes and new painting techniques. This we can also see in the most famous paintings:
Rococo came with its elegant and elaborate style which was applied in art, too:
Every painting brings that atmosphere typical to the time when it was painted. Also, we can observe how the techniques have been evolving.
Art Is a Way to Fight Fears, Frustrations, Obsessions
Art history taught us one more valuable lesson: through art, we can release our fears, frustrations, and handle them. Once these unpleasant matters materialize in the form of drawings, sculptures, famous paintings, etc., the most feared and unpleasant things become manageable. In ancient times, people used to make the sculptures of their gods or draw their idols. It was a way to accept nature and its sometimes destructive behavior.
During all times, artists have tried to manage their own conditions via art. In some art reproductions and originals, we can observe the struggles and expectations of some artists. And sometimes, we can even have a look at the very depth of their souls and see their fears. Art is a way to visualize all those fears and accept or even defeat them.
Art history and art teach us to accept our own feelings and deal with them. One of the main art tips we would give is to let your feelings and emotions unfold in your paintings. This is what the famous painters used to do always.
Partly, we recognize our own feelings in the famous art pieces. Maybe this is one of the main reasons for the popularity of some art masterpieces. Have a look at them on https://www.1st-art-gallery.com/ to find out what hidden feelings don`t let you relax. We bet you will find out many interesting details. Just slow down by a painting that touches you, that “talks to you”, and think how your inner world might be connected with the painting theme.
Finally, Art History Teaches Us to Be Loyal
There are different cultures, different epochs, different people, and peoples. We learn from art history about the cultural differences, different perceptions of the world, and similar. We learn empathy and sympathy. For some, Monday motivation art is the top while for others, Renaissance paintings are an example of real art.
For example, you might be superstitious to some nations but if you learn their art pieces, your opinion might change. If you learn what impact they have made on art and humankind, you might start perceiving them in a completely different way.
Final Thoughts
Art is a legacy of many generations that has been developed throughout many millennia. First, it was a way to materialize the fears and find out a way to handle them. Further, it became a way of self-expression and creation.
Now, we can learn many important lessons from art and art history. It teaches us to accept the external world and our emotions and feelings. It connects us with our roots and the past that has formed our humanity. Can we tell that art history is one of the main essences that shall be studied? Definitely yes if we want to remember about our origin.
