There really is no such thing as Art.

There are only artists.

- Ernst Gombrich (The Story of Art)
What is Art History?
Art History:
The academic study of art
BUT:
What is Art?
What is Art?
The product of an artist
Depends on context
An asset
An idea/concept
A repository of meaning
A frame
A pointing finger
A way of seeing
Leonardo da Vinci - Mona Lisa, 1503-04
Why I love Art History
The centrality of the object.
History is ambiguous, Art History centres itself on
the artwork.
Every argument and point that you make should be
confirmed by the artwork.
If you can back up your argument using the
artwork, it stands; if you cant, it doesnt.
Use the artwork as both a starting and an end point.
Art History is to art what English is to literature.
3.1: Demonstrate understanding of
style in art works
Achievement Achievement
with Merit
Achievement
with Excellence
Demonstrate
understanding of
style in art
works.
Demonstrate in-
depth
understanding of
style in art
works.
Demonstrate
perceptive
understanding of
style in art
works.
3.1: Demonstrate understanding of
style in art works
Explanatory Notes
Demonstrate understanding involves analysing art
works to explain stylistic characteristics and
identify similarities and/or differences in style
between art works, using supporting evidence from
art works.
3.1: Demonstrate understanding of
style in art works
Explanatory Notes
Demonstrate in-depth understanding involves
analysing art works to justify reasons for
similarities and/or differences in style between art
works, using supporting evidence from art works.
3.1: Demonstrate understanding of
style in art works
Explanatory Notes
Demonstrate perceptive understanding involves an
insightful explanation of the reasons for similarities
and/or differences in style, using supporting
evidence from art works and/or their context(s).
3.1: Demonstrate understanding of
style in art works
Explanatory Notes
Style refers to the characteristics of an art work
that, when combined, distinguish the style of an
artist, art movement, period or place. These
characteristics may include ways of using line,
colour, tone, light, form, composition, space, scale,
shape, mass, texture, ornament, and media.
3.1: Demonstrate understanding of
style in art works
Instructions
You are advised to spend one hour answering ONE
question from this booklet.
Choose ONE of the two questions in this booklet
and answer BOTH parts of your chosen question.
Exam Tips
Think before you write
Read the question carefully
Outline before you write
Keep looking at the plates
Be specific
Be clear and concise
Manage your time
Stay calm