What exactly do we mean by art, and what kind of history (or histories) should we explore?
videos + essays
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Classic, classical, and classicism explained
What's the difference between classic art, classical art, and classicism?
Why are there so few female artists?
The ten most expensive paintings in history were painted by men.
What does it mean to be an “old master” and to make a “masterpiece”?
What does it mean to be an "old master" and to make a "masterpiece"? Kerry James Marshall talks about his practice and the ideas driving it.
Cultural heritage “in crisis”
The word “crisis” suggests a temporary problem—but destruction and loss of cultural heritage is an ongoing issue.
Africa historical overview: from the 1600s to the present
By the sixteenth century, Western trade involved Africans being forcibly brought to the Americas as slaves.
Africa historical overview: to 1600
Recent discoveries in southern Africa provide remarkable evidence of the earliest stirrings of human creativity.
An introduction to iconography and iconographic analysis
Ever wanted to know how art historians determine the meanings of symbols and identify subject matter? Learn more with this brief introduction to the iconographic approach.
Art history and world art history
“Art history is relevant” is not how the discipline of art history is typically framed in popular discourse.
Ever wondered…why study art of the past?
The reason people study the art of the past are varied - but all agree, it can tell us a lot about our own world.
Browse Smarthistory images for teaching & learning!
