Learn what a genre scene is and why this type of subject grew in popularity
first-things
What's the difference between classic art, classical art, and classicism?
Classic, classical, and classicism explained
The ten most expensive paintings in history were painted by men.
Why are there so few female artists?
A brief primer on bodhisattvas
Bodhisattvas, an introduction
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.
What does it mean to be an ...
The word “crisis” suggests a temporary problem—but destruction and loss of cultural heritage is an ongoing issue.
Cultural heritage “in crisis”
By the sixteenth century, Western trade involved Africans being forcibly brought to the Americas as slaves.
Africa historical overview: from the 1600s to ...
Recent discoveries in southern Africa provide remarkable evidence of the earliest stirrings of human creativity.
Africa historical overview: to 1600
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.
An introduction to iconography and iconographic analysis
“Art history is relevant” is not how the discipline of art history is typically framed in popular discourse.
Art history and world art history
The reason people study the art of the past are varied - but all agree, it can tell us a lot about our own world.
Ever wondered…why study art of the past?
Studying art history isn't a conventional path to success — so why do people do it?
Ever wondered… why people become art historians?
Must art be Beautiful? And just what is beauty anyway?
Must art be beautiful? Picasso’s Old Guitarist
Corporate lobbies and board rooms are often graced with impressive art, but why?
Why Do Corporations Buy Art?
Artist Maurizio Cattelan duct taped a banana to a wall. Why did it capture our attention, curiosity, and memes? What does it mean?
The $150,000 Banana
Throughout history, art has helped reveal the climate around us and highlight our fragile relationship to it.
How Climate Changes Art
Empathy is a term we hear a lot, but what does it mean and how does it work?
Art and empathy
Why does St. John the Baptist carry a lamb? Catherine a wheel? Mary Magdalene a jar?
Who’s who? How to recognize saints…
An introduction to the diverse cultures of Asia and their intersecting histories
Browse Smarthistory images for teaching & learning!
