Art 101 – What is the fundamental objective of an art historian ?

Ashford University

Written by Hope Elena Sardella

Kleiner, F. S. (2017). Gardner’s art through the ages: The western perspective (15th ed., Vol. II). Retrieved from https://ashford.instructure.com/

     The fundamental objective of an art historians’ job is to determine if the archetype or original meaning of the art itself. Areas in which art history studies are “architecture, sculpture, the pictorial arts (paintings, drawing, printmaking, and photography), and the craft arts, or arts of design” (Kleiner, F,2017). Following areas of art that may be misunderstood is the value of objects not formally understood as art when the object was created, but over time the item may be displayed among many other objects of art. Such art is categorized within the craft arts’, and are usually functional day-to-day use items like “ceramics, metalwork, textiles, jewelry, and similar accessories of ordinary living”. Thus, it’s necessary to understand these values, and also follow the blurring lines of what could be considered of artistic and historical significance. 

Herrero, D. (n.d). The Gargoyle As A Work of Art and a Museum Exhibit. Retrieved from http://doloresherrero.com/english-the-gargoyle-as-a-work-of-art-and-a-museum-exhibit/?lang=en (Links to an external site.)

     One example of artwork that we can identify in these categories is pieces of architecture, such as gargoyles. These objects may have never been intended to be removed from such architectural fixtures, but overtime structures debilitated, and natural environmental changes can cause catastrophic changes that lead to the only remnant of the revered architectures of the past. I find these particular pieces at the Louve so exciting because, according to art historian Dolores Herrero, she states that gargoyles have had a checkered relationship with architects, often having endured a disdained attitude toward the stone protectors. Why you might ask; well, retrieving such objects has proved to be somewhat of a challenge being that their location usually in the most accessible, furthermore gargoyles have had an intrinsic value to architecture or the utilitarian purpose for being spouts to dispense water. Overall I believe many functional objects should be preserved if they are in danger or in need of restoration.