While registering for classes a couple years ago, I realized I had an empty elective spot to fill. I acted on impulse and registered for an art history course. My friends displayed a spectrum of responses, some enthusiastic, others horrified. Many warned me to retract my decision before I was crushed under the weight of study materials. And though the possibility of death by excessive notecard-making was certainly daunting, my desire to know more about the artistic greats proved stronger. I took an academic leap of faith and, as the title of this article suggests, it was a spectacular decision.
The class ranged from the mysterious Sumerian votive figures of Eshnunna to Pollock and his provocative splatter paint. I learned tricks on how to distinguish Rembrandt from Rubens. I fell in love with the Impressionists; Degas and Gustave Caillebotte in particular. Above all, I walked away from the class with a new sense of worldliness and sensitivity to beauty in everyday life. I believe everyone should take the time to learn some art history, as it enhanced my life in so many ways.
Art history clarified historical timelines.
Exhibit A: The Roman Empire. I had learned about Caesar, crazy Caligula and the infamous fiddler, Nero. However, the progression from one leader to the next was grey to me. I didn’t understand how the people of Rome evolved from one stage to another. Art history solved this problem. I was able to follow along through art, as Rome’s early imitations of idealized Greek form evolved into unique, diverse sculptures, realistically depicting the flaws of it’s society that would lead to its downfall.
It supplemented all future journeys abroad.
When I was a junior in high school, I spent spring break in Italy. The experience was amazing. However, one can only enjoy museums for so long when one doesn't know what one is looking at. I kick myself for passing up on visiting certain historical sites that I now can truly appreciate.
I gained new-found respect for the arts.
Art connects us. Though we may differ in religion, language, location or lifetime, art allows us to share with one another our unique realities. I believe art makes the human experience bearable, providing both the artist and viewer with support and catharsis. Studying art history allowed me to peek into the perspectives of artists centuries and worlds away from me.
But more importantly, I now laugh even harder at art history memes.
Tumblr and Snapchat are breeding grounds for unique interpretations of art. Google it.
