There are so many great things that we can learn through studying art and history. Art is an excellent way to understand the past and those who have gone before us.
When we study art, it helps us understand and gives us clues to the past. As we see what the artist has painted, we can piece together what life was like during that time in history. Art also helps us better understand the cultures and people who once lived and their life.
Through art, we gain compassion for the people who once lived upon the face of the earth. We learn about them and their lives; we understand more about some of their challenges and things that they had to go through. Understanding art and history go hand-in-hand.
Here are some ways that I feel that we can learn about the past through art.
Clues to Life In the Past
Art helps us understand the past as it gives us clues from the past. As we look at what the artist has painted, even the clothing, surroundings, colors, symbolism, and materials, we can learn about the past or the area where the artist lived. Art gives us a better understanding of the people who went before us and what their lives were like.
Even those art pieces that might be full of symbolism can also give us clues about life during that time. Art that is filled with symbolism also gives us clues into things the art saw and did during his time.
The visual aspect of art is one of the ways that we can learn about the past as you view the painting look at what the artist is trying to tell us. Discover what we can learn about this period when the artist created this artwork.
Learn About Cultures and People
Art helps us better understand the cultures and people living during this time. Art is a visual history of the people and culture of where the artist lived.
In his 40s, the painter Paul Gauguin decided to abandon his wife with five children and live in the Pacific Islands or French Polynesia. Even though his life in the Pacific Islands was filled with controversy about this own sexual life (he had several child brides he is known to have given syphilis to), we do learn a lot of life in the Pacific islands through his paintings.
Paul Gauguin’s paintings from French Polynesia have become synonymous with the images of life on South Sea Island. Gauguin’s rich glowing hues, strong outlines, and confident nudes, lush landscape give Polynesia a great sense of mystery.
Art shows us that an artist’s interpretation of a culture can be sheered upon our minds and influence us and how we see the culture of a place. The power of the artist and the visual culture and history show us about life and culture through their paintings.
We Gain A Compassionate Perspective
As I study art, I have learned to have a compassionate perspective. So many of the great artists in the past had so many struggles, whether through poor health, finances, family, or just everyday life. Many of these great artists overcame a lot to become great.
One of my favorite artists is Vincent van Gogh. In his letters to his brother Theo, he was very open about his mental health and other struggles that he was experiencing. At the same time, Van Gogh was not afraid to experiment with his art to try new things and to create art that has had a significant impact on artists who followed after him.
Even though Van Gogh was in poverty and financially stressed his entire life as an artist, he still painted great art. He was also a self-taught artist who taught himself about drawing, color, and art techniques. We can learn from Van Gogh that anyone who has the desire and talent can become a great artist.
As we study art, learn from art, and learn from the lives of these men and women artists who went before us, we gain a great sense of compassion for them and their lives.
History and Art Go Hand-in-Hand
The study of art and the study of history go hand-in-hand. To understand the artist and what the artist and art are about, you need to understand a bit of the history of the time in which they lived.
To fully understand the history of a place, culture, or people, you also need to understand the art created during that time. History and art go hand-in-hand; you need to understand both of them to fully understand the culture, period of history, or a time in the past.
Studying art and the artist who once lived is highly fulfilling. It helps us understand more about life before we were upon the earth. It helps give us a visual perspective of what life was once like.
I am very thankful for that great art and great artists who help me understand the past. Understanding arts helps me to be a better artist. Anita Louise Art is dedicated to art education, great artists worldwide, and inspiring others to find and create their art. We look at all kinds of art made to uplift and inspire. #ArtToMakeYouSmile! #ArtToMakeYouHappy!
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Related Questions
How Do Art Museums Choose What To Exhibit?
Art museums choose what they want to exhibit because of costs, budget restraints, and space restraints. They want to show art that the public wants to see and exhibitions the people are willing to pay an entrance fee to attend. A museum also exhibits those works of art that align with its mission and vision.
By clicking here, you can learn more by reading How Do Art Museums Choose What To Exhibit?
The Important Role Of Art Museums In The Art World
An art museum will help to collect and preserve works of art. They also interpret the art and help to educate us all about art. Many art museums will have programs that allow you to experiment with different art types. The core role of an art museum is to inspire us about art.
You can discover more by reading The Important Role Of Art Museums In The Art World by clicking here.
