What is Art History?

What is art history?

When asked this question, a variety of responses await.

Some think it is the language of combining different cultures and traditions.

While others believe it is the story of a painting.

Then there’s always the selected few who think they’re so smart saying it is

“the history of art.”

But, perhaps the answer is all the above and more.

See, it is the unification of ideologies of all types.

It is the golden thread granting diversity and colors a way into the world.

That’s a guarantee.

Art history gives voices, not just to paintings, but to all masterpieces.

When art reaches the point of beauty,

it deserves a story,

it deserves art history.

This includes

the completed,

the work-in-processes,

the modern, and

the ancient.

Art history is a form of art,

Narrating how the masterpiece in front of you is worth much more than a glance.

It shines light on every speck of life, awing the individual.

It allows one to

feel things,

touch things, and

taste things,

with just two senses.

It enchants the mind,

It guides the eyes,

Art history is the voice of artistry.

Pleading you to not leave,

To stay a little longer, promising it’s worth your time.

It is the showcase of a new side of a story, always gifting a new viewpoint.

It illustrates a tale of an artist

possibly long dead,

Not that it matters.

It allows you to step into their shoes

and see the world through their eyes for a change.

It is the oil that coats the gears in your brain, fueling your thoughts to

think more,

think deeper,

think stronger.

It doesn’t dapple but plunges you with emotions.

It makes you feel something.

It makes you notice something.

It makes you learn something.

Only after knowing this,

Will one understand,

Art history,

This is.