An art critic is The science of art history. Profession art critic

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

An art historian is a true expert in his field, the art of art. He can easily distinguish the works of the unsurpassed Monet from the works of the professional Manet. He is familiar with all the intricacies of the directions in which artists, musicians, sculptors and artists work. But the possession of encyclopedic knowledge in the creative field does not yet ensure the title of a well-deserved and recognized art critic. Here you need to master both the technique of visual perception and manners, and have an unquenchable thirst to see, listen, contemplate the masterpieces of world art with your own eyes.

History of occurrence

Art history (-knowledge) is a science that originated in ancient times. We can judge this from the treatises of Aristotle, Plato or Socrates, who lived before our era. At that time, art history was not an independent doctrine, but rather had an educational character, was part of the philosophy and religion of those times.

The science of art history flourished in the time of Cicero (I century BC), and the beginning of our era was marked by the artworks of Asia. The middlecentury, the world of art becomes part of the theological inferences of Augustine and Thomas Aquinas. But the special and main time in the development of art science was the Renaissance (Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Sandro Botticelli), when real masterpieces were created, which are now the main illustrative examples for connoisseurs of high art.

In the 18th century, art criticism took shape as an independent discipline, the progenitor of which is considered to be a German historian, lover of antiquity - Johann Winckelmann. At the same time, the first experts in the field of world creations appear. And already as a profession, art criticism began to take shape at the turn of the 19th-20th centuries. Today, this speci alty can be mastered by anyone, since the institutions that educate future connoisseurs of world masterpieces and rarities are located all over the world. It is better, of course, to choose universities that are close to outstanding works, for example, in Europe or Russia.

This kind of work is an art critic

Profession is in some sense unique, interesting and informative in its own way. It captivates by the fact that it covers several areas in which the future specialist can realize himself. But two dominate among them: the art theorist and the art historian. The activities of the former are mainly aimed at researching and studying the world of art: its problems, patterns, specifics of the development of species, genres and relationship with society as a whole. The second direction is more multifaceted, it covers areas such as:

• exploring collections;
• systematizationworks of various masters, schools and trends;
• ensuring the preservation of museum exhibits, compiling cards for them;
• providing an opinion on the need to restore a particular work;
• establishing the authorship of a controversial work, the authenticity of a thing, its value;
• discovery of new names in the field of art;
• participation in archaeological expeditions;
• conducting excursions, lectures, electives;
• publication of scientific and popular science brochures, collections, guidebooks issued by art museums and galleries;
• reviews and articles with an objective assessment, criticism, analytics, affecting current issues of art science;
• organization of expositions, exhibitions (including international ones).

Field of activity

Art historian is not only a profession. This is a certain way of thinking, a special style of attitude, life. This is a talent! And it can be applied in completely different areas of human life. You can use your knowledge by working in an art gallery, museums, at individual exhibitions or excursion events, possibly offsite. Also, the skills and abilities of an art historian will be useful in editorial work, for example, in some large publishing house. In addition, a specialist of this profile can devote his life to research work or find himself in the antique business. He will also be good at realizing himself as a teacher and art critic.

Qualities of an art historian

Choosing this or that profession, first of all, each of us is guided by his personal qualities. Those who have an analytical mindset and a craving for the exact sciences, most likely, will not be able to master the craft of an art historian. What qualities should a person who knows the art world well have?

If we talk about abilities, then he should have developed artistic taste, imaginative thinking, sensory memory. He must feel subtly, think on an intuitive level, understand, be extremely attentive, impartial and objective in his judgments, criticism, be able to interest and always be in the thick of things, especially with regard to the world of masterpieces and antiques.

From personal qualities, one can single out composure, accuracy, tact, perseverance, sociability and, of course, the desire for self-development.

Hard work…no practice

Any work is associated with a number of initial knowledge, skills and abilities. And our task is to master them to the level of a true professional in their field. Thus, an art historian is a person who is obliged to memorize a large amount of information (names, titles, terms, dates); write articles, manuals, essays, reviews on certain topics; according to a fragment of a work, determine to whom and to what period it belongs. Therefore, the work of an expert in the field of art is impossible without practice. Its tasks include mandatory visits to galleries, exhibitions, expositions, as well as direct participation in their preparation and organization in order to obtain invaluableexperience.

It is also important to combine your theoretical knowledge with practical application. If you are going to write a review or a scientific work about some great creation, then you need to try to see it with your own eyes. For those who are going to become an expert specializing in a certain area (rare things, a certain era, style, direction), this approach to work is especially relevant. It will allow you to most accurately show all your professionalism.

Famous art historians

Art historian is not a profession, it is a high rank! Which a person wears proudly, but deserves thanks to a subtle perception of the world around him, academic knowledge and an inexhaustible love for art. There are few such real experts in their field, but among them there are our compatriots. For example, Anatoly Vasilyevich Lunacharsky is a state figure, art critic, literary critic, playwright, translator. Sergei Pavlovich Diaghilev (1872–1929) - theatrical figure, art critic, propagandist of Russian art abroad.

They dedicated their lives to a cause that not only fascinated them, but inspired them to learn, create and create. Keep up with the times, but clearly understand how important it is to appreciate and preserve the cultural heritage of the past.