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How to Write Art History
An invaluable handbook, How to Write Art History enables students to get the most from their art history course. In a clear and engaging style, Anne D'Alleva empowers readers to approach their coursework with confidence and energy.
The book introduces two basic art historical methods – formal analysis and contextual analysis – and this second edition provides even more step-by-step guidance about how these methods can be used in class discussion and in writing essays and papers. The common strengths and weaknesses of an art history essay are highlighted by using real examples of written work, and at each stage of the writing process D'Alleva offers valuable advice on developing an argument convincingly.
Providing a fascinating view of the study of art history within its historical context, this book will be particularly helpful for those considering a career in this rewarding discipline.
The book introduces two basic art historical methods – formal analysis and contextual analysis – and this second edition provides even more step-by-step guidance about how these methods can be used in class discussion and in writing essays and papers. The common strengths and weaknesses of an art history essay are highlighted by using real examples of written work, and at each stage of the writing process D'Alleva offers valuable advice on developing an argument convincingly.
Providing a fascinating view of the study of art history within its historical context, this book will be particularly helpful for those considering a career in this rewarding discipline.
184 pages, Paperback
First published August 7, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 16, 2022
This is a wonder supplement to the art history survey curriculum. As a professor of art history, I appreciated D'Alleva's succinct definitions and the many tips on writing and studying for art history courses. I have put several chapters of this book on my Art History 1 syllabus.
August 13, 2019
How to Write Art History
by Anne D'Alleva
‘looking isn’t as easy as it looks’
The book introduces two basic art historical methods; formal analysis and contextual analysis.
Formal analysis doesn’t mean simply describing what you see in a work of art, although description is part of it. It means looking at the work of art and trying to understand what the artist wants to convey or express. There are certain basic characteristics of works of art that you will focus on in formal analysis, such as colour, line, space, mass and scale. Often these visual or physical qualities of a work are most effectively discussed in terms of a sliding scale between pairs of opposite qualities, such as linearity vs. painterliness, flatness vs. three-dimensionality or dark vs. light. When you’re engaged in formal analysis remember works of art change with the passage of time, try to ascribing the characteristics as in the time it was made.
When you undertake a contextual analysis, you’re trying to understand the work of art in a particular cultural moment. A focus on context gradually enlarges our view and expands what our scholarship should encompass. This can mean focusing on the work of art as it exists today, or on the work of art in its own time or at another point in history. It can also mean looking at the social, political, spiritual and or economic significance of the work. Questions can focus on; the people involved (the patron, the artist, the viewer) the physical work of art (material, techniques, when, why) and questions can focus on the social issues (political, religious, innovative)
Step-by-step this book learns us how to use these methods in discussion and in writing essays and papers. A must read for everyone with a deeper interest in art and a way to analyse and discuss art.
by Anne D'Alleva
‘looking isn’t as easy as it looks’
The book introduces two basic art historical methods; formal analysis and contextual analysis.
Formal analysis doesn’t mean simply describing what you see in a work of art, although description is part of it. It means looking at the work of art and trying to understand what the artist wants to convey or express. There are certain basic characteristics of works of art that you will focus on in formal analysis, such as colour, line, space, mass and scale. Often these visual or physical qualities of a work are most effectively discussed in terms of a sliding scale between pairs of opposite qualities, such as linearity vs. painterliness, flatness vs. three-dimensionality or dark vs. light. When you’re engaged in formal analysis remember works of art change with the passage of time, try to ascribing the characteristics as in the time it was made.
When you undertake a contextual analysis, you’re trying to understand the work of art in a particular cultural moment. A focus on context gradually enlarges our view and expands what our scholarship should encompass. This can mean focusing on the work of art as it exists today, or on the work of art in its own time or at another point in history. It can also mean looking at the social, political, spiritual and or economic significance of the work. Questions can focus on; the people involved (the patron, the artist, the viewer) the physical work of art (material, techniques, when, why) and questions can focus on the social issues (political, religious, innovative)
Step-by-step this book learns us how to use these methods in discussion and in writing essays and papers. A must read for everyone with a deeper interest in art and a way to analyse and discuss art.
July 3, 2023
This is a solid and succinct overview of the practice of art history written specifically for the beginner undergraduate student. Not really much else I can say about it. This is the second edition from 2010 which I think could do with revision to take account of the exponential rise of social media and internet technologies since then There's also a slight American bias evident when she's discussing education systems, but overall this remains a really useful student text.
March 2, 2022
A brilliant introduction to Art History. I will be keeping this book to hand when I begin my Open University Art History module as it gives advice on what to look for, help for essay work and ideas for further help.
September 24, 2025
Very interesting. The way in which the art form has been described is extraordinary. You are taken to a deeper level of art to the point that it changes your whole perspective. I really enjoyed reading this as it gives you a lot of questions ready for your answer.
September 23, 2022
Książka jest dobrym wstępem dla osób rozpoczynających zdobywanie wiedzy w dziedzinie historii sztuki. Jest przyjemnie, przejrzyście napisana, traktuje tematy ogólnie, ale taki jest jej zamysł. Może pomóc uporządkować niektóre idee i zachęca do rozszerzania wiedzy we własnym zakresie (autorka podaje nawet przykładowe prace jej zdaniem warte przeczytania). Książka oprócz podstawowych zagadnień zawiera również wskazówki dotyczące m.in. jak przygotować się do egzaminu i jak sporządzać notatki, które mnie akurat wydały się zupełnie oczywiste, ale być może okażą się dla niektórych cennymi wskazówkami.
June 8, 2013
I wish this book had been on my first year undergraduate reading list. I came across this book towards the end of my first year and I hope to implement everything I've taken from it in my second and third years. This book really lays out effective ways to criticise, analyse and write essays and exams; even if you think you are quite strong in these areas the book will definitely be beneficial to you. I couldn't recommend the book highly enough.
August 17, 2013
An excellent book that simply and concisely spells out how to go about writing essays for art history. It's not as simple or straightforward as you may think, there are a number of guidelines to keep in mind when planning and researching for your topic.
Definitely a book to keep beside you as you work through the essays you need to write when studying art history.
Definitely a book to keep beside you as you work through the essays you need to write when studying art history.
February 24, 2015
Maybe I would've felt differently about this book if I'd read it when I started studying art history ~6 years ago (hence the benefit-of-the-doubt extra star), but I didn't, it was assigned reading now, and I'm not impressed... fair enough it's aiming to be a basic introduction to the subject, but does its tone have to be so bloody patronising?!
September 1, 2015
Such an amazing resource for art history students. From taking notes in class to editing your paper, this is a truly essential guide. Anne D'Alleva writes specifically for students, so see her other books!
August 9, 2016
A very good overview of "how to take an art history course".
April 1, 2017
A short book, full of good, practical advice. Very readable. A book I'll keep going back to as my studies progress.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews