History of Art - A Level

History of Art is a broad subject concerned with studying the cultural products of civilisations in relation to the people who produced them. You will examine the art and architecture of a diverse range of Western cultures, roughly spanning the past 2,400 years of history. The goal of this course is to gain an understanding of the historical, aesthetic and functional concerns involved in the appreciation of the major art works and monuments of the Western canon. From the Athenian Acropolis to Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling, the course will take you on a journey across time and place.

As a discipline, History of Art engages with a number of different fields including: History, Aesthetics, Political Philosophy, Race and Gender Studies, and Religion

What will I study in History of Art?

AS Unit 1 & 2
Visual Analysis & Interpretation: How do we analyse a work of art? The first unit focuses on teaching you how to look closely at works of art and consider them in terms of their historical contexts. Through the study of painting, sculpture and architecture from 1400 to the present day you will acquire the necessary vocabulary –both verbal and visual – which will enable you to enter any major museum collection and speak articulately about what you see. The goal of this unit is to prepare the student to be able to identify formal and stylistic elements as well as to comment on the use of materials and the context in which various art works were produced and used.

The culminating feature of this unit is a visit to the National Gallery at which time the student is asked to describe and analyse works of art from a range of historical periods.

Themes in History of Art: Expanding on the skills acquired in Unit 1, you will undertake an in depth study of a number of examples of Western art and architecture drawn from 500 BC–2000 AD. Choice of artists and periods studied is open to negotiation with your tutor and will reflect your own interests. Each artwork will be examined in relation to material, techniques and physical processes involved in production; form, style and function; historical and social context; interpretation of subject; genre; and issues relating to gender, nationality and ethnicity.

A2 Units 3 & 4
Investigation & Interpretation: The A2 course builds on the knowledge and skills gained in the AS, and requires you to conduct two in depth analyses of the production, style, genre and social and cultural context and meaning of European art and architecture from either the 15th C, 17th C or 19th C, or European and American art and architecture from the post-war period to the present day.

How will I be assessed?

The course is assessed by essay based papers – 2 in the AS year and 2 in the A2.

Do I need to have studied History of Art before?

No, but you should have an interest in the visual world and possess the ability to memorize and recall visual material.

Who will teach me?

Dr Andreas Petzold holds a PhD from the Courthauld Institute where he continues to teach on a range of degree and post-graduate courses. He has a range of interests specialising in Florentine Rennaissance and the early Baroque period.

Which subjects complement History of Art?

History of Art intersects with many academic disciplines including History, Politics, Religious Studies, Philosophy and Classical Civilisation

Which careers can History of Art lead to?

A background in the History of Art can be applied to a range of careers such as curatorial or gallery work, publishing, graphic design and advertising.