The arts are an essential part of any classical education. Examining a painting or listening to a masterpiece can draw out the humanity in all of us. By understanding the history and theory behind the arts, you can prepare yourself to more fully appreciate what you see and hear.
In this lesson, I focus on both fine arts and music (two topics commonly studied in the Ivies). For each section, I provide no-cost resources for studying the history and the theory of the topic. I also provide links to sites that offer free images of prominent artwork and free mp3s of public domain music.
Assignment 1: Explore Fine Art
Art has been a part of the human experience from the earliest times. Before we had the written word, people left messages by drawing on the walls of caves. Today, fine art continues to inspire us, confuse us, and make us think.
History
Studying the prominent periods of art history can help you understand the context in which pieces were created. Keep in mind that art isn’t always a free expression. Much of the great art we have today was commissioned and directed by patrons.
Theory
Learning the theory behind the art will help your appreciation grow. You don’t need to know how to paint a masterpiece, but it’s helpful to know how to approach the paintings you encounter. Learn what questions to ask yourself and how to effectively critique a piece.
Experience
Looking at the masterpieces is the most important step. It’s best to visit museums and see artwork in person (something is simply lost when they are shown on the screen). However, you can prepare yourself by browsing through the impressive collections online. [click to continue…]
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