vocabulary for art history
Art History Vocabulary Terms
Form in speaking of a work of art or architecture, the term refers to purely visual component: line, color shape, texture, mass, value, space; all of which are called formal elements.
Composition is the organization, or arrangement of form in a work of art.
Style a particular manner, form, character of representation, construction, or expression typical of an individual artist or certain school period that makes the work visually distinctive.
School of artist an art historical term describing a group of artist, usually work at the same time and sharing similar styles, influence or ideals. The artist in a particular school may not necessary be directly associated with one another, unlike those in the work shop or atelier.
Iconography the study of the significance and interpretation of the subject matter or symbolism of art. Literally meaning image writing.
Representational art that depicts a recognizable image or any art that attempts to depict an aspect of the external, natural world in a visually understandable way.
Nonrepresentational or nonobjective of art is a form of complete abstraction. It does not produce recognizable imagery.
Naturalism (naturalistic) is closely linked to the realism and the terms are often used unchangeably. Naturalism, however, refers to attempt to depict objects as they appear in nature.
Realism is the attempt to depict objects as they are in actual, visible reality.
Abstraction any art that does not represent observable aspects of nature or transforms visible forms into a stylized image. Also: the formal qualities of this process.
Idealization strives to realize an image of physical perfection according to the prevailing values of a culture. The Medici Venus is idealized.
Illusionism refers to a highly detailed style that seeks to create a convincing illusion of reality.
Linear describes style as well as technique. In the linear style the artist uses line as the
Form in speaking of a work of art or architecture, the term refers to purely visual component: line, color shape, texture, mass, value, space; all of which are called formal elements.
Composition is the organization, or arrangement of form in a work of art.
Style a particular manner, form, character of representation, construction, or expression typical of an individual artist or certain school period that makes the work visually distinctive.
School of artist an art historical term describing a group of artist, usually work at the same time and sharing similar styles, influence or ideals. The artist in a particular school may not necessary be directly associated with one another, unlike those in the work shop or atelier.
Iconography the study of the significance and interpretation of the subject matter or symbolism of art. Literally meaning image writing.
Representational art that depicts a recognizable image or any art that attempts to depict an aspect of the external, natural world in a visually understandable way.
Nonrepresentational or nonobjective of art is a form of complete abstraction. It does not produce recognizable imagery.
Naturalism (naturalistic) is closely linked to the realism and the terms are often used unchangeably. Naturalism, however, refers to attempt to depict objects as they appear in nature.
Realism is the attempt to depict objects as they are in actual, visible reality.
Abstraction any art that does not represent observable aspects of nature or transforms visible forms into a stylized image. Also: the formal qualities of this process.
Idealization strives to realize an image of physical perfection according to the prevailing values of a culture. The Medici Venus is idealized.
Illusionism refers to a highly detailed style that seeks to create a convincing illusion of reality.
Linear describes style as well as technique. In the linear style the artist uses line as the