History of Art

The AS History of Art course introduces students to a broad range of Western art. It also introduces students to a methodology for studying art. It provides the vocabulary for the formal analysis of artworks and architecture. The course also explores contextual issues such as the construction of meaning in visual culture, art’s role in society and patronage of art.

In the A2 course, students choose to study from a series of options. One paper must be a topic from before 1800 and a second paper from the period after 1800. Currently students are studying ‘Early Renaissance Florence’ for the earlier paper; ‘Impressionism’ and ‘British Art from 1960 until the Present Day’ for the later paper. In addition to the options, students are free to choose their own topic for a 3,000 word coursework project. We regularly visit museums and galleries in Oxford and London. In recent years, we have had a highly enjoyable trip to Paris and last year visited Florence and Rome.

Whom does it suit?

There is no practical art involved in History of Art, but a good eye or feel for art is very useful. You should enjoy museum and gallery visits as they are central to the AS and A2 courses. An interest in history and culture will also help. Five out of the six units are essay based so you must be prepared to write and develop your essay writing skills. Reading and researching topics in your own time should also be something you are happy to do.

The AS

There is a one hour written exam for each unit. ¨ Unit 1: a photo based paper that requires visual analysis of paintings, sculpture and architecture.

¨ Unit 2: study of western art & architecture from Classical Greece to the High Renaissance.

¨ Unit 3: study of modern art from Impressionism to Brit Art.

The A2

¨ Unit 4: 3,000 word Coursework Project on a theme of your own choice.

¨ Unit 5: a topic from before 1800 (eg Early Renaissance Florence or High Renaissance Rome). Two hour written exam.

¨ Unit 6: a topic from after 1800 (eg Impressionism, Women Artists of the 20th Century, British Art from 1960-2002). Two hour written exam.

Exam strategy

¨ First year:

All AS units sat in June

¨ Second year:

June – All A2 units

(No January History of Art exam – all AS retakes to be sat in June)

The Department

Jane Neal, who studied Fine Art at Oxford and has an MA from the Courtauld Institute, teaches the earlier papers; Nick Reeves, the Head of Art, who read History of Art at Cambridge, teaches the Modern papers.

Higher Education

History of Art is well respected by all universities. As a subject it can be studied in its own right at many universities or as a joint honours subject.

At AS or A2 History of Art compliments other arts subjects like English, History and Classical Civilisation, or Social Sciences like Sociology and Communication Studies. Students studying Art often like to take History of Art to broaden their understanding of artists and periods in art history or to expand their critical vocabulary!