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ARTH 275: Studies in Western Art I: Ancient through Medieval Art

Getting Started with Art History Research

Look at the Art:

  • Take time to observe the object and make notes about its formal properties

Learn more about it:

  • Look at introductory resources such as museum or gallery websites or art encyclopedias to find biographical information about the artist and/or contextual information about your object

Collect Sources through Research:

  • Find Books: search PRIMO for your artist's name, art movements, and other related concepts to your object
  • Find Articles: Search journal databases for your artists' name, movement, period, style, medium and other context keywords for articles related to your object
  • Find Images: Include images of your object in your paper or presentation. Look at other works by your artist, objects of the same style/period, or pieces containing similar subject matter to strengthen your argument by comparing related objects

Write and Cite:

  • Include a formal analysis describing the physical properties and visual experience of your object
  • Provide contextual analysis of your object by examining its subject matter, function, and cultural / historical significance
  • Cite all quotes, paraphrased references and images used in your paper or presentation; Ask your instructor about what style to use

adapted from West Chester University Libraries

Start with Keywords

image of Roman Mosaic with Scenic MasksAll research begins with the language that you use to think about your topic. This language provides keywords, or the natural language you use to describe your research topic. Research topics in art and art history can be rich combinations of influences and subjects.

You can begin to develop your topic with a specific material in mind, such as marble or bronze, or specific techniques such as sculpture or mosaic. Combining materials and styles in a particular place or period of time is a common way to develop a more complex research topic. You may also decide to consider a specific style, period, movement or genre.

Mosaic with Scenic Masks. 2nd century BCE. Mosaic, 74.6 cm. Musei capitolini (Rome, Italy) (inv. MC0392). https://jstor.org/stable/community.14450587.

Start your search by developing a simple concept map of your topic using keywords to begin your search.

Here is a sample keyword concept map to begin research on Roman mosiacs, and their depiction of masks, using the image above as a starting point of interest.

Concept of Place or Time Concept of Material/Technique Concept of Subject
2nd Century BC mosiac theatrical masks
Roman (Imperial) colored glass, stone, etc.  comedy/tragedy iconography
Aventine baths   Roman theater