How To Write An Art History Paper: A Comprehensive Guide to Success

Writing an art history paper can feel daunting. You’re not just discussing art; you’re delving into the historical context, the artist’s intentions, the societal influences, and the aesthetic impact. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to crafting a compelling and well-researched art history paper that will impress your professor.

1. Understanding the Assignment: Deciphering the Prompt

Before you even consider opening a book, thoroughly analyze the assignment prompt. What is the specific topic? What are the required parameters (length, sources, etc.)? What kind of argument is expected? Is it a comparative analysis, a formal analysis, a research paper, or something else? Misinterpreting the prompt is a common pitfall, so take your time to fully grasp the assignment’s objectives. Underline key terms, identify the scope of the research, and note any specific instructions regarding sources, methodologies, or required arguments.

2. Choosing Your Focus: Narrowing the Scope for a Powerful Argument

The world of art history is vast. Avoid the temptation to tackle too much. A focused paper is a strong paper. Once you understand the assignment, select a manageable topic. If the prompt is open-ended, consider your interests. What artists, movements, or time periods fascinate you? Choosing a topic you enjoy will make the research and writing process more engaging.

  • Narrowing Techniques:
    • Time Period: Focus on a specific era (e.g., Renaissance, Impressionism).
    • Artist: Explore the work of a single artist or a small group of related artists.
    • Artwork: Analyze a particular piece of art, or a few related pieces.
    • Theme: Investigate a specific theme across different artworks or artists (e.g., depictions of nature, representations of power).
    • Medium: Analyze the use of a specific medium, such as painting, sculpture, or architecture.

3. Preliminary Research: Building a Foundation of Knowledge

Once you’ve chosen your topic, begin your preliminary research. This initial phase is about getting a broad overview of the subject. Use library databases, online journals, and reputable websites (like those of museums or academic institutions). Don’t get bogged down in the details yet; your goal is to understand the major players, key concepts, and relevant historical context. Take notes, but don’t worry about precise citations at this stage.

  • Effective Research Strategies:
    • Start with Overviews: Consult introductory textbooks or encyclopedias.
    • Browse Bibliographies: Look at the sources cited in introductory texts to identify key scholarly works.
    • Use Keywords: Utilize specific keywords and search terms related to your topic.
    • Explore Museum Websites: Many museums offer detailed information about their collections, including art historical analysis.

4. Developing a Thesis Statement: The Heart of Your Argument

Your thesis statement is the cornerstone of your art history paper. It’s a concise statement that presents your argument or interpretation of the artwork(s) you are analyzing. It should be arguable, specific, and focused. It’s not just a summary of the artwork; it’s your interpretation of the artwork. It should be clear, concise, and appear at the end of your introductory paragraph.

  • Crafting a Strong Thesis:
    • Be Specific: Avoid vague language.
    • Be Arguable: Present a claim that can be supported with evidence.
    • Be Focused: Concentrate on a single, clear point.
    • Consider the “So What?”: Why is your argument important? What does it contribute to the understanding of the artwork or its historical context?

5. In-Depth Research: Gathering Evidence to Support Your Claims

Now it’s time to delve deeper. Conduct thorough research using scholarly sources. This is where you’ll gather the evidence to support your thesis statement. Use your library’s databases to find peer-reviewed articles, books, and other credible sources. Take meticulous notes, including page numbers and complete citation information.

  • Types of Sources:

    • Primary Sources: Original works of art, artist statements, letters, and documents from the period.
    • Secondary Sources: Scholarly articles, books, and critical essays that analyze the artwork or its historical context.

  • Note-Taking Strategies:

    • Organize Your Notes: Use a system (e.g., note cards, digital files) to organize your research.
    • Paraphrase and Quote: Learn to effectively paraphrase and quote from your sources.
    • Keep Track of Citations: Maintain accurate citation information for every source.

6. Structuring Your Paper: Building a Coherent Narrative

A well-structured paper is easier to read and more persuasive. Organize your paper logically, typically following this structure:

  • Introduction: Introduce your topic, provide context, and present your thesis statement.

  • Body Paragraphs: Each paragraph should focus on a specific point that supports your thesis, providing evidence from your research. Use topic sentences to introduce the main idea of each paragraph.

  • Conclusion: Summarize your main points, restate your thesis in a new way, and offer a final thought or implication.

  • Organizing Your Body Paragraphs:

    • Chronological Order: If your paper focuses on the development of art over time, organize paragraphs chronologically.
    • Thematic Order: Group paragraphs by theme or concept.
    • Comparative Order: Compare and contrast different artworks or artists.

7. Writing the Body Paragraphs: Developing Your Argument with Evidence

Each body paragraph should focus on a single, clear point that directly supports your thesis statement. Start with a topic sentence that introduces the main idea of the paragraph. Then, provide evidence from your research to support your claim. This evidence can include descriptions of the artwork, quotes from critics or historians, and analysis of the artwork’s historical context.

  • Effective Paragraph Structure:
    • Topic Sentence: Introduce the main idea of the paragraph.
    • Evidence: Provide specific examples, quotations, and analysis.
    • Analysis: Explain how the evidence supports your claim and connects to your thesis.
    • Concluding Sentence: Summarize the main point of the paragraph and transition to the next.

8. Incorporating Visual Analysis: Looking Closely at the Art

Art history is visual. Visual analysis is crucial. When writing about a work of art, you must describe and analyze its visual elements. Consider the following:

  • Formal Elements: Line, shape, color, texture, space, and composition.
  • Subject Matter: What is depicted in the artwork?
  • Style: The artist’s characteristic way of working.
  • Technique: The methods and materials used to create the artwork.
  • Context: The artwork’s historical and cultural context.

9. Citing Sources and Avoiding Plagiarism: Maintaining Academic Integrity

Proper citation is essential for academic integrity. Always cite your sources, using the citation style required by your professor (e.g., MLA, Chicago, APA). Plagiarism is a serious offense. Always give credit to the original authors of ideas and information.

  • Citation Tips:
    • Use a Citation Management Tool: Consider using a citation management program (e.g., Zotero, Mendeley) to organize your sources and generate citations.
    • Double-Check Your Citations: Ensure that all citations are accurate and complete.
    • Paraphrase Carefully: When paraphrasing, make sure you express the original author’s ideas in your own words and cite the source.

10. Revising and Editing: Polishing Your Paper to Perfection

Revision and editing are critical steps in the writing process. After you’ve written a draft, set it aside for a day or two. Then, read it with a fresh perspective.

  • Revision Checklist:

    • Thesis: Does your thesis clearly state your argument?
    • Structure: Is your paper logically organized?
    • Evidence: Do you provide sufficient evidence to support your claims?
    • Analysis: Do you clearly analyze the evidence?
    • Clarity: Is your writing clear and concise?
    • Grammar and Spelling: Are there any errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation?
    • Citations: Are all sources properly cited?

  • Get Feedback: Ask a friend, classmate, or writing center tutor to read your paper and provide feedback.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What if I’m struggling to find enough sources on my topic?

If you’re having trouble finding enough scholarly sources, consider broadening your topic slightly. Explore related artists, movements, or time periods. You might also need to adjust your research strategy and try different search terms. Don’t hesitate to ask your professor or a librarian for help.

How much visual description should I include?

The amount of visual description depends on the assignment and the artwork itself. However, you should always provide enough detail for the reader to visualize the artwork. Focus on the elements that are most relevant to your argument.

Is it okay to use Wikipedia as a source?

Generally, no. Wikipedia can be a useful starting point for research, but it is not considered a reliable source for academic papers. Instead, use Wikipedia to find primary sources and reputable secondary sources.

How can I avoid making generalizations about an entire culture or group of people?

Be mindful of the complexities of history and culture. Avoid making sweeping statements about entire groups of people or cultures. Instead, focus on specific evidence from your sources and acknowledge the nuances of historical events and social structures.

What if I change my mind about my argument during the writing process?

That’s perfectly normal! As you research and write, your understanding of the topic may evolve. If your argument changes, revise your thesis statement and adjust the rest of your paper to reflect your new perspective.

Conclusion: Mastering the Art of Art History Writing

Writing an art history paper is a challenging but rewarding endeavor. By following these steps—understanding the assignment, choosing a focused topic, conducting thorough research, developing a strong thesis, structuring your paper logically, incorporating visual analysis, citing your sources, and revising your work—you can craft a compelling and insightful paper that showcases your understanding of art and its history. Remember to be specific, provide evidence, and analyze the artwork’s visual elements and historical context. With practice and perseverance, you’ll be well on your way to writing art history papers that impress.