How to Be Art Historian - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Feb 8, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The rise of photography in the 19th century had a profound effect on art history. It allowed for an unprecedented level of accuracy and detail in the documentation of art, stretching beyond the traditional limits of painting and sculpture. Photographic images also provided a new level of access to works of art, allowing for more widespread appreciation, as well as study and analysis.

In turn, this gave rise to art historical scholarship, as scholars could now delve into the history of a work of art with a greater level of detail than ever before. This revolutionized the field of art history, allowing for a deeper understanding of artworks, and in some cases, even a new way of interpreting them.

Steps How to Become

Take classes in art history in high school, if available. Art history classes can provide a basic foundation and allow you to explore art history in greater detail.
Pursue a college degree in art history. A bachelor's degree in art history is the minimum requirement to become an art historian. Most colleges and universities offer a major or minor in art history.
Take advantage of internships and volunteer opportunities. Many museums and galleries offer volunteer and internship opportunities that can help you gain experience and build connections in the world of art history.
Consider pursuing a graduate degree. A master's or doctoral degree in art history can open up more opportunities and may be necessary for certain positions, such as teaching at the college level.
Participate in an archaeological dig. Archaeological digs can provide invaluable experience in examining artifacts from the past and interpreting their meaning.
Network with other art historians. Attend lectures, conferences, and other events related to art history to meet other art historians and learn about current research trends and job opportunities.
Develop a specialty. Art historians usually specialize in a particular period, culture, or type of art. Selecting a specialty can help you focus your research and make you more attractive to employers.

In order to become a reliable and competent art historian, it is important to have knowledge of the history of art and the ability to interpret and analyze artwork. Developing an understanding of the various styles of art, from various periods and cultures, is essential for a successful career as an art historian. having a good grasp on the techniques used to produce and display artwork, as well as being adept at recognizing and understanding the symbolism of artwork, is also required.

Furthermore, having an understanding of the social and political contexts in which art was created can provide valuable insight into works of art. Finally, having a passion and enthusiasm for art history is essential in order to be a successful art historian.

You may want to check Political Historian, Historian Archivist, and Environmental Historian for alternative.

Job Description

Museum Curator: Responsible for managing a museum's collection of artifacts, artworks, and other items, organizing exhibitions, and developing educational programs.
Art Conservator: Responsible for preserving and restoring artwork, including paintings, sculptures, and furniture.
Art Historian: Responsible for researching, writing, and teaching about the history, development, and significance of art and architecture.
Art Critic: Responsible for evaluating artwork and writing reviews or critiques.
Gallery Director: Responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of an art gallery, including sales, marketing, and curation of artwork.
Exhibition Designer: Responsible for designing the layout and visual display of art in galleries or exhibition spaces.
Auctioneer: Responsible for conducting auctions of artwork and antiques.
Art Restorer: Responsible for restoring artwork to its original condition.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of art history, aesthetics, and cultural context
Knowledge of art materials, techniques, and processes
Research, data analysis, and writing skills
Critical thinking skills and the ability to interpret and evaluate artwork
Ability to articulate complex ideas in a clear and concise manner
Ability to work independently and in a team
Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
Proficiency with computer applications for data analysis and presentations
Knowledge of museum policies and procedures
Flexibility and adaptability to changing environments

The ability to think critically and to analyze complex pieces of art is the most important skill for any art historian. This ability allows them to identify patterns and make connections between different works of art, as well as the artistic styles and movements they represent. By understanding the context and history of a particular piece, art historians can accurately interpret the symbolism and meaning that it contains.

Furthermore, this skill enables them to identify the influences of different artists and their works on each other, and how these influences have shaped the development of art throughout history. Art historians must also possess strong communication skills so that they can effectively discuss their findings with peers and the public. An art historian must also have an extensive knowledge of art history to be able to support their interpretations and opinions.

With these skills, an art historian can competently and accurately interpret various works of art and provide valuable insight into the world of art.

Battlefield Historian, Family Historian, and Museum Historian are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What courses have you taken that have prepared you for a career as an Art Historian?
What areas of Art History are you most interested in, and why?
How do you stay current with developments in Art History?
Describe your research experience as an Art Historian.
What techniques have you used to locate and analyze primary source materials?
How do you think the field of Art History has changed in the past decade?
What strategies do you use to effectively communicate complex ideas about Art History?
How would your colleagues describe your teaching style?
What challenges have you faced in your research, and how did you overcome them?
How do you think digital technology will shape the future of Art History?

Common Tools in Industry

Adobe Photoshop. A digital imaging editing software used for creating and manipulating images. (eg: Retouching photos, adding text to images, etc. )
CAD software. Computer-aided design software used for creating 2D and 3D designs. (eg: Creating architectural plans, 3D models, etc. )
Research databases. Online databases containing research articles and other resources. (eg: JSTOR, ProQuest, etc. )
Image editing software. Software designed for editing images and photographs. (eg: Adobe Lightroom, GIMP, etc. )
Digital drawing tools. Software and tools used to create digital drawings, illustrations, and paintings. (eg: Adobe Illustrator, Corel Painter, etc. )
Video editing software. Software used to edit video files. (eg: Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro X, etc. )
Digital curation tools. Software and applications used for collecting and organizing digital media. (eg: Omeka, CONTENTdm, etc. )

Professional Organizations to Know

American Alliance of Museums
Association of Art Museum Directors
College Art Association
International Council of Museums
Museum Computer Network
National Assembly of Local Arts Agencies
National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts
National Sculpture Society
Society for Photographic Education
Society of American Archivists

We also have Historical Analyst, Diplomatic Historian, and Literary Historian jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Iconography. The study of visual symbols in art history, often focusing on the meaning and interpretation of a particular image or set of images.
Formalism. A style of art history that emphasizes the formal properties of a work of art, such as line, color, and composition.
Stylistic analysis. A method of art history which focuses on the stylistic elements of a work of art, such as its subject matter, composition, technique, and materials.
Contextual analysis. A method of art history that considers the historical and socio-cultural contexts in which a work of art was created.
Art criticism. A form of art history that uses critical analysis to evaluate works of art.
Aesthetics. The study of beauty and the nature of art.
Semiotics. The study of signs and symbols in art, literature, and other forms of communication.
Visual culture. A field of study that examines the visual aspects of culture, including its production, reception, and dissemination.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is art history?

Art history is the study of objects of art in their historical and stylistic contexts, i.e. genre, design, format, and style. It often involves the study of objects within the context of their cultural, geographical, or religious background.

What skills do art historians need?

Art historians need a range of skills, including knowledge of art history, visual analysis and interpretation, research and writing skills, and the ability to communicate effectively. They also need to be able to think critically and to form independent judgments.

What qualifications are required to become an art historian?

Most art historians have a master's degree or higher in art history, but some universities and colleges offer undergraduate degrees in the subject. In addition, an art historian must have a good knowledge of the history of art, archival research skills, and an understanding of the context in which an artwork was created.

What is the job outlook for art historians?

Job prospects for art historians are excellent, as there is a growing demand for qualified professionals in the field. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of art historians is expected to grow by 13% from 2016-2026.

What types of jobs do art historians typically find?

Art historians often work in museums, galleries, libraries, archives, and universities. They may also work in historic preservation organizations, cultural institutions, or in the corporate world. Art historians can also be employed as curators, researchers, archivists, or teachers.