Secondary sources

Definition

Secondary sources are documents or recordings that discuss, analyze, or interpret primary sources. They provide context and insights based on the original material, making them essential for understanding historical events, artworks, and cultural movements.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Secondary sources include books, journal articles, documentaries, and essays that analyze or critique primary materials.
2. These sources are important for building art historical arguments because they synthesize information from various primary sources.
3. When writing about artworks or historical events, referencing secondary sources adds credibility and supports interpretations.
4. Secondary sources can vary in quality; peer-reviewed academic publications are generally more reliable than popular media.
5. They often reflect the biases and perspectives of the authors, which must be critically assessed when using them in research.

Review Questions

• How do secondary sources contribute to the development of art historical arguments?
  • Secondary sources contribute significantly to art historical arguments by providing analysis and interpretation of primary materials. They help historians contextualize artworks within broader cultural and historical narratives. By synthesizing information from multiple primary sources, secondary materials enable a deeper understanding of the artwork's significance and its reception over time.
• Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of using secondary sources in art history research.
  • Using secondary sources in art history research has both strengths and weaknesses. On the positive side, they offer diverse perspectives and scholarly interpretations that enhance understanding. However, their reliance on authors' biases can lead to misinterpretations if not critically assessed. Evaluating the credibility of secondary sources is essential for ensuring a balanced and accurate portrayal of art historical narratives.
• Propose a strategy for effectively integrating secondary sources into an art historical analysis while maintaining critical awareness of their limitations.
  • To effectively integrate secondary sources into an art historical analysis, first establish a clear framework that outlines your argument and how each source supports it. Be selective in choosing high-quality secondary materials from reputable scholars while also acknowledging contrasting viewpoints. Regularly cross-reference findings with primary sources to validate claims made in secondary literature. Finally, maintain critical awareness by reflecting on potential biases in secondary interpretations and discussing how these may influence your analysis.

Related terms

primary sources: Original materials or evidence created during the time under study, such as artworks, letters, photographs, and official documents.

historical context:

The social, political, cultural, and economic environment surrounding a particular event or artwork that helps to understand its significance and impact.

art historical methodology: The systematic approach used by art historians to study and interpret artworks, including the evaluation of sources and the establishment of context.