Art historical canon

Definition

The art historical canon refers to a set of artworks, artists, and movements that are widely recognized as significant and exemplary within the field of art history. This collection is shaped by cultural, social, and political influences, often reflecting the values and biases of those who determine what is considered worthy of study or admiration. As discussions around inclusivity and representation evolve, the canon is being challenged and redefined, particularly in relation to the contributions of women and marginalized groups.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The art historical canon has traditionally favored male artists and Eurocentric perspectives, often sidelining the contributions of women and artists from diverse backgrounds.
2. In recent years, there has been a growing movement to diversify the canon by recognizing the significance of works by women artists and artists of color.
3. Women art collectors have played a crucial role in reshaping the art market and influencing which artworks are valued, thereby impacting the broader art historical canon.
4. The ongoing discourse about the canon includes debates on what criteria should be used to evaluate significance and whether contemporary values should inform historical assessments.
5. Challenging the traditional canon can lead to a richer understanding of art history, revealing how societal changes influence artistic production and reception.

Review Questions

• How have women art collectors influenced the development of the art historical canon?
  • Women art collectors have significantly impacted the art historical canon by shifting focus towards works that were previously marginalized. Their purchasing power and influence in the art market have helped bring attention to female artists and underrepresented voices. By advocating for these artworks and artists, women collectors challenge traditional narratives in the canon and promote a more inclusive understanding of art history.
• Discuss how institutional critique relates to the re-evaluation of the art historical canon.
  • Institutional critique plays a vital role in re-evaluating the art historical canon by questioning who gets to define significance within art institutions. This approach examines how museums, galleries, and educational programs uphold certain biases while neglecting diverse narratives. By exposing these power dynamics, institutional critique encourages a broader inclusion of varied perspectives in the canon, highlighting previously overlooked artists and movements.
• Evaluate how intersectionality can reshape our understanding of the art historical canon and its narratives.
  • Intersectionality can profoundly reshape our understanding of the art historical canon by revealing how multiple identities—such as race, gender, class, and sexuality—interact to influence an artist's experience and reception. By considering these intersections, we can uncover hidden biases in how artworks are valued and recognized within the canon. This evaluation not only enriches our understanding of individual works but also challenges us to expand the narrative to include diverse perspectives that reflect a more accurate representation of society's complexities.

Related terms

Cannonical Works: Artworks that are considered essential or exemplary within the art historical canon, often studied for their influence and significance in art history.

Institutional Critique: An approach in contemporary art that questions the structures and power dynamics of art institutions, including how they shape the art historical canon.

Intersectionality: A framework for understanding how various social identities (like gender, race, and class) intersect to create unique experiences of oppression and privilege, influencing the narratives included in the art historical canon.