Art History
Its Use and Abuse
📘 About This Book
Johnson (art, U. of Toronto) considers the intellectual bases of art history in relation to everyday work, and its forms with regard to the problems of reference and notation peculiar to the field. Includes abundant bibliographic prescription. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR
📖 Summary
W. McAllister Johnson's 1988 volume titled Art History offers a rigorous and deeply thoughtful examination of the discipline itself, moving beyond the mere chronological recounting of artistic movements to investigate the very foundations upon which the field is built. Spanning four hundred pages, the book bridges the gap between abstract academic theory and the daily, practical labor performed by scholars, critics, and researchers. Johnson, drawing from his academic background at the University of Toronto, addresses the fundamental intellectual bases of art history, asking how we come to know what we know about visual culture and how those insights are operationalized in everyday research and analysis. A central focus of the work is the exploration of art historical forms and the unique methodologies required to address them. The author tackles the intricate problems of reference and notation that are entirely peculiar to the study of visual arts. Unlike textual disciplines, art history must translate visual experiences, spatial relationships, and physical mediums into the written word, creating a complex web of translation and interpretation. Johnson examines how scholars manage this translation, looking closely at the tools, systems of notation, and referential frameworks that allow art historians to communicate their findings accurately and meaningfully. Furthermore, the book serves as an invaluable navigational tool for scholars and students alike, featuring abundant bibliographic prescription. This extensive guidance through the literature of the field helps readers orient themselves within the vast and sometimes overwhelming landscape of art historical scholarship. By examining both the grand intellectual traditions and the minute, mechanical problems of documentation and reference, Johnson provides a comprehensive meta-analysis of the discipline. The resulting text is a thoughtful guide for anyone seeking to understand not just the history of art, but the history and methodology of art history as a rigorous academic pursuit.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Offers a deep intellectual examination of the art history discipline.
Bridges the gap between high-level theory and everyday scholarly work.
Addresses unique problems of reference and notation in visual studies.
Provides extensive bibliographic guidance for further research.
⚠️ Cons
May be too dense or academic for casual readers looking for standard art appreciation.
Focuses heavily on methodology rather than showcasing specific artists or periods.
❓ FAQ
Who is the author of Art History? +
The book was written by W. McAllister Johnson, an art scholar from the University of Toronto.
When was the book published? +
It was published in 1988.
How many pages does the book contain? +
The book spans 400 pages.
What are the primary topics covered in the book? +
The book covers the intellectual bases of art history, everyday scholarly work, and specific problems of reference and notation.
Does the book include resources for further reading? +
Yes, it includes abundant bibliographic prescription to guide researchers.
