Art history is distinctive in its direct engagement with art objects through visual analysis and historical study. We use art objects to understand history and culture, and history and culture to understand art objects. Students earning a bachelor of arts in art history explore the varied roles of artists, their art, and their patrons across diverse cultural and historical contexts. In addition, they experience the creative process of making art. Students gain a breadth of knowledge spanning both Western and non-Western subfields of the discipline. Art history majors develop skills in analyzing images and texts that are applicable to a wide range of personal, civic, and professional endeavors; they may also go on to graduate work in art history and professional work in art-related fields.

Upcoming Events

"The Patron's Turn: Giotto, Enrico Scrovegni, and the Arena Chapel in Padua" 
Monday, April 12, 2010, 5:30 p.m., Davis Auditorium  

Anne Derbes, Professor of Art History, Hood College and Mark Sandona, Professor of English, Hood College

"Why did Enrico Scrovegni construct the Arena Chapel and commission its elaborate fresco program?  Recent scholarly assessments see the nexus between the patron and his civic context as untroubled.  We will make the case that the program strikes a delicate balance between ostentation and penitence.  Both with documentary and visual evidence, we argue that the patron's efforts reflect more than civic magnanimity; he also seeks to represent himself as reintegrated into the Christian community."

Faculty Information

Department Chair: Katherine Hauser (permissions, study abroad information, AP credit)
Office Hours:  Mondays 2:30pm-4pm, Tuesdays 4pm-5:30pmpm
Office:  Scribner Library 227