Explore what art history is, why it matters, and how it’s changing. We explore ways to look at works of art and how to interpret them. We also examine key ideas in the history of art such as 'the masterpiece' and 'the canon'. The goal is to sharpen your art historical skills and learn how to think of art through the perspective of an art historian.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
This course explores the ideas, tools, and questions that shape the study of art. Rather than studying a succession of art movements, you will learn how to examine works of art in order to understand what message(s) they communicate – and how to do it with a critical eye.
We will explore how visual analysis works, what an object’s “style” can reveal about its artist or period, how symbolism and iconography help us understand the meaning of an image, and why the historical and cultural context can completely change our understanding of a work of art. You’ll learn practical tools and strategies to approach a variety of paintings and sculptures from the Prehistory to contemporary art.
As we look into methods, we will also reflect on key concepts that have structured the discipline. For instance, the ideas of the masterpiece, the canon, and the role of experts in deciding what is good art. What if we do not see what the experts see? We will consider the link of art with power and look at the relationship between artist and patrons, considering the role of innovation and shock. We will also discuss the distinction between high art and low art. Do art historians study folk art and popular images?
Along the way, we will consider how art history has evolved to reflect changes in society. We’ll see how fresh perspectives, new discoveries, and inclusive approaches have transformed the discipline, opening up exciting ways of interpreting art.
This course is designed for anyone curious about art, whether you’re a complete beginner or someone returning to a long-standing interest. Through guided discussion, close looking, and clear examples, you’ll build confidence in analysing and interpreting works of art, and develop a deeper appreciation for the many ways art and reflects human experience.
Please note: The course is not an historical survey of periods and art styles.
What will we cover?
• What is art history, where does it come from, and how has it recently changed?
• How to look at, and interpret works of art: visual analysis, iconography and symbolism, and the importance of the different contexts
• Key concepts often used in discussions about art: the masterpiece, the artist, patrons and commissions, style, the function(s) of art, representation vs abstraction, naturalism vs stylisation, and more
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
· Analyse and discuss a work of art with increased confidence, using art-historical vocabulary and methods
· Identify and use key concepts and methods in art history
· Explain what art history is, its purpose, and give examples of how it has been evolving
· Evaluate differing interpretations or evaluations of a work of art, and reflect on issues of perspectives and changing taste
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable for all levels.
You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations and hand-outs. You should be able to operate basic elements of Zoom, e.g. microphone, camera and log in.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will be taught online with slide presentations and group discussions. This is a live lecture and will not be recorded for reasons related to copyright, data protection and digital infrastructure.
There will be a Google Classroom to share class materials.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
You might wish to purchase a notebook for taking notes. You might wish to buy some of the books on any reading list provided.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
This course is preparation for any and all art history courses on offer at City Lit. If you are interested in going deeper, we suggest choosing a time period that interests you and focussing in on that.
Caroline Levisse is an art historian. She trained in Paris and Copenhagen and completed a PhD in art history in 2013. She is now based in London where she has been teaching art history for ten years for a range of lifeling learning providers. Her field of expertise is 19th and 20th century Western Art, with focus on the Nordic region.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/an-introduction-to-art-history1440106An introduction to art historyhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/a/n/an-introduction-to-art-history-vb947-1080.jpg259259GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Art history/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Art history/Introductory & general art history courses/Courses/Online courses228511361177113717311228511771136<p>Explore what art history is, why it matters, and how it’s changing. We explore ways to look at works of art and how to interpret them. We also examine key ideas in the history of art such as 'the masterpiece' and 'the canon'. The goal is to sharpen your art historical skills and learn how to think of art through the perspective of an art historian.</p>002997701An introduction to art history259259https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/a/n/an-introduction-to-art-history-vb947-1080_2.jpgInStockDaytimeWedOnlineAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-04-22T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allApr 2026Culture, history & humanitiesVB288259259An introduction to art history207168259Caroline Levissean-introduction-to-art-history/vb288-2526<p>Explore what art history is, why it matters, and how it’s changing. We explore ways to look at works of art and how to interpret them. We also examine key ideas in the history of art such as 'the masterpiece' and 'the canon'. The goal is to sharpen your art historical skills and learn how to think of art through the perspective of an art historian.</p>0000-Available|2026-04-22 00:00:00<p>This course explores the ideas, tools, and questions that shape the study of art. Rather than studying a succession of art movements, you will learn how to examine works of art in order to understand what message(s) they communicate – and how to do it with a critical eye.</p><p>We will explore how visual analysis works, what an object’s “style” can reveal about its artist or period, how symbolism and iconography help us understand the meaning of an image, and why the historical and cultural context can completely change our understanding of a work of art. You’ll learn practical tools and strategies to approach a variety of paintings and sculptures from the Prehistory to contemporary art.</p><p>As we look into methods, we will also reflect on key concepts that have structured the discipline. For instance, the ideas of the masterpiece, the canon, and the role of experts in deciding what is good art. What if we do not see what the experts see? We will consider the link of art with power and look at the relationship between artist and patrons, considering the role of innovation and shock. We will also discuss the distinction between high art and low art. Do art historians study folk art and popular images?</p><p>Along the way, we will consider how art history has evolved to reflect changes in society. We’ll see how fresh perspectives, new discoveries, and inclusive approaches have transformed the discipline, opening up exciting ways of interpreting art.</p><p>This course is designed for anyone curious about art, whether you’re a complete beginner or someone returning to a long-standing interest. Through guided discussion, close looking, and clear examples, you’ll build confidence in analysing and interpreting works of art, and develop a deeper appreciation for the many ways art and reflects human experience.</p><p><strong>Please note</strong>: The course is not an historical survey of periods and art styles. </p><p>Explore what art history is, why it matters, and how it’s changing. We explore ways to look at works of art and how to interpret them. We also examine key ideas in the history of art such as 'the masterpiece' and 'the canon'. The goal is to sharpen your art historical skills and learn how to think of art through the perspective of an art historian.</p><p>• What is art history, where does it come from, and how has it recently changed?</p><p>• How to look at, and interpret works of art: visual analysis, iconography and symbolism, and the importance of the different contexts</p><p>• Key concepts often used in discussions about art: the masterpiece, the artist, patrons and commissions, style, the function(s) of art, representation vs abstraction, naturalism vs stylisation, and more</p><p>· Analyse and discuss a work of art with increased confidence, using art-historical vocabulary and methods</p><p>· Identify and use key concepts and methods in art history</p><p>· Explain what art history is, its purpose, and give examples of how it has been evolving</p><p>· Evaluate differing interpretations or evaluations of a work of art, and reflect on issues of perspectives and changing taste</p><p>This course is suitable for all levels.</p><p>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations and hand-outs. You should be able to operate basic elements of Zoom, e.g. microphone, camera and log in.</p><p>You will be taught online with slide presentations and group discussions. This is a live lecture and will not be recorded for reasons related to copyright, data protection and digital infrastructure.</p><p>There will be a Google Classroom to share class materials.</p><p>You might wish to purchase a notebook for taking notes. You might wish to buy some of the books on any reading list provided.</p><p>This course is preparation for any and all art history courses on offer at City Lit. If you are interested in going deeper, we suggest choosing a time period that interests you and focussing in on that. </p>Art historyIntroductory & general art history coursesvirtual207259168VB288NONEWed22/04/26 - 01/07/2613:30 - 15:3013:3015:3010 sessions (over 11 weeks)105-10 weeksWeekdayOnlineOnlineCaroline LevisseBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-04-22T00:00:00+00:00DaytimeApr 2026Culture, history & humanities259259An introduction to art historyan-introduction-to-art-history/vb288-2526<p>Explore what art history is, why it matters, and how it’s changing. We explore ways to look at works of art and how to interpret them. We also examine key ideas in the history of art such as 'the masterpiece' and 'the canon'. The goal is to sharpen your art historical skills and learn how to think of art through the perspective of an art historian.</p>0000-Available|2026-04-22 00:00:00<p>This course explores the ideas, tools, and questions that shape the study of art. Rather than studying a succession of art movements, you will learn how to examine works of art in order to understand what message(s) they communicate – and how to do it with a critical eye.</p><p>We will explore how visual analysis works, what an object’s “style” can reveal about its artist or period, how symbolism and iconography help us understand the meaning of an image, and why the historical and cultural context can completely change our understanding of a work of art. You’ll learn practical tools and strategies to approach a variety of paintings and sculptures from the Prehistory to contemporary art.</p><p>As we look into methods, we will also reflect on key concepts that have structured the discipline. For instance, the ideas of the masterpiece, the canon, and the role of experts in deciding what is good art. What if we do not see what the experts see? We will consider the link of art with power and look at the relationship between artist and patrons, considering the role of innovation and shock. We will also discuss the distinction between high art and low art. Do art historians study folk art and popular images?</p><p>Along the way, we will consider how art history has evolved to reflect changes in society. We’ll see how fresh perspectives, new discoveries, and inclusive approaches have transformed the discipline, opening up exciting ways of interpreting art.</p><p>This course is designed for anyone curious about art, whether you’re a complete beginner or someone returning to a long-standing interest. Through guided discussion, close looking, and clear examples, you’ll build confidence in analysing and interpreting works of art, and develop a deeper appreciation for the many ways art and reflects human experience.</p><p><strong>Please note</strong>: The course is not an historical survey of periods and art styles. </p><p>Explore what art history is, why it matters, and how it’s changing. We explore ways to look at works of art and how to interpret them. We also examine key ideas in the history of art such as 'the masterpiece' and 'the canon'. The goal is to sharpen your art historical skills and learn how to think of art through the perspective of an art historian.</p><p>• What is art history, where does it come from, and how has it recently changed?</p><p>• How to look at, and interpret works of art: visual analysis, iconography and symbolism, and the importance of the different contexts</p><p>• Key concepts often used in discussions about art: the masterpiece, the artist, patrons and commissions, style, the function(s) of art, representation vs abstraction, naturalism vs stylisation, and more</p><p>· Analyse and discuss a work of art with increased confidence, using art-historical vocabulary and methods</p><p>· Identify and use key concepts and methods in art history</p><p>· Explain what art history is, its purpose, and give examples of how it has been evolving</p><p>· Evaluate differing interpretations or evaluations of a work of art, and reflect on issues of perspectives and changing taste</p><p>This course is suitable for all levels.</p><p>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations and hand-outs. You should be able to operate basic elements of Zoom, e.g. microphone, camera and log in.</p><p>You will be taught online with slide presentations and group discussions. This is a live lecture and will not be recorded for reasons related to copyright, data protection and digital infrastructure.</p><p>There will be a Google Classroom to share class materials.</p><p>You might wish to purchase a notebook for taking notes. You might wish to buy some of the books on any reading list provided.</p><p>This course is preparation for any and all art history courses on offer at City Lit. If you are interested in going deeper, we suggest choosing a time period that interests you and focussing in on that. </p>Art historyIntroductory & general art history coursesconfigurable
11371136Introductory & general art history courseshttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/art-history/introductory-general-art-history1/2/285/1177/1136/11371/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Art history/Introductory & general art history courses
Gods and heroes from Classical to Renaissance artFull fee £199.00 Senior fee £159.00 Concession £129.00