A person who understands art always arouses respect and interest in his interlocutor. Earlier, an appreciation of art was an advantage for aristocrats. Ordinary people could see art mainly in churches. But it should be noted that few saw religious paintings, stained glass or mosaics as high art. For the viewer at the time it was more of a craft. And artists who we now consider geniuses were perceived as craftsmen. But times have changed. With the advent of the first museums, headed by the Louvre at the time of Napoleon, and then the galleries and various modern art spaces everyone had the opportunity to view works of art.
So what does this unlimited access to works of art and knowledge of art history give modern man?
- The history of painting and architecture shapes taste. The study of many fine examples of painting teaches us to see harmony and color. And already a sense of color will be needed every day: when choosing clothes or renovating an apartment.
- For designers, photographers and many other creative professions, knowledge of art history broadens the outlook and allows not to follow trends but to create them.
- Art history is closely related to general history, geography, religion, and the development of science. This means that by studying art history you can fill gaps in other areas and increase your level of education.
- When you visit museums, knowing the main trends and currents in art, as well as the individual handwriting of the great artists and sculptors allows you to really enjoy the works of art. It’s a very different experience than walking through the Louvre “for a tick”.
- Going beyond your narrowly focused knowledge often has an unexpected effect. Studying the peculiarities of the Medici court, the career path of Rubens, the history of France, or the features of Jan van Eyck’s painting, you can get an unexpected inspiration. The brain, having switched from constant tension in one area to another information, sooner finds solutions to its problems.
- And also contemplation of art and understanding of artistic processes helps in the formation of new neural connections. Knowing the origins of this or that artistic movement and understanding the processes that influenced the development of art creates new neural circuits in the brain. And they in turn help to find non-standard solutions to your problems.
Painting, sculpture, music and other types of art can slow down dementia in old age. The brain requires constant stimulation. And the study of art is the best way to do that.