3.5 Theories and Interpretations of Early European and Colonial American Art

Our understanding of art is developed through both a visual aspect and an understanding of historical contexts which are always changing. Here is a quote from the AP Art History CED that can provide you with more knowledge.  

• "Contextual information comes primarily from literary, theological, and governmental (both secular and religious) records, which vary in quantity according to period and geographical region, and to a lesser extent from archaeological excavations" (pg. 92). To put into simpler terms, historians use a variety of sources. This evidently shapes our understanding culture, which helps us understand art. To form a greater understanding of the contextual aspects of this unit, please visit our previous study guides. 

Interpretations and Key Information 

Theories and interpretations of early European and colonial American art have evolved over time. Most contextual information comes from written records, and context about artwork and architecture with religious purposes can com from holy documents and books, like the Bible and the Quran. With later artistic movements, like the Renaissance and Baroque period, scholastic information was also found in libraries primarily because the Renaissance reinvigorated interest in classical forms that increased the production of secular art increased. The church was no longer the primary source of information. As you can see, the abundance of information available to art historians fosters a deep understanding of artwork. 

Here is some key information about various forms and their interpretations: 

1. Iconography focuses on the symbols present in art and the messages it conveys. For example, the use of religious iconography in Medieval art (which includes the Late Antique, Byzantine, and Gothic periods) expressed religious teachings and beliefs. With the use of illuminated manuscripts that included visual elements, church clergy were able to convey religious ideologies to those that could not properly read.
2. Formalism is used to analyze the visual aspects of art and architecture. It focuses on elements such as line, shape, color, and texture, and how the ways it creates meaning in artwork. You can visit our study guide on artistic techniques for more information.
3. Social and cultural contexts play a big role in enhancing our understanding of a piece. For instance, the art of the Renaissance is often interpreted as a reflection of the intellectual (a push towards more classic Greek and Roman ideals) and cultural changes of the time. We also have a study guide on the cultural contexts within artistic movements that you can use for your studies!
4. The societal structures of gender, race, and class shaped the representation of different groups, which especially evident in Colonial America (see Spaniard and Indian Produce a Mestizo). Colonial artwork also reflects the power dynamics between the conquerors and indigenous peoples.

Overall, the theories and interpretations of early European and colonial American art are multifaceted, reflecting the complexity of the historical, cultural, and social context in which they were created.