Learning to See: The Case for Studying Art History

Memo to students: So, you think it’s a leisure activity to lose yourself in the swirl of pastels in Claude Monet’s water lilies or puzzle over the curious details in Ancient Egyptian tomb paintings? Why bother, you think, learning about Augustus of PrimaPorta and the insights that first century marble figures offer about today’s world leaders and their self-representation? You have to be practical, after all, and learn skills that will help you get a real job in the real world.   

Please think again.

I promise you, art history offers a window to excelling at many professions. Lose yourself in an artist’s vision, and your own ability to see improves. Study art history and your powers of perception will sharpen whatever your future — law, medicine, tech, engineering, marketing, communications, you name it.

Studying the world’s masterpieces can help students: 

• Improve their ability to reflect
• Sharpen their diagnostic skills
• Develop empathy and compassion
• Improve their teamwork and communication

Don’t take my word for it. This list of practical benefits of studying art history comes straight from Harvard Medical School’s well-established elective course: “Training the Eye: Improving the Art of Physical Diagnosis.”  

Harvard is not alone, as many medical schools offer integrated arts courses, knowing these help their students become better doctors. My AP Art History students are always surprised and pleased that visual literacy courses train future doctors in how to connect with their patients. Medical school graduates praise these courses for improving their ability to diagnose illnesses and empathize with suffering.

Studying art history offers profound benefits that extend beyond the walls of museums and galleries, enhancing our ability to observe and engage with the world in a deeper way.

At its core, art history is the study of how visual expression evolves over time, shaped by society, geopolitics, and culture. Such historical inquiry sharpens our powers of observation, helping us become more aware of our environment and enriching our perspectives in various fields.

Visual analysis is a key aspect of art history. In analyzing a work of art, students must pay attention to its composition, stylistic devices, and use of symbolism, considering not only what is seen but also what may be the artist’s intentions.

This careful, attentive scrutiny of visual details cultivates a heightened awareness that can be applied to almost any situation — or profession. Whether reviewing a design, reading a text, or observing nature, art history teaches us to notice the subtle elements that contribute to the whole picture, encouraging us to think critically about what we see and why it matters.

Art history is inherently interdisciplinary. It harnesses knowledge of politics, economics, religion, and social structures to understand how and why specific art movements developed and evolved. This integration of multiple fields promotes an understanding of how different forces shape human experience, making art historians — and those who study art history — adept at recognizing patterns and connections.

This ability to synthesize information from various sources and perspectives is invaluable in professions like business, law, medicine and science, where understanding context and interrelationships is key to making informed decisions.

Studying art history promotes empathy and cultural awareness. By exploring the histories of different civilizations through the art and artifacts they left behind, an appreciation grows for diverse worldviews and experiences. This cultural literacy helps us approach challenges and interactions with a broader mindset, whether we are collaborating with international peers, analyzing global trends, or addressing issues of social justice.

Art history teaches us to look more closely at the world around us, to appreciate complexity and nuance. It helps us move away from a fixed mindset and see connections in seemingly unrelated ideas. These skills, honed through the study of art, make us more observant, thoughtful and creative in all areas of life.

Harvard Medical School, Training the Eye: Improving the Art of Physical Diagnosis

The Visual Arts in Healthcare Program

Training our Eyes, Minds and Hearts: Visual Thinking Strategies for Health Care Professionals