Approaches to the history of art are probably more varied and more debated than in any other branch of history, and a study of different historical approaches has become an increasingly important component of many student courses. This critical anthology brings together the work of 27 influential art historians and writers from the Renaissance to the present day; key texts have been chosen in which the authors reflect on the nature of their subject and on their own methods of inquiry. Included are texts by Vasari, Winckelmann, Burckhardt, Wölfflin, Panofsky, Gombrich and Pollock, among others. The introduction is a lucid and readable summary of art-historical methods, and each of the texts is accompanied by a commentary that places it in context and discusses the issues it raises. A glossary of terms and a select bibliography make this book an invaluable resource in the study of art history.


A collection of critical essays on method in art history, culled from the works of significant art historians and writers
Writings range from Renaissance-era Giorgio Vasari`s biographical approach and Goethe`s praise of Gothic style, to Erwin Panofsky`s discussion of humanism and Griselda Pollock`s present-day feminist analysis
Author`s introductory overview of approaches to art history, his comments preceding each essay and a glossary provide a substantial framework for the erudite writings

Eric Fernie was formerly Director of the Courtauld Institute of Art at the University of London and Watson Gordon Professor of Fine Art at the University of Edinburgh.