Methods and Theories of Art History

This book is an accessible introduction to the critical theories used in analysing art. It covers a broad range of approaches, presenting individual arguments, controversies and divergent perspectives. This edition has been updated to reflect recent scholarship in contemporary art and has been broken down into smaller sections for greater accessibility. The book begins with a revised discussion of the difference between method and theory. The following chapters apply the varying approaches to works of art, some of them new to this edition. The book ends with a new conclusion that focuses on the way the study of art is informed by theory.

Anne D'Alleva is Dean of the School of Fine Arts, University of Connecticut. She is the author of Arts in the Pacific Islands and Methods and Theories of Art History.

Michael Cothren is Scheuer Family Professor Emeritus of Humanities, Swarthmore. He is co-author of Art History and Art: A Brief History, and Methods and Theories of Art History, Third Edition.