Art: Art History

Sara A. Phillips de Borja, Instructor

Faculty from other disciplines also support this program.

Art history explores the thoughts, works, and lives of artists, architects, and designers from the distant past to the ever-changing present. Art history at Principia College includes the study of architecture, sculpture, painting, photography, and decorative arts from around the world, including aspects of western and non-western art. Artists do not create in a vacuum, and art history examines history, religion, philosophy, science, technological developments, and literature to understand the ideas and influences behind creative expressions. Students learn about a variety of art and architectural theories from their foundational courses onward.

Designed by the prominent twentieth-century architect Bernard Maybeck, the campus of Principia College began as a work of art. From this basis of fine architecture “at home” and with the rich resources of the art museums nearby in Saint Louis, Principia College students experience works of art and architecture first-hand as a normal part of daily life. Visits to museums and galleries, which often include student presentations, are a regular part of the curriculum at every level.

Because Principia is internationally-oriented, art history has a vital role to play in every student’s academic program. Many successful professionals around the world think first of a nation’s art treasures as they investigate their potential commonalities. Knowing how to understand the meaning and messages of art is therefore an important talent to be cultivated. The visual arts, thoughtfully considered, form ready-made cultural bridges. Art allows us to envision and share the aspirations of humanity, whether in the form of a cave painting, a mosque, or a work of Abstract Expressionism. In every instance, works of art, carefully studied, allow us to view the world more expansively and with sensitivity.

The study of art history prepares students for a variety of professions, including museum and gallery work, the conservation or preservation of art and architecture, art publishing, and education, as well as for graduate study in art history, architecture, law, business, and economics. Art history exemplifies a well-rounded liberal arts education with its multi-disciplinary approach, and this provides students with a rich understanding of the relationships between artistic expression and other areas of study.

Students majoring or minoring in art history may also major or minor in studio art. The three art history courses required for the major in studio art may count toward both the studio art major and the art history minor. Only three additional courses would be required for a studio art major to fulfill the art history minor.