Final answer:
Critics examining the environmental influences on a work of art use contextual theories to analyze the historical and cultural settings surrounding the artwork.
Step-by-step explanation:
Critics who focus on the environmental influences on a work of art, such as the economic system, cultural values, and politics, generally use contextual theories. Contextual theories consider the broader socio-cultural and historical settings in which a work of art was created. They look beyond the aesthetics of a piece, acknowledging that all artwork is informed by its specific time and place, and the prevailing historical and cultural milieu.
This analysis is broader than a mere formal analysis, which looks at the formal elements of art, such as color, composition, and style, without considering the work's background. Contextual theories might include Marxist criticism, which reflects on the impact of class and power relations, or feminist criticism, which might analyze gender roles and dominance within the work. This approach to art criticism ensures a more nuanced study of the artwork, considering its meanings and the conditions of its creation and use.