Final answer:
It is true that the context in which we view art can influence our understanding of its original function. Art's function and cultural significance are integral to its interpretation, and this can vary greatly depending on the time, place, and manner in which the art is experienced.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement 'The context in which we view art of any period or culture may also skew our perceptions of its original function' is true. Context plays a significant role in how we perceive and interpret art. When analyzing art, it's essential to understand the function it served at the time it was created, which extends beyond mere aesthetics. This includes the identification of types, such as altarpieces, portraits, or palaces, and exploring the history behind these to understand their original context and usage.
Furthermore, artworks are cultural artifacts that hold deeper meaning within their original cultural and historical settings. However, when displayed in modern settings like museums, they might be stripped of their original function, such as the Bundu/Sowei Helmet Mask, which was meant to be danced in by women with specific music and dress but now is a static exhibit. The changing contexts can therefore alter our understanding of an artwork's true purpose and significance.
Art historians have recognized that artworks cannot be fully appreciated without considering their cultural and historical backgrounds. They also acknowledge the subjectivity inherent in analyzing art, as the interpretation of past artifacts is influenced by contemporary perspectives and social developments such as feminism, globalism, multiculturalism, and identity politics.