Final answer:
Historical definitions of art show a shifting perspective on truth, from classical ideals of beauty to understanding art as a reflection of social realities and the common person's life. Art appreciation and definitions evolve with cultural changes and through a more inclusive art historical discourse that incorporates contemporary societal developments.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Historical Definitions of Art
Art has historically been a reflection of the cultural, social, and political landscapes from which it originates. The way art is interpreted and valued changes with societal shifts and the ongoing discourse within art history. Art as a cultural artifact recognizes works of art in relation to their historical context. This implies understanding the creator's intentions, the socio-political environment, and the functionality of the art at the time it was made. For instance, art from the Renaissance often reflected the humanistic values of the period and the rebirth of classical antiquity.
Art appreciation evolves as a society's sense of beauty and values change, influenced by different cultural elements and material uses. During the 18th to early 20th centuries, beauty was a central theme, and art was examined for its aesthetic qualities, particularly those that mirrored classical perfection.
Art also started to reflect the activities of ordinary people as the merchant class began to rise. This shift marked the move from art being exclusive to the ruling or religious leaders, to becoming something that the common person could appreciate and identify with.
By studying art from a wide range of continents, civilizations, and unknown artists, art historians now embrace a broader, more inclusive definition of art. This new approach allows for a comparison of different cultures and the acknowledgment that art is an innate human desire that transcends borders.
Today's art historians hold traditional inquiries in tandem with contemporary perspectives such as feminism, globalism, and multiculturalism, which shapes the prism through which the meaning and purpose of art are analyzed.