American Art – 1865 to 1968

Unit 1 – Gilded Age: Realism & American Renaissance

Unit 2 – American Impressionism: Cosmopolitan Spirit

Unit 3 – Urban Realism: The Ashcan School

Unit 4 – Modernism's Rise: The Armory Show's Impact

Unit 5 – Stieglitz: Pioneer of American Photography

Unit 6 – Harlem Renaissance: Black Art's Golden Age

Unit 7 – Regionalism: The American Scene

Unit 8 – Social Realism: Art in the Great Depression

Unit 9 – Surrealism & Magic Realism in US Art

Unit 10 – New Deal & Federal Art Project

Unit 11 – Abstract Expressionism: NYC's Artistic Revolution

Unit 12 – Postwar Figurative Art & Pop Art's Rise

Unit 13 – Minimalism and Cool Aesthetics in American Art

Unit 14 – Art and Social Change in the 1960s

## What do you learn in American Art Between 1865-1968

You'll explore the evolution of American art from the Civil War to the late 1960s. The course covers major movements like Realism, Impressionism, Modernism, and Pop Art. You'll analyze paintings, sculptures, and photographs by artists like Winslow Homer, Georgia O'Keeffe, and Andy Warhol. It's all about understanding how American art reflected and shaped society during this transformative century.

## Is American Art Between 1865-1968 hard?

It's not the easiest class, but it's definitely manageable. The toughest part is remembering all the artists, artworks, and movements. You'll need to develop your visual analysis skills and get comfortable discussing historical context. Some students find the writing assignments challenging, but if you stay on top of the readings and participate in discussions, you'll be fine.

## Tips for taking American Art Between 1865-1968 in college

1. Use [Fiveable Study Guides](https://fiveable.me/cram-mode) to help you cram 🌶️
2. Create a timeline of art movements to visualize the progression
3. Practice describing artworks out loud to improve your analysis skills
4. Visit local museums to see American art in person
5. Watch documentaries like "American Visions" for extra context
6. Make flashcards with key artists and their signature styles
7. Form a study group to discuss and debate interpretations of artworks
8. Keep a journal of your personal reactions to different pieces

## Common pre-requisites for American Art Between 1865-1968

1. Introduction to Art History: This course provides a broad overview of art from prehistoric times to the present. You'll learn basic art terminology and develop skills in visual analysis.

2. American History Survey: This class covers the major events and themes in American history. It provides essential context for understanding the social and political influences on American art.

## Classes similar to American Art Between 1865-1968

1. European Art in the 19th Century: Explores the development of art in Europe during the same period. You'll compare and contrast European movements like Impressionism and Post-Impressionism with their American counterparts.

2. History of Photography: Examines the evolution of photography as an art form. You'll study many American photographers and see how the medium influenced painting and other traditional arts.

3. Modern Art: Focuses on art from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century. This course dives deeper into movements like Abstract Expressionism and Minimalism that emerged in America.

4. Contemporary Art: Looks at art from the 1960s to the present day. You'll see how American artists continued to push boundaries and respond to social issues in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

## Majors related to American Art Between 1865-1968

1. Art History: Focuses on the study of visual arts throughout history. Students learn to analyze, interpret, and contextualize artworks from various cultures and time periods.

2. American Studies: Examines American culture, history, and society from an interdisciplinary perspective. Art is studied alongside literature, politics, and popular culture to gain a comprehensive understanding of American identity.

3. Museum Studies: Prepares students for careers in museums and cultural institutions. The program covers art history, conservation, exhibition design, and museum management.

4. Visual Arts: Combines art history with hands-on studio practice. Students develop their own artistic skills while studying the work of past masters.

## What can you do with a degree in American Art Between 1865-1968?

1. Museum Curator: Organizes exhibitions, researches artworks, and manages collections. Curators often specialize in specific periods or styles of art, like American Modernism.

2. Art Appraiser: Evaluates the authenticity and value of artworks for auction houses, insurance companies, or private collectors. Knowledge of American art history is crucial for accurately assessing pieces from this period.

3. Art Conservator: Preserves and restores artworks to maintain their condition. Conservators need a deep understanding of materials and techniques used by American artists in different eras.

4. Art Education Specialist: Develops educational programs for museums, schools, or community centers. They create engaging ways to teach others about American art history and its cultural significance.

## American Art Between 1865-1968 FAQs

1. How much reading is involved in this course? Expect to do quite a bit of reading, including textbook chapters and scholarly articles. The readings provide essential context for understanding the artworks and movements discussed in class.

2. Are there any field trips in this course? Many professors organize visits to local museums or galleries to see American artworks firsthand. These trips are usually optional but highly recommended for a more immersive learning experience.

3. Do I need to be able to draw or paint to take this class? Not at all! This is an art history course, so you'll be analyzing and writing about art, not creating it. Your artistic skills (or lack thereof) won't affect your performance in the class.

Art History

1.1 Realism in American Painting and Sculpture

1.3 Industrialization and Its Impact on Art

1.4 Prominent Artists and Their Works

1.2 The American Renaissance Movement

2.1 The Influence of French Impressionism

2.3 Plein Air Painting and Light in American Landscapes

2.2 Key American Impressionist Painters

2.4 The Ten American Painters Group

3.2 Depictions of Urban Life and Social Conditions

3.3 Major Artists and Their Contributions

3.1 Origins and Philosophy of the Ashcan School

4.1 The 1913 Armory Show: Organization and Controversy

4.2 European Modernism's Introduction to America

4.3 American Artists' Response to Modernism

4.4 The Shift in American Art Landscape Post-Armory Show

5.2 The Photo-Secession Movement

5.3 Pictorialism vs. Straight Photography

5.4 Key Photographers and Their Works

5.1 Alfred Stieglitz's Role in Promoting Photography as Fine Art

6.1 Cultural and Historical Context of the Harlem Renaissance

6.2 Visual Arts in the Harlem Renaissance

6.3 Prominent African American Artists and Their Styles

6.4 Themes and Subjects in Harlem Renaissance Art

7.3 Key Regionalist Artists and Their Works

7.4 Critique and Legacy of Regionalism

7.1 The American Scene Painting Movement

7.2 Regionalism: Themes and Styles

8.1 The Great Depression's Impact on American Art

8.2 Social Realism: Themes and Techniques

8.3 Major Social Realist Artists and Their Works

9.1 European Surrealism's Influence on American Artists

9.3 Magic Realism in American Painting

9.2 American Surrealist Painters and Their Unique Approaches

10.3 Public Art and Murals of the New Deal Era

10.2 The Works Progress Administration (WPA) and Federal Art Project (FAP)

10.1 Roosevelt's New Deal and Its Art Programs

10.4 Impact of New Deal Art Programs on American Culture

11.2 Action Painting and Color Field Painting

11.4 Abstract Expressionism's Global Impact

11.1 Origins and Philosophy of Abstract Expressionism

11.3 Key Abstract Expressionist Artists and Their Works

12.1 Figurative Art in the Shadow of Abstract Expressionism

12.2 The Emergence of Pop Art: Concepts and Techniques

12.3 Leading Pop Artists and Their Iconic Works

12.4 Pop Art's Commentary on American Consumer Culture

13.1 Minimalism: Philosophy and Aesthetics

13.2 Key Minimalist Artists and Their Approaches

13.3 Minimalism in Sculpture and Painting

13.4 The Relationship Between Minimalism and Conceptual Art

14.2 The Civil Rights Movement and Its Influence on Art

14.1 Art as Social and Political Commentary

14.4 Experimental Media and Performance Art

14.3 Feminist Art and the Women's Movement

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