Expert: J Heuman - 10/30/2004

Question
I'm looking for a resource that offers summaries or other information on beliefs, purposes, rituals, etc. of art throughout history in different cultures and times. I'm trying to find a few good web links or books that discuss this and any information is appreciated. Thanks.

Answer
Greetings Carol,

Most survey textbooks used for art appreciation or art history have one (or more) section(s) that summarize the varied purposes of art throughout the ages.  You could try Mark Getlein, Living with Art (7th ed) or Janet T. Marquardt & Stephen J. Eskilson, Frames of Reference: Art, History, and the World.  Both are 2005 editions, published by McGraw-Hill.

For more detail investigation -- with flowing, stylish prose -- I suggest R. G. Collingwood, The Principles of Art (originally 1938).

Some web sites:

"The Evolution of Visual Art In the Modern Era: Purposes of Art"
http://char.txa.cornell.edu/art/introart.htm

"Resource of Art Quotations: Purpose"
http://www.painterskeys.com/getquotes.asp?fname=ps&ID=241

"The Purpose of Art" (Regarding Oscar Wilde and aestheticism)
http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/doriangray/terms/theme_1.html

Best wishes, sincerely,
J Heuman