Art is first of all a word , which itself acknowledges both the idea and the fact of art. Without a word, one might well ask whether art exists in the first place. The term is not found in every society. Yet, art is made everywhere. Art, therefore, is also an object, but not just any kind of object.
Art is an aesthetic object .
It is meant to be looked at and appreciated for its intrinsic value. Its special qualities set art apart, so that it is often placed away from everyday life, in museums, caves, or churches. Art captures the imagination, creativity, originality, and self-expression of the people and cultures that produce it. The study of art history helps students to develop a sense of self-expression and who they are by helping them analyze and appreciate art from across the ages. Art history is the study of, first, the style and meaning of works of art, and second, the social, political and historical context in which they were created.