Janson, Anthony F. and H.W. 1997. History of Art. N.J. Sayre, Henry. 1996. A World of Art, 2nd ed. N.J. Advice from the Experts Dr. Henry Sayre art history professor at Oregon State University offers this advice to prospective students.
Many students are shocked to discover that pursuing art history requires memorization work.
Students must know and identify great works of traditional art. They must learn how to look at a work of art, understand the ways it was made, the decisions that went into making it, and why the decisions were made. They also learn the philosophical and cultural assumptions behind the choices. The main characteristic of a successful student is a good visual memory. The future of the discipline rests with the changes in our culture.