An art critic is The science of art. Profession art

An art critic is a true expert on his craft, the work of art. He can easily distinguish the work of the unrivaled Monet from the works of a professional Manet. He is familiar with all the subtleties of the directions in which artists, musicians, sculptors and artists work. But the possession of encyclopedic knowledge in the creative field does not yet provide the title of honored and recognized art critic. Here you need to master the technique of visual perception, and manners, and have an unquenchable thirst to see, listen, contemplate the masterpieces of world art with your own eyes.

History of occurrence

Art criticism (-knowledge) is a science that originated in ancient times. We can judge this by treatises of Aristotle, Plato or Socrates, who lived before our era. At that time, art was not an independent doctrine, and rather had a cognitive character, was part of the philosophy and religion of those times.

The art science of art gained its heyday during the time of Cicero (I century BC), and the beginning of our era was marked by the artistic works of Asia. In the Middle Ages, the art world became part of the theological conclusions of Augustine and Thomas Aquinas. But the special and main time in the formation of art science was the Renaissance (Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Sandro Botticelli), when real masterpieces were created, which are now the main illustrative examples for connoisseurs of high art.

In the XVIII century, art criticism takes shape in an independent discipline, the progenitor of which is a German historian, a lover of antiquity - Johann Winkelmann. At the same time, the first experts in the field of world creations appeared. And already as a profession, art began to take shape at the turn of the XIX-XX centuries. Today, anyone can learn this specialty, since the institutions that educate future connoisseurs of world masterpieces and rarities are located all over the world. It is better, of course, to choose universities that are near outstanding works, for example, in Europe or Russia.

Such work is an art critic

The profession is in a sense unique, interesting and informative in its own way. She is fascinated by the fact that it covers several areas in which a future specialist can realize himself. But two of them dominate: an art theorist and an art historian. The activity of the first is mainly aimed at the study and study of the world of art: its problems, patterns, specifics of the development of types, genres, and the relationship with society as a whole. The second direction is more multifaceted, it covers areas such as:

• study of collections;
• systematization of works of various masters, schools and trends;
• ensuring the safety of museum exhibits, compiling cards for them;
• providing a conclusion on the need for restoration of a particular work;
• the authorship of the controversial work, the authenticity of the thing, its value;
• discovery of new names in the field of art;
• participation in archaeological expeditions;
• conducting excursions, lectures, electives;
• publication of scientific and popular science brochures, collections, guidebooks that issue art museums and galleries;
• reviews and articles with an objective assessment, criticism, analytics, affecting current issues of art science;
• organization of expositions, exhibitions (including international).

Field of activity

An art critic is not only a profession. This is a certain way of thinking, a special style of attitude, life. This is talent! And you can apply it in completely different areas of human life. You can use your knowledge while working in an art gallery, museums, at individual exhibitions or sightseeing events, possibly visiting ones. Also, the skills of an art critic will be useful in editorial work, for example, in some major publishing house. In addition, a specialist of this profile can devote his life to research work or find himself in the antique business. Also, he will succeed in realizing himself as a teacher and art critic.

Qualities of an art critic

Choosing a particular profession, first of all, each of us focuses on our personal qualities. Those who have an analytical mindset and a craving for exact sciences, most likely, will not succeed in mastering the craft of an art critic. What qualities should a person who knows the world of art have to possess?

If we talk about abilities, then he must have developed artistic taste, imaginative thinking, sensory memory. He must subtly feel, think intuitively, understand, be extremely attentive, impartial and objective in his judgments, criticism, be able to interest and always be in the thick of things, especially with regard to the world of masterpieces and antiques.

From personal qualities, one can distinguish self-discipline, accuracy, tact, perseverance, sociability and, of course, the desire for self-development.

Hard at work … without practice

Any work involves a number of basic knowledge, skills. And our task is to master them to the level of a true professional in their field. So, an art critic is a person who is obliged to memorize a large amount of information (names, titles, terms, dates); write articles, manuals, essays, reviews on specific topics; determine from the passage of the work to whom and to what period it belongs. Therefore, the work of an expert in the field of art is impossible without practice. His tasks include compulsory visits to galleries, exhibitions, expositions, as well as direct participation in their preparation and organization in order to gain invaluable experience.

It is also important to combine your theoretical knowledge with practical application. If you are going to write a review or scientific work about some great creation, you need to try to see it with your own eyes. For those who are going to become an expert specializing in a certain field (rare things, a certain era, style, direction), this approach to work is especially relevant. It will allow you to most accurately show all your professionalism.

Famous art critics

An art critic is not a profession, this is a high rank! Which a man wears proudly, and deserves thanks to a subtle perception of the world, academic knowledge and an inexhaustible love of art. There are few such true experts in their field, but among them are our compatriots. For example, Anatoly Vasilievich Lunacharsky - a public figure, art critic, literary critic, playwright, translator. Sergei Pavlovich Diaghilev (1872–1929) - theater figure, art critic, propagandist of Russian art abroad.

They dedicated their lives to a cause that not only fascinated them, but inspired them to recognize, create and create. Keeping up with the times, but clearly understand how important it is to value and preserve the cultural heritage of the past.