About Smarthistory
Smarthistory: Your Ultimate Guide to Art and Culture
Smarthistory is a leading online platform that offers world-class resources on art and cultural objects for learners from around the globe. The platform was founded in 2005 by Dr. Beth Harris and Dr. Steven Zucker, who are both art historians with extensive experience in teaching and research.
The mission of Smarthistory is to make high-quality educational content accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or location. The platform features a vast collection of videos, essays, images, and interactive tools that cover a wide range of topics related to art history, archaeology, architecture, and more.
One of the unique features of Smarthistory is its focus on storytelling as a means of engaging learners with complex ideas and concepts. Rather than presenting dry facts or technical jargon, the platform uses narratives that connect artworks with their historical context and cultural significance.
For example, if you're interested in learning about ancient Egyptian art, you can explore Smarthistory's collection of videos that take you on a virtual tour through the temples at Karnak or the tombs at Saqqara. You'll learn about the symbolism behind hieroglyphics or how pharaohs used art as propaganda to legitimize their rule.
Similarly, if you're curious about contemporary art movements like Pop Art or Minimalism, Smarthistory has plenty of resources that explain these styles in an accessible way. You can watch interviews with artists like Andy Warhol or Sol LeWitt or read essays that analyze works by Roy Lichtenstein or Donald Judd.
In addition to its rich content library, Smarthistory also offers several tools for educators who want to incorporate digital resources into their teaching practice. For example:
- SmartHistory Studio: This feature allows teachers to create custom video playlists using clips from Smarthistory's collection.
- SmartHistory Classroom: This tool provides lesson plans aligned with Common Core standards and other curricular frameworks.
- SmartHistory Webinars: These live events feature guest speakers who discuss topics related to art history and education.
Overall, Smarthistory is an invaluable resource for anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of art and culture. Whether you're a student, teacher, or lifelong learner, you'll find plenty of inspiration and insight on this platform. So why not start exploring today?