Visualizing Culture: The Importance of Art History

Carole Paul, professor of Art History and Art Historian, has always been interested in art. She grew up spending time in the stellar museums of Philadelphia where she used art as a way to visualize history. Carole demonstrated how art helps us analyze and interpret both ancient and modern images to reconstruct and reflect cultural contexts. For example, the prevalence of mathematics and proportional relationships in ancient Greek art parallels the rise and importance of science and math in Greek culture. Carole also pointed out the many varied career paths for art lovers, including art historian, art critic and museum curator. Students left with a sense of the importance of fine art and a helpful hint from Carole: Visit the sculpture garden at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art!