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Careers in Art History

Author: Sophia

what's covered
How can art history land you a job? Art history is a discipline that has many direct and indirect applications to a wide variety of careers. In this lesson, you will learn about employment opportunities that will allow you to use your knowledge about art history, such as:

Table of Contents

1. Museum Curator

Someone who decides to continue his or her art history education at the master’s or PhD level could apply his or her finely developed skill set as a museum curator. Museum curators are responsible for much more than wearing sleek, modern clothing and interesting eyeglass frames. This job covers a wide range of duties that might include: acquiring artwork, planning and managing art exhibits, managing the transportation of exhibits and works of art, and, in some cases, physical care of the artwork.

Water Lilies by Claude Monet at The Museum of Modern Art
Water Lilies by Claude Monet at The Museum of Modern Art

A curator can also be responsible for research and publishing at larger, higher-profile galleries or museums, such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York. At these larger galleries or museums, curators are usually focused on one particular area, such as ancient Egyptian art, as a subject-matter expert.

terms to know
Curator
A person who creates exhibitions for museums by grouping together works of art according to a common theme


2. Art Appraiser

Another interesting career opportunity is as an art appraiser. An art appraiser has several main responsibilities. First, they authenticate artwork, or validate that a piece of art is indeed made by a particular artist. Art appraisers also evaluate works of art to determine a price for that particular piece.

Adele Bloch-Bauer I by Gustav Klimt
Adele Bloch-Bauer I by Gustav Klimt

did you know
Before it went on tour in 1962, the Mona Lisa was appraised at around $750 million (a number adjusted by inflation). Its true value is priceless and irreplaceable, of course.

The demand for a particular piece of art is determined by key factors, such as the reputation of the artist and the number of works he or she has produced. This information is useful for auction houses in determining a reserve price, or the minimum price to be accepted at an auction. Art appraisers can also find employment in museums, as independent contractors, and for insurance companies that protect the investments of owners of works of art.

term to know
Art Appraiser
Someone who determines the value of works of art based on their materials, beauty, and authenticity


3. Other Applicable Careers

A career in art history is not limited to just art or art-related fields. Art history education encourages critical-thinking skills and the ability to analyze data, especially visual data. Creative problem-solving skills are also developed throughout an education in art history. These are all skills that are in high demand.

Wisconsin Historical Society building
Wisconsin Historical Society building

EXAMPLE

Other jobs within art history include an arts librarian or a graphic designer, but an education in art history is transferable. Some find careers in teaching, contract management, and business administration.

terms to know
Arts Librarian
Someone who helps acquire and classify journal articles, digital sources, and books on art
Graphic Designer
Someone who is skilled in the art of combining text and pictures in advertisements, magazines, or books

summary
Some of the many career paths that have direct application to art history include museum curator or art appraiser. However, there are plenty of other applicable careers outside of the discipline where you will utilize the skill set you gained with an art history education. Attributes you need in the field of art history, such as data analysis, creative problem solving, and critical thinking, will be helpful in any career path you pursue, both inside and outside of art history.

Source: THIS TUTORIAL WAS AUTHORED BY IAN MCCONNELL FOR SOPHIA LEARNING. Please see our Terms of Use.

Terms to Know
Art Appraiser

Someone who determines the value of works of art based on their materials, beauty, and authenticity.

Arts Librarian

Someone who helps acquire and classify books on art, journal articles, and digital sources.

Curator

A person who creates exhibitions for museums, by grouping together works of art according to a common theme.

Graphic Designer

Someone who is skilled in the art of combining text and pictures in advertisements, magazines, or books.