Evidence for Art Historical Interpretation Referred to by Young People and Adults

Abstract

This study describes the range of types of evidence referred to by a variety of individuals of different ages and art education backgrounds as they made attempts at art historical interpretation. Over 800 participants ranging from six year olds through adults were asked to art historically interpret reproductions of artworks from various eras and cultures. Participants referred to four general types of evidence: artist, viewer, culture, and perception. The findings of this study may provide a basis for generating hypotheses for a grounded theory of the development of art historical understanding.