AP Art History

Advanced Placement Art History exploring global artistic traditions and cultural contexts.

Foundations of Art HistoryGlobal Artistic TraditionsInterpreting Art in Context
Analyzing Artistic MovementsArt and IdentityConservation and Ethics in Art
Curating an Art ExhibitionArt Critique and Visual AnalysisConnecting Art to Modern Issues
Visual Analysis Skills for the AP ExamApproaching Free Response Questions
Foundations of Art H...Global Artistic Trad...Interpreting Art in ...Analyzing Artistic M...Art and IdentityConservation and Eth...Curating an Art Exhi...Art Critique and Vis...Connecting Art to Mo...Visual Analysis Skil...Approaching Free Res...
Study Strategies

Visual Analysis Skills for the AP Exam

Mastering Visual Analysis

The AP Art History exam expects you to describe and analyze artworks clearly and confidently. Practice by looking at unfamiliar images and following these steps:

  • Identify: Name the period, style, or artist if possible.
  • Describe: Mention key visual features (color, line, materials).

Connect: Relate details to historical context or themes.

With regular practice, visual analysis will feel like second nature!

Examples

  • Breaking down a new artwork’s composition during a timed practice.

  • Linking visual details to a specific artistic movement.

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Approaching Free Response Questions