Why should we care about history?
Here's a very compelling answer.
Marcus Tullius Cicero—Cicero—lived from 106 to 43 b.c. The speaker, the philosopher, and the Roman politician, Cicero said "Historia magistra vitae est," which nearly word-for-word means "History is the teacher of life."
Allegory of History, Nikolaos Gyzis, c. 1892
What does his saying have to do with us?
These are words that I consider to be a motto that has well stood the test of time. Having even just basic knowledge of history helps us (sometimes subconsciously) to distance ourselves from our situation and see how things really are. Through the prism of events that have taken place in the past, we can find that distance.
This is how "history" gives us an objective evaluation of the present.
Through many figures, history teaches us to respect all human beings and their accomplishments. Of course, they can judged either positively or negatively by later generations. However, if we have this knowledge, we can make better predictions about how the future will unfold.
History and a good history book give us the opportunity to journey into the past, and they tell us what is worth seeing and where to go for our next vacation.
It is also worth emphasizing that history is always and everywhere. All that is behind us is already history, and all that surrounds us already has its history. We can each add something positive to our history, and I encourage you to do so.
Before I discuss art with you, I would like you to take a quiz on history. It’s called the SameQuizy, and after I took the quiz, I had no doubts about the title of this Classical Art and History blog.
The link to the SameQuizy is below. "When should you really come into the world?"
http://samequizy.pl/kiedy-tak-naprawde-powinienes-przyjsc-na-swiat/
Queen Victoria of England, Alexander Melville, c. 1846
Liberty Leading the People, Eugène Delacroix, c. 1830, Louvre, Paris
Why art?
I will also try to answer very briefly.
In Latin, it was said that "Ars auro prior." "Art is more valuable than gold."
Allegory of Art, Jordaens Jacob, c. 1593-1678, National Museum in Warsaw
Art is not as easy to define as history. In any discussion about art today, we speak to a large extent about the cultural heritage of civilization, which has been shown primarily by works of literature, painting, sculpture, and music.
Every day, we associate art with museums, paintings, sculptures, cinema, poetry, theater, fashion, fine arts, etc. But it is inextricably linked with aesthetics and beauty and the process of creation. Creators are those who have talent and those who create art for a long time, expanding their art workshops.
When we see art, we are receptive to all our senses: sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste.
And art does not disappoint us, and it enriches our world. It is our image for us. It helps us to interpret it and to attribute characteristics to particular historical epochs. Hence, its inseparable connection with history. Art helps us to learn about specific historical events and thus deepen our knowledge of history.
Art as well as history does not stand in place: it is constantly developing and expanding its functions in terms of aesthetics, didactics, and therapeutics.
Now, I encourage you to take the quiz.
Title Quiz "Which painting of a famous artist are you?" Click the link below for the quiz.
http://samequizy.pl/ktorym-obrazem-slawnego-antysty-jestes/
Back? The result for me was a surprise. How was it for you?
Portrait of a Lady with an Ermine, Leonardo da Vinci, c. 1488-1490, National Museum in Cracow https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dama_z_gronostajem
In our next meeting, I will introduce you to a concept that is very closely connected with these areas and decides what we like and what we do not: BEAUTY.
