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Overview
The Timeline of Art History is a chronological, geographical,
and thematic exploration of the history of art from around the world,
as illustrated by the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection.
The Museum's curatorial, conservation, and education staff—the largest team of art experts anywhere in the world—research
and write the Timeline, which is an invaluable reference and research
tool for students, educators, scholars, and anyone interested in the
study of art history and related subjects. First launched in 2000, the
Timeline now extends from prehistory to the present day. The Timeline will continue
to expand in scope and depth, and also reflect the most up–to–date scholarship.
Works of
Art
The works of art in the Metropolitan's collection celebrate human
creativity from around the world and from all eras. The Timeline of
Art History places the Museum's collection in a cohesive chronological,
geographical, and thematic context. Each image is accompanied by supporting
material and can be enlarged for closer scrutiny. The Timeline comprises nearly 6000 works and so does not include all of the works in the The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection.
Timelines
and Maps
The basic structure of the Timeline of Art History is
chronological and geographical. Each timeline includes representative
art from the Museum's collection, a chart of time periods, a map of the
region, an overview, and a list of key events. The timelines—accompanied
by world and regional maps—provide a linear outline
of art history, and allow visitors to compare and contrast art from around
the globe at any time in history.
Exploring
Particular Themes
Thematic Essays in the Timeline focus on specific themes in
art history. They cover subjects such as artistic movements and periods,
archaeological sites, empires and civilizations, recurrent themes and
concepts, media such as painting, sculpture, and ceramics, and artists. Thematic Essays often demonstrate the cross-fertilization of civilizations and
include additional maps and comparative images, and links to
relevant websites. Each essay has links to related themes and timelines.
Indexes and Searches
The Timeline is indexed according to Subject, Thematic Essays, Artist, and Accession Number offering a wide variety of research methods. A link to the Indexes, and a keyword search box, are provided on the top of each page of the Timeline. Each provides methods for more directed research on the Timeline.
Links
Links to external sites and other areas of the Metropolitan Museum's
website, such as the Works of Art,
Explore
& Learn, Hazen
Center (Online Resources),
Books
in the Met Store and selected Features and Special Exhibitions,
are available throughout the Timeline.
The
Timeline of Art History is generously funded by Robert and Harriet
Heilbrunn.
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