With its great deal of topic choice flexibility, the IB Art History syllabus can often feel overwhelming for students. However, in this post, we’ll break it all down and provide you with everything you need to gain a clear understanding of what to expect from the course.

Art History

The IB Art History course is designed around a core curriculum of six themes , which are explored through two selected art historical topics . The flexibility of the course allows schools to select topics based on factors such as the teacher’s expertise and the school’s location, while also encouraging students to explore different societal and cultural perspectives.

The course is offered at Standard Level (SL) and requires 150 teaching hours . Schools are required to select at least two topics from a choice of twelve , with the selected topics providing the foundation for students’ detailed knowledge of art history. One important thing to remember is that the twelve topics are paired as alternatives . This means students cannot choose both topics within the same pair.

Throughout the course, artworks and architecture are examined through six fundamental thematic lenses . These themes are not separate units. Instead, they are integrated throughout the two topics selected for study.

This theme focuses on the visual characteristics of artworks and architecture and how styles develop over time. You’ll examine features such as:

You’ll learn not only how to identify these features, but also how they can contribute to the meaning and interpretation of an artwork.

This theme explores the subject matter, genres, symbols, and imagery found in artworks. You’ll consider how particular symbols and subjects communicate ideas and how their meanings can be understood within their cultural contexts . Rather than simply describing what appears in an artwork, you’ll investigate what those visual elements might represent and why they were significant.

Artworks do not exist independently from the societies that produced them. This theme focuses on the political, social, and economic contexts in which artworks and architecture were created and used. You’ll explore how historical circumstances can influence both the function and meaning of an artwork or architectural work.

This theme examines the circumstances in which artists and architects created their work . You’ll consider:

This can help you understand that artistic decisions are sometimes influenced by the people or institutions commissioning and supporting the work .

This theme focuses on how artworks and architecture are physically produced . You’ll learn about the techniques, processes, and materials used by artists and architects and consider how these choices can influence the final appearance, function, and meaning of a work.

The final theme explores how cultural identity is represented in art and how identity influences interpretation. You may examine representations connected to:

You’ll also consider how the identities of artists, architects, and viewers can influence the way artworks are understood and interpreted.

Teachers must select at least two topics from the twelve available options . The topics are organized into six pairs , and students cannot select both topics from the same pair. The topics cover art history from the ancient world through global contemporary art, giving students the opportunity to study artworks and architecture across a wide range of historical periods and geographical regions.

Art of South Asia and South-East Asia (pre-1300)

This topic explores the relationship between religious beliefs and artistic production, particularly the development and spread of Hindu and Buddhist art and architecture. Possible areas include:

This topic examines the development of art and architecture across pre-1600 Mesoamerica and Peru. Possible areas include:

This topic explores artistic developments in China and Japan, including developments in painting, architecture, landscape traditions, and decorative arts. Possible areas include:

Art of the Islamic World (c.600–c.1600)

This topic explores the development of Islamic art and architecture across different regions and dynasties. Possible areas include:

The final topic examines the changing nature of art and architecture around the world from approximately 1960 onwards. Possible areas include:

Topics

This topic explores the development of Greek art and architecture from the ancient Aegean cultures through the Hellenistic period. Possible areas of study include:

Social and political life in Ancient Greece

Development of the orders of Greek architecture

The art and architecture of Ancient Greece

This topic examines Roman art and architecture, including the influence of Greek culture and the ways art was used to communicate political and social ideas. Possible areas include:

Social and political life of Ancient Rome

The Rise of Christianity and division of the Roman Empire

Early Christian sculpture and painting in the catacombs

Rome—Republic and Empire

This topic examines the development of Christian art and architecture before 1400, including major developments in Byzantine, Romanesque, Gothic, and Italian art. Possible areas include:

Political and social history of the Late Roman Empire

History of Constantinople—icons and iconoclasm—traditions in Byzantine art

Development of Islamic art and architecture

Spread of Christianity in Northern Europe

The Middle Ages

Social and political history of late Medieval Europe and the Middle East

Christian iconography and the importance of the Church in Medieval Europe

Romanesque architecture in Northern Europe and Italy

Development of Gothic architecture, painting, sculpture

Romanesque and Gothic art and architecture

This topic examines the Renaissance and its developments in Italy and Northern Europe, including changes in artistic status, patronage, techniques, and genres. Possible areas include:

Social and political history of Renaissance Europe

Trecento and quattrocento painting and sculpture in Italy

The Reformation—16th-century art in Northern Europe Mannerism

The art of the Renaissance

This topic focuses on Baroque art and architecture and the developments that characterized European art during this period. Possible areas include:

Social, religious and political history of 17th-century Europe

Baroque architecture and decorative schemes

Baroque painting in Italy, France and Spain

The Baroque Age - Art and architecture of 17th-century Europe

This topic explores major artistic developments from Rococo through Romanticism and Realism, including changes in the status of artists and developments in landscape painting. Possible areas include:

Social and political history of 18th- and 19th-century Europe and its impact on art

The role of Academies in shaping 18th-century painting and sculpture

Romanticism and the changing status of the artist

The “Age of Reason” to “Romanticism”

This topic covers major developments in modern art from the mid-19th century through the mid-20th century. Possible areas include:

The impact of social and political history of late 19th- and 20th-century Europe on the

Modern movements in art and architecture up to 1939 in Europe and America

Post-war art and architecture in Europe and America 1946-2000

Experiments in 19th- and 20th-century art

2 Rome—Republic and Empire | IB Art History Syllabus

Extended Essay

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Rome—Republic and Empire

Syllabus concepts to know