Art History through Architecture

Welcome to Art History Through Architecture!

Hi everyone! I’m so excited to explore this course with you.

You might be wondering—why are we studying art history through buildings instead of paintings and sculptures like a typical art history class? The answer is pretty simple: architecture is art you can walk through, live in, and experience every day. It’s all around us, shaping how we feel, think, and connect with the past.

I have loved our Charlotte Mason education of studying an artist’s biography and 6-8 of their prints, but this year instead of observing European oil paintings, we’ll dive into history by looking at the pyramids, cathedrals, temples, theaters, skyscrapers—even neighborhoods. Buildings tell us so much about the people who made them: their beliefs, technologies, social structures, and artistic styles.

I chose this focus because it combines art, history, and culture in a way that’s physical and relatable. You’ve probably walked past a Gothic church, an Art Deco post office, or a sleek glass building and wondered what made it look that way. This course will help you see the world differently—whether you’re traveling abroad or just walking through your nearest downtown city.

We will divide this guide into 6 sections focusing on:

• Ancient Architecture: Egypt, Greece, Rome
• Medieval Architecture
• The Renaissance Era
• The Baroque Era
• 18th and 19th Century Innovations
• Modernism and Contemporary Architecture

We’ll sketch, discuss, explore local landmarks, and even dream up our own structures inspired by the past. My goal is to help you not just recognize architectural styles, but also understand why they mattered—and why they still do.

Let’s build something great together (pun fully intended)!