Considers the religious, political, and social environments in which the artwork was made and viewed

A Jackson Pollock Painting Beside Two Marc Bohan Dresses at the Christian Dior Exhibit at the DMA

When we think of art as a product of its social environment, we likely simply think of it as being a product of the artist’s artistic influences. Artists look to other artists, either emulating them or reacting against them, to create their own works. Yet, this is not the only social environment which affects the contents of works of art.