How to Study for the Identification Portion of an Art History Exam

Art history exams often include a section where students are asked to identify artworks shown in class or in the textbook. Students often find it difficult to prepare for this portion of the exam because memorization is involved. Studying with index "flash cards" you make yourself should help you pass the test.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Index cards

1. Gather information about all the items that will appear on the exam. Many professors provide a list of what to study for the exam.

2. Draw a picture of the image on the front of each index card. If you can not draw, photocopy the images.

3. List pertinent details about the item on the back. Many professors expect you to know the object's name, artist, date, material, and relevant information such as techniques used to create the object.

4. Remove 10 cards and study them. Look at the image on the front and see if you can recall all the information that appears on the back of the card. If you can not remember all the information, continue to hold the card. If you can remember all the relevant information, remove the card and take a new one from what remains of the pack.

5. Repeat Step 4 until you have memorized the details about each card.

Tips & Warnings

• If you can not remember the date of an object, try to remember its time period instead.

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