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7 Best Free Art History Courses Online in 2023

For this review, we compiled a list of the 7 best free art history courses online.

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Best Free Art History Courses Online

The 7 Best Free Art History Courses Online

Art history is a fascinating part of the liberal arts education, but how do you learn about it? Some people read books. Others take online art history courses from universities like Harvard or free eLearning websites like Wondrium.

Whether you are studying art history in college, or just looking to explore new ideas, there are many free online courses to take. Here are the top 7 free online art history courses, according to our expert research team.

1. How to Look at and Understand Great Art (Wondrium)

If you are just beginning your journey into the field of art history, then you should check out the free online courses from Wondrium. The site offers many art history courses that will help you “see” art in a whole new way. This free online art history course from Wondrium includes several classes on great works of art. You will reach new levels of appreciation by looking at the artwork in different ways. And you will learn what makes some pieces unforgettable, how to tell if something is fake, and so much more.

Benefits of This Course

– Learn how to see art in a new way.

– Gain insights into the techniques of famous artists.

– Be able to appreciate artwork on a deeper level.

2. The Cathedral (Wondrium)

In addition to having the best online course for beginners, Wondrium offers several free courses for art history lovers. In this course from Wondrium, you will learn how to experience art history for what it really is. Most of us have always wanted to travel the world and see all sorts of interesting places. Unfortunately, we do not get to travel as much as we would like to. This online course makes it possible for art history lovers to experience the world’s greatest cathedrals without leaving home.

In this free art history course from Wondrium, you will explore Notre Dame, Chartres Cathedral, Amiens Cathedral, and Canterbury Cathedral. And your love for art history will grow even more when you take incredible tours of over 20 cathedrals from around the globe. You can learn about these historic buildings while exploring them yourself. Each cathedral tour comes with its own unique features and stunning videos and pictures.

Benefits of This Course

– Get to know cathedrals without the hassle of traveling.

– Learn about architecture, art, and history in this online course from Wondrium.

– Explore the world’s most beautiful buildings from home. 

– Experience the awe that these structures inspire through immersive 3-D tours.

3. Great Artists of the Italian Renaissance (Wondrium)

Many students consider art history to be easy because they only need to memorize the names of famous artists and their works. But Wondrium’s online courses for art historians prove that there is more than just that. In this course, you will learn about Renaissance art in much more detail than what your textbook or art history professor could ever tell you. The paintings are so vivid and detailed that it feels like you are standing right in front of them. You will learn exactly why these masterpieces have stood the test of time as some of the greatest pieces ever created.

Benefits of This Course

– Learn about the Renaissance and its artists.

– Gain a sense of accomplishment from studying these great works of art. 

– See how beautiful the world can be when you take time to appreciate it. 

– Expand your knowledge on some of the greatest painters in history.

4. The World’s Greatest Churches (Wondrium)

Architects who want to explore the world’s greatest Christian churches should consider this art history course. This course from Wondrium is a fantastic experience for both Christians and non-Christians alike. Wondrium has done all the hard work of finding great churches for this art history course. In this course, you will explore the world’s most amazing churches, basilicas, and cathedrals.

For example, you will learn about St. Peter’s Basilica, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. This course has high-quality video footage from inside these beautiful buildings. And you will get access to hours of video content along with detailed written descriptions, giving you everything you need to know.

Benefits of This Course

– Gain a better understanding of the history and significance of churches.

– Learn about the architectural styles, interior design, and artworks that make these buildings so remarkable. 

– Explore some of the most famous cathedrals in Europe in this online art history course from Wondium.

– Discover what makes these buildings so unique and beautiful.

5. Museum Masterpieces: The Louvre (Wondrium)

This free online art history course from Wondrium is great because it lets you tour the Louvre from the comfort of your home. We all know that it is a pain to visit places like the Louvre that are popular tourist destinations. And once you are in the Louvre, it is hard to know what paintings are worth your time. There are so many different styles and periods that it can be overwhelming.

Take this online art history course from Wondrium instead! One of the best art historians designed this virtual tour through the Louvre for students who want an overview of European paintings from 1400-1800. You will learn about each period as if you were at the museum yourself. For example, you will learn how Renaissance masters used perspective and anatomy to create realistic illusions on canvas. And how Baroque artists expressed emotion with dramatic lighting effects and exaggerated poses.

Benefits of This Course

– Gain a deeper understanding of the Louvre’s history.

– Understand the artworks in context with their historical and cultural background.

– Learn how to appreciate art more deeply with this online art history course.

– Become an expert on one of the world’s greatest museums.

6. The Great Museum (Wondrium)

This free online course from Wondrium explores the Kunsthistorisches Museum, one of the most important art institutions in the world. The museum has a collection that spans from antiquity to modernity, with works by artists such as Rembrandt, Rubens, and Picasso. And this course is one of the best ways to learn about the museum, as it offers unprecedented access to the institution. You will explore some of the museum’s greatest treasures through interviews with curators who work there. In addition, you will get an inside look into how the curators care for these priceless pieces of history, while still making them accessible to visitors.

Benefits of This Course

– Get an inside look at one of the world’s most prestigious museums. 

– Gain access to a variety of artworks that span centuries and genres. 

– Fall in love with art all over again with this online art history course from Wondrium.

7. 30 Masterpieces of the Ancient World (Wondrium)

If you are looking to learn about ancient art history, then you should consider taking this free online course from Wondrium. The world’s great art is too often hidden away in history museums or stuck on classroom walls. This course, however, shines new light on art. The course brings art to life for you with stunning visuals and engaging lectures that take you around the world to see the greatest works of art.

In this online art history course from Wondrium, Professor Stokstad takes you on a journey around the world highlighting 36 pieces from ancient cultures like China, Egypt, Greece, and Rome. You will learn about what inspired these masterpieces and also about interesting archaeological finds. By exploring each piece of art through its cultural origins, you will learn about artistic techniques and the historical events that shaped human history.

Benefits of This Course

– Gain a deeper understanding of art history in this online course.

– Learn about the culture and context behind works of art.

– Explore how ancient cultures have influenced our modern society.

Our Final Thoughts

We think the Objects That Define America course from the Smithsonian Institution is the best free art history course available online. There is simply nothing like the Smithsonian Institution’s art collection, and the videos are very engaging. But there are several other top-rated free online art history courses to try. 

Whether you are an artist looking for inspiration, or just someone who wants to know more about art history, there is something on offer that will suit your needs.

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