The Vienna School of Art History

The Vienna School of Art History is a major intellectual movement from early 20th-century Austria, centered around the University of Vienna. It emphasized rigorous, scientific study of art by focusing on historical context, artist intentions, and visual analysis rather than just aesthetic qualities. Scholars like Aby Warburg and Rudolf Wittkower pioneered methods that combined detailed visual examination with cultural and historical insights, transforming how art is studied and understood. This approach helped establish art history as a serious academic discipline, emphasizing systematic research and interpretation grounded in both visual evidence and broader cultural significance.