History as a Field and Method
As a field, history is the source of which we use in order to investigate events from the past. History allows the studier of any period to ‘see’ time in a bird eye view through thorough examination: we are able to resource patterns, new knowledge and influences in history texts and mediums that may not have been noticed at the time. Inevitably we also apply individual knowledge and context to those historic mediums to observe a subject in depth and in connection to the present time. Through the study of history, we are able to uncover practitioners in the past which may not have held high influence (because of controversial ideas or practice) that we can now recognize and be influenced by. We explore the effects of political or scientific progress on other details of life, as well as the conducts that may have given rise to other new conducts (and who was behind such actions).
As such we can interpret art and photography in its historical context e.g. how it presented ideas or events of political or scientific result. In methodic means the photographer illustrates, with materials and text, their social placement and the influences of their time in their specific environment and culture. We then study these concepts in relation to popular historical context of the time; we try to observe the photographic or artistic concept with the thoughts and influences active at the time. History method, through re-examination of art and photographer brings new light to the individuals work and use of the medium. We learn and understand their intentions for using certain materials or compositions. We compare our knowledge of the chronological historical influences and the aesthetic of the body of work and bring depth into their concept for our understanding.