History of Art

    Pearson Edexcel
    A-Level

    Specification: 9HT0

    The PEARSON-EDEXCEL A-Level History of Art specification covers 11 topics with 148 learning objectives (9HT0). Use the topic browser below to explore subtopics, exam tips, common mistakes, and key terminology for each area of the course.

    Starting Pearson Edexcel A-Level History of Art this term? The whole specification is below, unit by unit.

    This subject will help you develop key knowledge and skills required for exam success.

    11

    Topics

    148

    Objectives

    0

    Exam Tips

    0

    Pitfalls

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    Key Features

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    • Develop exam technique
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    About Pearson Edexcel A-Level History of Art

    The Pearson Edexcel A-Level in History of Art offers students a rigorous and engaging exploration of visual culture from antiquity to the present day. The course is structured around thematic studies that encourage critical analysis of artworks within their historical, social, and political contexts, fostering a deep understanding of how art shapes and reflects human experience.

    Students will develop skills in visual analysis, research, and argumentation, examining a diverse range of media including painting, sculpture, architecture, and photography. The specification is designed to build knowledge progressively, with a focus on key concepts such as patronage, gender, and identity, preparing learners for further study or careers in the creative industries.

    Assessment Structure

    The Pearson Edexcel A-Level in History of Art is assessed through three written examinations and one coursework component. Paper 1 (30% of the qualification) covers visual analysis and themes in art history. Paper 2 (30%) focuses on periods and movements. Paper 3 (20%) is a thematic study. The coursework component (20%) is a personal investigation comprising a 3000-word essay and a practical piece. All exams are externally assessed, and the coursework is internally assessed and externally moderated. Total marks vary by paper, but the qualification is graded A* to E.

    Why Choose Pearson Edexcel?

    • Pearson Edexcel offers a clear and coherent structure that balances breadth and depth, allowing students to study both canonical and lesser-known works from a global perspective.
    • The specification includes a strong focus on visual literacy and critical thinking, with assessments that reward independent research and personal engagement with art.
    • Edexcel provides a wide range of support materials, including exemplar answers, examiner reports, and online resources, which are invaluable for both students and teachers.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Specification Topics

    11 topics

    C: Periods - C2 Power and persuasion: the Baroque in Catholic Europe (1597‒1685)

    Concepts relevant to the period: genres and subjects; tenebrism; Papacy; Counter Reformation; the Tridentine doctrine and the involvement of the spectator; reliquaries; ‘Bel composto’., How the works were influenced by other locations and movements or periods, e.g. classical antiquity, the Renaissance, Mannerism., Religious architecture by an Italian architect and by an architect from another Catholic European country. +15 more

    18 objectives18 subtopics

    C: Periods - C4 Brave new world: Modernism in Europe (1900‒39)

    Concepts relevant to the period: subjects and genres; changing styles, modernity, Primitivism, ready-made, rejection of Academic traditions., The female figure (painting or sculpture) by a French artist and by an artist of a different European nationality., How the works were influenced by technological factors, e.g. the impact of new developments in industry, photography and cinema, science and transportation. +15 more

    18 objectives18 subtopics

    B: Themes - B2 Identities in art and architecture

    Portraits in 3D works (pre- and post-1850)., Ethnic identity in 2D or 3D works (pre- and post-1850)., Identity in architectural works (pre- and post-1850). +6 more

    9 objectives9 subtopics

    A: Visual analysis - 1 Painting

    colour, Key terminology and concepts., line +8 more

    11 objectives11 subtopics

    C: Periods - C5 Pop life: British and American contemporary art and architecture (1960‒2015)

    Non-objective (or abstract) work (in any medium) by British and American artists., How the works were influenced by political factors, e.g. international events, conflicts and relationships; the rivalry between capitalism and communism., Commercial or public architecture by British and American architects. +14 more

    17 objectives17 subtopics

    C: Periods - C1 Invention and illusion: the Renaissance in Italy (1420‒1520)

    In the architectural works: use of techniques and processes inspired by antiquity or other locations., How the works were influenced by political factors, e.g. the impact of events; relationships between states; European figures (e.g. Savonarola, the Popes)., The extent to which each chosen specified artist typifies the period and the region from which they come or in which they work. +15 more

    18 objectives18 subtopics

    B: Themes - B1 Nature in art and architecture

    Significance of original location and display choices in the 2D and 3D works., Impact of subsequent environments and settings of the 2D/3D and architectural works on audiences., How the works were shaped by social, political and technological contexts. +18 more

    21 objectives21 subtopics

    C: Periods - C3 Rebellion and revival: the British and French Avant-Garde (1848‒99)

    The female figure (painting or sculpture) by British and French artists., Mythological/literary works (painting or sculpture) by British and French artists., How the works were influenced by political factors, e.g. the impact of the 1848 protests; the reign of Queen Victoria; the Second Empire, expansion and colonisation. +15 more

    18 objectives18 subtopics

    A: Visual analysis - 2 Sculpture

    volume, mass and form, three-dimensional space, How artists use subject matter to achieve specific intentions: the human and other figures; non-objective (including abstract) work. +1 more

    4 objectives4 subtopics

    B: Themes - B3 War in art and architecture

    Participants in 2D or 3D works (pre- and post-1850)., Memorials in 2D or 3D works (pre- and post-1850)., Places affected by war in 2D or 3D works (pre- and post-1850). +6 more

    9 objectives9 subtopics

    A: Visual analysis - 3 Architecture

    How architects use functions to achieve specific intentions: religious, secular, domestic, public, private, civic, corporate., architectural elements, volume and mass +2 more

    5 objectives5 subtopics

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